Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Remembering. How many are now alive only because of his heart and outstanding work?

Bob Marlowe
I knew him as a MADD volunteer

June 21, 2024

It has been 19 years and today I am wearing his memorial T-shirt. Never forgotten. Linda, you are loved and appreciated.

Bob Marlowe
Former MADD Volunteer

August 7, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Wagers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 25, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

March 15, 2020

We just lost one of his Santa Ana graveyard crew, Steve Licon. Gary must have been there to greet him when Steve arrived in heaven. I’m comforted by the thought that they’re watching over us and keeping us safe. I’m praying for them both.
I love you and miss you, Gary. ❤️

Linda Wagers
Surviving spouse of
Sgt Gary R Wagers 9221
California Highway Patrol
EOW 3-15-01

April 7, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 15, 2018

Gary, I briefly chatted with your wife today on an old school CHP Facebook page. Nice woman. Your life was cut way too short, but it appears to me that you had a fulfilled one. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service. RIP

Sergeant John Dimitres
Mashpee, MA Police Department

February 8, 2017

Gary,

I continue to thank of you and our days working at headquarters. I always respected you as a kind and caring person. You were always their to help and you always put a smile on the faces of those around you.

Your friend,

John, 9017

John Alexander, Sergent (retired)
CHP Air Operations

May 15, 2016

I think of you often, buddy. Rest in peace.

Philip Kramer
CHP retired

October 9, 2015

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

It's almost Christmas, but there's no joy at this time of year for me. Without my husband, my hero, my soul mate, it's just a sad time to miss him even more. I think of Gary every day and I keep his wedding ring, his badge and even the keys to his patrol car with me as mementos of him. Everything that was his is now a sacred reminder of him.

You are in my heart always, my dear husband. I will always love you.

Linda Wagers
Surviving spouse

December 20, 2014

It's 13 years later and I still wear Gary's memorial t-shirt as I did this week at the County-wide Police Officer Memorial service in Orange County. As long as I am alive, the name of Gary Wagers will be spoken.

Bob Marlowe
I worked with Gary on drunk driving issues in O.C.

June 1, 2014

I took my students to tour the police academy training facility this week. When we entered the gun range I thought of you and all the times we went shooting together, as I was growing up. It is funny how I couldn't wait to go shooting but since you have been gone and I left the police force I have not toughed gun. Although I love teaching criminal justice, especially my policing class actually being an officer was just never the same after you left. Some things were just so much a part of what we shared together that they are just not fun to do without you here to share them with.

I love what I do now and have developed some new hobbies. I guess some events in our lives just shift us in new directions. I take all the lessons you taught me and pass them on to my students. I know my love for teaching (and talking) came from you. I may not shoot anymore but I am passing your wisdom on to my students and just like you did I am molding future police officers.

I can't believe 13 years has past. I think of you every day and miss you. I love you Dad.

Professor and Duaghter Shelly Wagers
Radford University

April 2, 2014

Sounds like a great man, god bless.

Officer Jeff Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

June 21, 2013

My darling husband, It doesn't matter how many years pass I love you and I always will, I miss you so much and I will always keep you in my heart. The officers at Woodland CHP pay tribute to you every year and it warms my heart that they haven't forgotten and on this day they honor you. I know you watch over me and keep me safe. You are my hero.

Linda Wagers
Surviving spouse

March 16, 2013

Gary the years since your passing seem to have flown by , Today I remember you as as you always were . Cool , calm , experienced and a great leader . You thought me many lessons for life in the short time that we were friends . I think of you quite a bit and the example you gave to one and all . My thoughts are with LInda , your loving wife , today . God Bless to you Daddy Wags . The best Sergeant ever . Ken

Garda(Retired) Ken Harrington
An Garda Siochana Ireland and Friend of Gary and Linda .

March 15, 2013

Cadet Gary Wagers was a trainee platoon leader under my supervision at the California Highway Patrol Academy. I thought at that point that he would be an outstanding officer and he proved me right. The loss of Sgt. Wagers was a shock to me and great loss to the CHP family. I will never forget him.

Sgt. R. W. Harral (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol

August 19, 2012

On the anniversary of your loss, I am touched to see how many people loved you...especially the road dogs. You made an impact on their lives and knowing you mentored them makes me feel even safer.

My beloved CHP is better because you served in its ranks. Thank you for all you did to keep us safe. Because of how you lived your life, you are a hero and your family has a right to be proud of you. Look after all my road dogs (especially in San Bernardino Area)

Love,

LoVae Pray Martines
Law Enforcement Liaison MADD San Bernardino County CA

March 14, 2012

After 10 years, I still wear my Gary Wagers memorial t-shirt and tell others of Gary's good work. He is missed.

Bob Marlowe
Family Friend

August 23, 2011

After 10 years, I still speak of Gary and wear his memorial t-shirt to keep his memory and appreciation of his good work alive. My heart still sends out strength to Linda. A terrible loss.

Bob Marlowe
Family friend

July 2, 2011

To my Captain Darling,

Ten years ago tonight you left for work and never came home. I can't believe it's been ten years. I can close my eyes and remember the last time I hugged you (the feel of that vest was like hugging a barrel) and as you drove away in the black & white you waved goodbye. I thank God I had gotten home from work in time to have those last few minutes with you. So many days you had already left by the time I got home. Those last kisses, saying "I love you" and the wave goodbye are as new as yesterday in my mind. They will never fade.

Meanwhile, my life has gone on. I have made new friends here in Tennessee and I'm sorry they'll never get to meet you. It was too hard for me to stay in California; just seeing CHP cars and officers was such a painful reminder of my loss, it's easier here. But no matter where I go, when it becomes known that I'm a CHP widow, your brothers in law enforcement take good care of me. I never have to worry, I always have guardians and protectors near by. And I know you're watching over me.

Ten years. I can hardly believe it.

I love you as much as ever,
Linda

Linda Wagers
Surviving spouse

March 14, 2011

Gary I still think of you often . You gave me your badge way back , scratched and worn . I treasure it . The baseball you signed for the kids stands beside your badge and photo . Gary as a Police officer and man few were your equal and none surpassed you . You will be remembered in prayers on March 15th at St. Marks Church Springfield Dublin . We know you watch over Linda .
Ken Harrington Garda 22189K Irishtown .

Garda Kenneth Harrington
Friend (An Garda Siochana)

March 9, 2011

I think of you often, Gary. Your dedication will never be forgotten. May God bless your soul and watch over Linda.

Christopher Port, ID 9729
CHP Valley Division MAIT, Retired

January 7, 2011

Gary

I have been a graveyard Sergeant in Santa Ana for almost two years now. Linda gave me a pair of your stripes. They are like gold to me. A night does not go by when I don't say, "How would Gary handle this?" I was just doing an annual evaluation on an officer. His previous evaluations were done by Sergeants including you, Bobby Thompson, and John Steele. It makes one wonder....

I truely miss you.

Sergeant W.P. Kenny #13987

Sergeant W.P. Kenny
CHP Santa Ana

April 16, 2010

Thinking of you Gary this and everyday . You are forever in our thoughts . Colm who is serving in Swords sends his best to you . You have been a tremendous influence on so many police officers . God Bless .
Ken , Elaine , Tracey , Karen , Colm and Nicola .

Garda Kenneth Hrrington
An Garda Siocana (Friend)

March 15, 2010