Latest news with #MichaelWagner
ABC News
21-05-2025
- ABC News
Repairs begin for headstones vandalised in Toowoomba Cemetery
Repairs have begun on nearly 150 headstones that were vandalised in Toowoomba nine months ago. Heavy stone monuments have been craned out in pieces from the Toowoomba Cemetery, while smashed marble plaques have been delicately plucked up and stored in boxes ready for repair. They are the first steps in a long recovery process involving tradespeople in Toowoomba and Brisbane, which could cost families about $300,000. Two boys have been dealt with under the Youth Justice Act over the matter from August last year. Community group Headstone Healing Project has been driving the collaborative restoration process. "When something like this comes along, you realise that all of the less-than-wonderful things that happen in the community can be quickly overcome by an act of kindness," spokesperson Greg Johnson said. "This issue belongs to all Toowoomba people and it's our responsibility to make sure this cemetery is back to where it was." In a cost of living crisis, the group had helped to offset the costs for people who could not afford to repair their loved one's memorials. Mr Johnson said about $12,000 had been raised so far. Stonemason Michael Wagner was one of the first people to discover the damaged graves when he came to visit his father's memorial. Operating a business across the road from the cemetery, he offered to volunteer his time to remove many of the damaged headstones. "We like everybody else have relatives and friends in the cemetery that we don't expect to be vandalised," he said. "For days after we had calls from clients trying to find out whether there was any damage to their memorials. Mr Wagner said there was no rhyme or reason for the vandalism. "It was just a few young people … they made some senseless mistakes," he said. "For people who are thinking about doing something silly, don't do it in a cemetery." The damaged memorials will be sent to TAFE Queensland's stonemason students for repair. TAFE Queensland's Stephen Gates said the college was honoured to be involved in the project. "Any chance we get to combine hands-on training with helping Queensland communities is one we will gladly take," Mr Gates said. He said it would give the apprentice stonemasons valuable experience and restore "the dignity of the owners of these tombstones". Mr Wagner hoped many of the original stone structures could be repaired and preserved. "In some cases, if inscription tablets or headstones are beyond repair, we'll look at replacing the tablet or doing a marker stone," he said. Many of the sites will also be reinforced to make sure they are more resistant to damage. "Back in the 1800s, in an area like Toowoomba, there wasn't the belief that people would knock over headstones," he said. "Now we have Australian standards set up for the upkeep, installation, and the construction of monuments. "It's never going to prevent [them] being knocked over, but it helps in a safety situation."
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Proud to Serve: Marine veteran and First Responder receives $500 for years of service
ST. LOUIS – Each month on FOX 2, we salute local first responders, military, or veterans with our Proud to Serve award. This month, we shine the spotlight on Michael Wagner who serves his community of Chesterfield, MO as a first responder at the Monarch Fire Department. Michael is a retired Marine veteran who is not only a paramedic & firefighter, but he also trains the Chesterfield police department in hemorrhage control and active shooter protocols. Michael was nominated by his sister who tells us After graduating from high school Michael joined the Marines, was deployed many times over his career and proudly served as a combat engineer before he retired as a MSgt. After his distinguished 27-year Marine Corps career he put himself through college, the Fire Academy and the Paramedic's Academy. In 2017 he started as a first responder for Monarch Fire Department. Following a near-fatal 30-foot fall in 2020, Michael's recovery was fueled by his daughter and professional passions, revealing a larger life purpose. His expertise and perspective are invaluable, having trained the Chesterfield Police Department in hemorrhage control, assisted in training defensive tactics for first responders, and active shooter/intruder protocols for schools. Michael loves giving back, partnering with Wings of Hope to honor Folds of Honor and coordinating annual Toys for Tots programs. He actively engages in community events and fire safety initiatives such as the City of Chesterfield's Senior Sampler, Back to School events, Backstoppalooza, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Camps, and Heat up St Louis. Michael embodies the spirit of the Proud to Serve award because he is just an average man with dreams to make the world a better place, and is proof that you can do anything when you put your mind and heart to it! His extraordinary journey showcases the potential for growth, perseverance, and transformative community impact. Michael Wagner receives $500 from Brown & Brown Law Firm and FOX 2's Proud to Serve Award. If you would like to nominate a 1st responder, military or veteran, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
