LORAIN — In a moving show of solidarity, hundreds stood in the rain outside Lorain City Hall Friday night to remember Officer Phillip C. Wagner, who was killed in the line of duty during an ambush earlier this week. As the ceremony began, an unforecasted rain began falling — but the crowd stayed rooted.
Lorain Councilwoman Mary Springowski, soaked by the sudden downpour, told the crowd, “Stay in place. The officers who serve don’t get to walk away from the storm.” And they didn’t. Heads bowed, candles lit, the vigil unfolded in quiet resolve.
The ceremony was coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3, the Lorain Police Department, and city leaders. Lieutenant Kyle Gelenius of the Lorain Police Department opened the vigil and guided the evening’s ceremony with reverence and composure. Public Safety Director Ray Carrion followed with a call for unity and support for police. Father Daniel Divis of St. Mary’s Church led the opening prayer, asking God to grant Officer Wagner eternal peace.
Lorain Police Acting Chief Michael Failing described the anguish of the day. “Today was a very hard day. I sat with Jess Wagner when she had to make the decision to pull the plug on her husband.” He praised the courage of officers who rushed into danger, saying, “If that’s not courage, I don’t know what is.”
Two local faith leaders spoke during the vigil. Father Daniel Divis of St. Mary’s Church led the crowd in prayer. Pastor Troy Thompson, Senior Pastor at Church on the North Coast – Lorain Campus, followed with a message of healing and unity, drawing from scripture and invoking the imagery of flowing blood and water from Psalm 46.
Officer Brent Payne, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries, reportedly insisted on being wheeled into the hospital hallway to pay his respects as Wagner’s body passed through. His gesture underscored the bond shared among officers.
The evening concluded with details of ongoing charitable efforts. The “Rockin’ on the River” concert series will donate a portion of proceeds to the Lorain Police Officers’ Charitable Foundation. Community members are also encouraged to donate online or by mail.
As the rain persisted and candles flickered, one truth stood out. Officer Phillip Wagner’s sacrifice will not be forgotten and neither will the moment his community stood together, rain or shine.
Donations can be sent to:
Lorain Police Officers’ Charitable Foundation
c/o Lorain Police Department
100 W. Erie Avenue
Lorain, OH 44052
Online: unionly.io/o/fopohio/officer-assistance-fund
The rain was wreaking havoc on this recording. We got as much as we could but the rain cut out the camera several times. Here’s the majority of the event below.