Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Johnny was a great friend to me and others around Gaston County. I met him while he was with the Sheriff's Department in the late 70's/early 80's. We used to go the Law Enforcement camp on the river and fish on Friday/Saturday nights after he would finish up a shift working security for McDonalds on East Franklin. Always a joke and a smile and he could take one as well. His standard comeback was, "That's Cold." Miss you brother. Always!

James Bell
A Friend

September 7, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 8, 2020

I was a good friend of Johnny knew him for over 15 years or so . He was a happy kind of guy always fast with a joke and a smile. We went shooting over at the old rock quarry on 321 ( yes it's now posted ) I recall him working at the Gaston county sheriff's department. Helped him and his wife Mona move in there house . He will come to mind quite often . He is missed !

Lonnie Beavers
Just a old friend

July 31, 2017

My Dad is Tommy Morgan who was a very dear friend of Johnny Wagner. I remember the night the accident happen because Johnny was suppose to come pick my Dad up to ride along that night. My Dad starting stressing and heard the call come across the scanner and went to the scene. He was so devasted at such a loss of a great friend. On nov 6 2009 My father passed away and I know this great officer was there to meet his friend. Johnny was a great guy and The dept is not and will not ever be same without him.

Anonymous

March 2, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 8, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 27, 2007

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004