A Montgomery County police sergeant, US Navy veteran, husband, and father of four died unexpectedly following a sudden medical emergency, his department announced on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Montgomery Township Police Sgt. Lee A. Wagner was 48 when he died on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The nature of the medical emergency was not disclosed.
“Throughout his career, Sergeant Wagner was known for unwavering dedication to the community, commitment to fellow officers, and professionalism in service to others,” the department said.
Wagner was raised in the Perkiomenville area and graduated from Perkiomen High School in 1996, according to a fundraiser established for his family.
He joined the US Navy in 1999 and served aboard the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier as an aviation electronics technician.
Following his military service, Wagner graduated from the Reading Police Academy in 2009. He joined the Montgomery Township Police Department on Jan. 29, 2010.
Wagner was promoted to corporal in 2017 and sergeant in 2018.
During his 16-year police career, Wagner received a Lifesaving Award and several letters of commendation. He also oversaw professional standards and coordinated the department’s Field Training Program, helping prepare and mentor other officers.
“He believed in putting others before himself, stepping up when others would not, and choosing to provide, protect, and love with his whole heart,” the department said.
Above all, Wagner was a devoted husband and father, according to those who knew him. He is survived by his wife and four children, whom the department described as the center of his life.
Two fundraising campaigns have been established to provide immediate and continuing assistance to the family.
The Fund the First campaign had raised $850 toward its $50,000 goal from nine donations as of Tuesday morning.
The Montgomery County Hero Fund also opened a campaign for Wagner’s family. The organization said donations made through the fund will go directly to the family.
“Sergeant Wagner will be remembered not only for the badge he proudly wore, but for the lives touched through a career dedicated to protecting and serving others,” the department said.
Funeral and memorial service information had not been announced as of Tuesday morning. The department asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as relatives, friends, and members of the law enforcement community grieve.