Buchanan Valley Fire Department President Timothy Baldwin and Chief Michael D. Spielman announced the death of Assistant Chief Walter Wagaman, 46, on August 14.
Chief Wagaman was a 32-year veteran of the Buchanan Valley Fire Department. On August 2, 2019, Chief Wagaman suffered severe injuries in an accident during an emergency response. He was flown to Wellspan York Hospital where he battled his injuries for 12 days.
Along with Chief Wagaman’s wishes, the family chose to continue his legacy of helping those when they needed him the most. On August 14, 2019 at 02:03, Chief Wagaman’s organs were donated to those in need.
Baldwin and Spielman thanked the many people and organizations who showed support for Wagaman, who was characterized as a true hero.
Baldwin and Spielman said Chief Wagaman’s family as well as the membership of the Buchanan Valley Fire Department “appreciates all the prayers, condolences, and support during this difficult time.”
Wagaman’s funeral was held at Gettysburg High School on Sunday. His funeral procession, in which many fire companies from around the region participated, traveled from the high school through the Gettysburg square to the Buchanan Valley Fire Department in Orrtanna.
Life Lion performing a funeral flyover for Assistant Chief Walter Wagaman of the Buchanan Valley Fire Department on Sunday.
The fire department has posted this message on their website, thanking people for their support:
Wow, it is hard to begin this post with the intent to thank everyone who has helped in some way by assisting from Day 1 until the Funeral Services for A/C Walt Wagaman. The Buchanan Valley FD membership sincerely appreciates all the support for everyone along the way. We want to name a few individuals and groups who we will forever be indebted too.
Bendersville FC, Biglerville FC, Arendtsville FC, AREMS, PSP & Life Lion for your efforts on the night of August 2nd at the accident scene.
York City Fire Chief Chad Deardorff, his executive command staff and members of IAFF Local 627.
Wellspan York Hospital Trauma Services Physicians and Nursing Staff
The firefighters who lined the hallways of York Hospital in the wee hours of the morning to pay tribute to a true hero.
All the agencies who lined the overpasses while A/C Wagaman was moved from York to Lehigh and again from Leigh to Dugan’s in Shippensburg
Fayetteville Fire Dept; Mark Bumbaugh & Liz Heller for transporting A/C Wagaman from York to Lehigh and again to Shippensburg.
Western Salisbury for hosting our members while they awaited to accept A/C Wagaman from Lehigh
Bendersville Community Fire Company for the last second fill-in requests
Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioners Rep: Doug Snyder, your support was greatly appreciated
Chambersburg FD Chief Dustin Ulrich and the members of IAFF Local 1813 Color Guard
West End Fire & Rescue for the set-up and use of the stairs
Harney FC & Maytown FC for the transfers while our members attended funeral services
Franklin Fire Company, New Franklin Fire Dept, Progress Fire, Al Mick for setting for the arches
Cashtown Community Fire: Chief Jeff Bowling, Captain Scott Bowling, EMS Captain Adam Brown, your hard work in making things fall into place today at the High School
Barlow Fire Company: Deputy Chief James Turner making sure everyone was hydrated and the use of the UTV
United Hook & Ladder: Deputy Chief Shaffer and Captain Kevin Moul for not only handling the food and water for the staff, but staying for the duration of the day and helping.
Fire Police: You all did an amazing job, with 95* temps you guys continued to work until the job was completed. You handled everything from parking apparatus and guests, to the procession route.
ACVESA Color Guard: Wayne Reid and company, you did an amazing job honoring Walt the way he would always have wanted to be.
Gettysburg High School JROTC: Lt Colonel Mike Wertz and students, this was extremely important having your involvement. A/C Wagaman was always encouraging young teens to choose to give back to the community. It’s hard to find young men & women who understand what community service is all about.
Cumberland Township Police: Sgt Biggins and staff, your presence at the GHS and assistance with the procession was 1st Class.
Gettysburg Police: Sgt Pruy and staff, your assistance with closing down Gettysburg for the procession
And
Chief Mike Weigand and the Motorcycle Police Officers, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Pennsylvania State Police: Your assistance with preparation and planning of the services.
Life Lion helicopter: Joe DePatto, a very touching and unforgettable tribute with the funeral flyover
DCFD Pipes & Drums as always, a top-notch group who happens to be the very best Pipe Band around – Thank you
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.