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VACP Recommends Shrouding of Badges for Wintergreen Police Officer Chris Wagner
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges in honor of Wintergreen Police Officer Mark Christopher "Chris" Wagner II, 31, who died in the line of duty Friday, June 16, 2023.
Shrouding is recommended through the day of funeral services – Monday, June 26, 2023.
The VACP expresses our sincerest condolences to Chief Dennis Russell and the Wintergreen Police Department and the family and friends of Officer Wagner. Our prayers are with them at this most difficult time.
Memorial Arrangements
The funeral services for Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II are as follows:
Visitation:
Monday, June 26, 2023 • 10 AM – 12 NOON
Augusta Expo Center
277 Expo Road
Fishersville, VA 22939
(Media: See note)
Celebration of Life:
Monday, June 26, 2023 • 12 NOON
Augusta Expo Center
277 Expo Road
Fishersville, VA 22939
Pallbearers will be members of the Virginia State Police Honor Guard.
LAW ENFORCEMENT-SPECIFIC INFO/CONTACTS:
- Color Guard/Flag Detail Contact: VSP First Sergeant Larry Montgomery, 757.434.8610
- Honor Guard Detail Contact: VSP Lieutenant R. Shawn Pillow, 434.352.3401
- Motors Contact: VSP Sergeant Chuck Kain, 804.502.8340
- Pipes/Drum Contact: VSP First Sergeant Michael R. McCann, 804.704.4811
Burial:
Following Celebration of Life service.
Augusta Memorial Park
1775 Goose Creek Rd
Waynesboro, VA 22980
(Media: See note)
Obituary:
https://www.coffmanfuneralhome.net/obituary/mark-christopher-chris-wagner-ii
Condolences / Donations:
Condolensces may be sent to the Wintergreen Police Department at 85 Wintergreen Drive, Roseland, Virginia 22967.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family through the fundraiser link below.
Media Note:
At the Wagner family's request, the visitation and burial are NOT OPEN to media coverage.
The family will allow media to cover the funeral service. Please email Corinne Geller, VSP Public Relations Director (corinne.geller@vsp.virginia.gov), no later than Friday, June 23 if you plan to cover the service so she can provide directions to the Media Staging Area.
The Wagner family does not want to be approached by any media and we ask that you respect their privacy.
Fundraiser for Family of Officer Chris Wagner
https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/fallen-officer-mark-christopher-chris-wagner-ii-wintergreen-police-department-va-h3a90i
Message from Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell:
Chris, was thirty-one years old, a 2010 graduate of Spotswood High School, he was a resident of Stuarts Draft. Chris is survived by his immediate family and the men and women who were his Wintergreen Police family.
Chris started his career at Wintergreen in August of 2020. Previously he served seven years with the Massanutten Police Department starting out as a Gate Attendant and then becoming a Police Officer after graduating from the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy in May of 2019.
Chris asked for and worked the midnight shift. Whenever you saw Chris in the daylight, he wore dark dark sunglasses, and would crack a smile or two. Chris was dedicated to his job and whenever called for extra duty he was ready, willing and able. His love for the badge was evident and his commitment to the community was undeniable.
Chris was an avid outdoorsman, spending his off-time hiking and photographing nature. Chris is remembered for always going out of his way to cheer others up and his infectious laugh was loud and echoed throughout the office.
Chris was the Agency's TASER and BolaWrap instructor. His father, holding back tearful emotions, remarked that Chris was like Batman and was reminded of recently gifting him a batarang to go with all the tools Chris carried on his belt.
Chris Wagner, Wintergreen Police Officer ID #15, was and always will be a hero.
Written with a heavy heart by Dennis Russell, Chief of Police.
Press Release: VSP Investigating Fatal Shooting of Wintergreen Police Officer
At the request of Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Appomattox Field Office is investigating the circumstances of an incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of a Wintergreen Police Officer and the injury of three others Friday night (June 16).The incident began shortly after 10 p.m. Friday when an emergency call came in to the Wintergreen Police Department about an adult male resident having assaulted two other adult males at a residence on Arrowood Lane. After calling police, the two injured males fled the residence on foot. They are being treated at UVA Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.
At this stage of the investigation, it appears the first Wintergreen Police Officer to arrive at the residence located the adult male suspect in the nearby woods and a struggle ensued. During the course of the struggle, the officer was shot and died at the scene.
The male suspect was taken into custody without further incident by Wintergreen Police and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office. The male suspect was suffering from a non-life threatening injury and was transported to UVA Medical Center for treatment.
