There were many heroes on tragic day in June 2023
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LEWISTOWN - By definition, a hero is a someone who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. It can be a father, husband, friend or even a law enforcement officer.
James Wagner is all of those things, but he doesn't consider himself a hero. He is steadfast in his opinion, despite putting his life on the line for us every day while serving the communities of the Commonwealth.
In fact, the 46-year-old Pennsylvania State Police lieutenant would probably prefer his name not to appear in print. Wagner's reasoning is valid; those who saved his life on a fateful day on June 17, 2023, deserve the credit. They are the real heroes.
If not for the menacing actions of Brandon Stine, of Thompsontown, who law enforcement encountered, this heinous tale would not need to be told.
Stine, afraid of being captured by the state police and hospitalized, according to court documents, fired shots into an unmanned, parked cruiser at the barracks in Mifflintown and fled. Stine was killed during the ensuing manhunt by law enforcement, but not before he shot and killed Tpr. Jacques "Jay" F. Rougeau Jr. and critically injured Wagner with a large-game hunting rifle.
Wagner is alive today because of the brave and heroic acts of civilians who came to his aid and the countless medical personnel who worked tirelessly to save his life.
"It's just amazing how many civilians want to help," Wagner said. "They went above and beyond. Then there were the EMS workers, who gave me a chance to live."
Civilians, ER to the Rescue
The day's events are still foggy to Wagner, who coded due to the amount of blood loss and shock he suffered.
Reports state at 12:37 p.m. on June 17, Wagner was driving south on Washington Avenue in Mifflintown when Stine eventually pulled up beside him and fired one round through the passenger side window of Wagner's cruiser and struck him in the shoulder, critically injuring him.
Bystanders heard the shot and came to Wagner's rescue, using his radio to call for help. "Those two civilians who were the first to stop and render aid to me are amazing," Wagner said. "They're heroes. The scene was still active. I can't think what would have happened if they didn't stop to help me.
"I am also grateful to the emergency room staff for working on me as long as they did," he added. "I was on scene for 30 minutes until they got me moving and loaded up to go to Lewistown."
The heroic actions of those civilians certainly gave precious seconds to the staff in Geisinger Lewistown Hospital's Emergency Room as they fought to save Wagner's life.
In turn, the valiant efforts of those in the ER enabled him to be life-flighted to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Though his condition was fragile at best, medical experts decided Wagner had to be transported to Hershey to have a chance.
From there, Wagner was sent to a rehabilitation facility at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh where medical personnel - more angels - provided for more specialized care and therapy.
Angels at Every Step
"I've had angels the whole way along," Wagner said. "The workers were like angels. Everyone did such a great job."
He has been in good hands every step of the way.
"I'll never understand why one person makes it and one person doesn't," Wagner said. "Why bad things happen.
"I've seen small miracles that occur and how fragile life is," he added. "I've witnessed miracles and everyone stepping up. I've seen the best of people in the worst of times and the worst of people in the best of times."
There were also miracles at work in the emergency room that night as doctors and nurses relentlessly did everything they could to save a life.
Outpouring of Support
"There were so many miracles I could tell you," Wagner said. "At one point, they said, 'I'm not going to make it' and they're close to calling it. But they kept trying everything. Everyone in the ER that night was part of me making it."
The outpouring of support since that day has been overwhelming for Wagner, who has received tens of thousands of cards from people in all walks of life.
"It's humbling to know that there's that many good people out there, who will give you their time to let you know that they care," Wagner explained. "The love, support and prayers from people reaching out has been nothing short of amazing. It makes me proud to serve the community that we try to serve."
In Pittsburgh, there were surprise visitors in Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris, Lt. Col. Wayne Kline and former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier.
Shazier had his own host of angels as medical personnel also worked to save his life. He sustained a spinal contusion after a head-on tackle left him paralyzed below the waist. He was forced to retire from a promising NFL career in 2020.
The hit left Shazier unable to move his legs. Doctors feared he would remain paralyzed. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery to secure the injured section of his spine. A year later, he jogged for the first time.
Shazier's story gives inspiration and hope to others in dire straits for recovery. Wagner's thoughts also race to those who fought so hard to save his life as their efforts would be validated.
'Heroes' Do Amazing Things
"The hospital staff was nothing short of amazing," Wagner explained. "They're the heroes. It's something they try to do day in and day out and don't get recognized as much as they should."
Wagner certainly credits those involved with how they handled an unimaginable situation on June 17. "If you look at that day, the first responders, police, EMS - everyone - did their job and ran to the scene. It's one of the proudest moments of my career," he said.
That included Tpr. Rougeau, who was off duty that day.
Wagner expected nothing less than the amazing show of support from the brotherhood of police and other first responders who reached out to him or took part in the procession for Tpr. Rougeau.
"That was nothing short of what I would expect for a hero," Wagner said of Rougeau's procession. "The community lines up and pays their respect there as well. It's humbling to be part of that or watch."
Wagner faces a long road of recovery with both physical and occupational therapy.
"I have hope and I continue to heal," Wagner said. "I'm taking it step by step. It's a process, but no one seven months ago thought I'd be sitting here.
"If you look back and see where I am now, there's been a vast improvement," he added. "Sometimes they're small and hard to see at times. I've made significant gains."
Especially considering he was shot at such close range. But there were also angels at work.
"It just speaks volumes about everyone that worked on me," Wagner said. "I'm here by the grace of God."
Thanks to all of his angels. They are his heroes.