Adams County firefighter dies 12 days after being injured on the job

Update, Aug. 15: Buchanan Valley Assistant Chief Walter Wagaman died due to blunt force trauma to the head, the York County Coroner's Office announced Thursday afternoon. His manner of death was ruled accidental. 

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The Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department suffered a loss Wednesday morning when an assistant chief died nearly two weeks after he sustained severe injuries in the line of duty.  

On Aug. 2, Assistant Chief Walter Wagaman was injured when he was ejected from a fire engine while at the site of a vehicle crash in Menallen Township in Adams County, the fire department said in a news release at the time.

Wagaman fell from the truck when it was traveling at a slow speed, according to Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Officer Megan Frazer. "Just to clarify, him falling out if the truck is considered 'ejected' that’s why that term is used on our end," she wrote in an email.

The incident happened when five members of the Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department were assisting the Bendersville Community Fire Company. 

The Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department issued a news release Wednesday announcing the death of the 32-year veteran and thanking those who participated in his Honor Walk down the hallways of York Hospital. 

York County Coroner Pam Gay said the official time of death was certified as Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 2:03 a.m.

The fire department also mentioned that "Chief Wagaman's organs were donated to those in need."

Buchanan Valley Fire Department President Timothy Baldwin said that Wagaman "lived and breathed this department."

"Walt was actively involved in the department, whether it was through fire calls, fundraising or even ground keeping," he said. 

Wagaman joined Buchanan Valley when he was just 14 years old — nearly 35 years ago, Baldwin said.

"We just ask for thoughts and prayers for the family and department at this time," he said.

Logan Jumper, a 10-year firefighter with the department, looked at Wagaman like an uncle.

"I loved him to death," Jumper said.

Jumper called Wagaman a good role model, pointing out how he always helped the junior firefighters. Wagaman took Jumper out to his first fire and was an encouraging presence.

Wagaman liked to make people laugh, too.

Michael Spielman, the Buchanan Valley fire chief, noted that Wagaman spent a great deal of his time at the firehouse, even just to watch a football game with the guys.

Wagaman's colleagues referred to him as "the chicken man" for his cooking. He would often show up to the station early in the morning to prepare meals, Jumper said.

Spielman and Wagaman worked together for the entirety of Wagaman's 30-plus year career.

"Wagaman was like the definition of dedication," Spielman said.

Community shares their support

There's been an outpouring of support for the Wagaman family and fire department since the incident that resulted in Wagaman's fatal injuries. 

Hundreds of people have posted their condolences on the fire department's Facebook page for the fallen firefighter. 

"I'm so sorry for everyone's loss he was a great man and believed in the brotherhood rest easy brother," James Hair wrote.

Some shared memories they had of Wagaman.

"I won't forget you brother, I still remember when when our Chief said 'Put it out or I will' at a training fire we had and we were huddled up just baking," Wade Sprankle posted. "That was many moons ago."

Members of the community felt the pain of losing a loved one.

"So sorry have known him for a while Buchanan valley people we grew up here and now raise our family here RIP Walt," Carol Smelser wrote.

Loved ones of Wagaman also shared their sadness.

"My heart is so heavy right now for our son Austin Wagaman his dad was a great firefighter and will be missed thanks for being his family and friend," Theresa Wagaman wrote.

Kelsey Wagaman, a firefighter at M.M.P. & W. Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company in Mercersburg, reached out on social media last week to collect T-shirts from local departments to make a blanket for the Wagaman family.

She received 160 shirts from agencies across the state. 

"Can’t thank you guys enough or for the people who jumped through hoops to make sure I had certain shirts," she wrote in her own post.

According to previous reporting, Wagaman was treated by emergency personnel at the site and was later flown to York trauma center with severe injuries. At the time, fire company President Timothy Baldwin declined to share additional information about the incident due to an open investigation. 

Pennsylvania State Police Gettysburg is the investigating police department, and an autopsy has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at Lehigh Valley Ho, according to the York County Coroner's office. 

Funeral arrangements will be posted on the Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department's official website once they're finalized. 

Reporters Kaitlin Greenockle and Dustin Levy contributed reporting.

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