29-07-2025
Unwavering support for slain Lorain Officer Phillip Wagner
LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) – Funeral arrangements for slain Lorain police officer Phillip Wagner are being finalized. The fallen officer is expected to be laid to rest on Wednesday, following a service at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland.
While exact details are still being confirmed, one thing remains certain: the community's support is unwavering.
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'It's a place of great grief and empathy right here,' said Julie DiFilippo, a Lorain resident. 'This is a beautiful tribute to our fallen officer.'
A steady stream of people continues to visit the growing memorial outside Lorain Police Headquarters, paying tribute to Wagner, who was one of three Lorain officers shot in the line of duty on July 23. Police say a 28-year-old gunman ambushed two officers during their lunch break as they sat in their cruisers.
Wagner, 35, was shot multiple times. Despite lifesaving efforts at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, he did not survive.
DiFilippo and fellow resident Karen Swab were among the many stopping to reflect at the memorial in the days leading up to the funeral.
'Give yourself time,' DiFilippo said. 'This is a grief that will take a long time to get over. If we could just wrap our arms around them and take it away, that would be wonderful. But we're grieving with them.'
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To honor Wagner and officers Brent Payne and Peter Gale, U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio visited the department Monday to present an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.
In addition, a new bill has been introduced to designate a portion of State Route 6 as the Officer Phillip Wagner Memorial Highway.
'Renaming this portion of SR 6 is an initial step in honoring Officer Phillip Wagner's sacrifice in the line of duty,' said State Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, in a statement. 'It's also a step toward healing for his fellow officers, the greater Lorain community and, most importantly, his loved ones.'
Visitors at the memorial say they are still in shock.
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'He was a hero, that's all I've got to say,' Swab said. 'You have to remember that — he was a hero.'
'He's watching over us down here,' said Lorain resident and Vietnam veteran Felipe Madera. 'He's watching for his brother, and he's watching for his military brothers. So rest in peace.'
The North Ridgeville Police Department issued a traffic advisory for Wednesday's procession. The funeral escort will leave Liston Funeral Home at 7:30 a.m. and travel to downtown Cleveland. Drivers are asked to be patient. Last Friday's procession included nearly 200 law enforcement vehicles, and organizers expect the same or more this week.
A GoFundMe for Wagner's family has raised more than $142,000. An additional $20,000 has been raised for the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio.
'The FOP of Ohio will continue to provide support for the family and co-workers of Officer Wagner and ask that the public do the same,' said FOP of Ohio President Jay McDonald. 'They will need continuing support because of the immense tragedy they are now forced to confront due to the actions of an assassin.
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'We continue to raise money through the Officer Assistance Fund at the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, and we ask that everyone who is able make a contribution. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the Lorain community and from across Ohio.'
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