By Scott Carlson-NP Post
As one who was blessed to know Trooper Mark Wagner, it seems like yesterday that I heard the news that he had been killed in a tragic training accident 22 years ago today, March 4, 1999.
On that day, Trooper Wagner was participating in a defensive tactics training exercise at the Troop D Headquarters in North Platte.
Having been with the Patrol for 11 years, training exercises such as these were familiar to Trooper Wagner. However, those in law enforcement will tell you that no training exercise or real-life event is ever routine.
At one point during the training, Trooper Wagner and his fellow troopers took a break. During the break, investigators determined that a trooper had reloaded his .45 caliber service revolver with live ammunition, unaware that it would be used later in the training.
As the troopers were training in a classroom, the handgun discharged and struck Trooper Wagner in the chest.
Trooper Wagner was transferred to Great Plains Health, then Great Plain Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Trooper Wagner was 37-years-old and left behind his wife, two daughters, and a stepdaughter.
After 22 years, it is not uncommon to hear a story about Trooper Wagner. One of the good ones, who was taken tragically too soon.
Join those of us at The Post in remembering the service of Trooper Mark Wagner.
Visit Trooper Wagner's page on the Officer Down Memorial Page HERE