NELSON COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — The Wintergreen community gathered Monday morning for the second anniversary of a Wintergreen police officer's death.

Today marks two years since Wintergreen Police Officer Chris Wagner died in the line of duty.

Wagner was shot and killed on June 16, 2023, while responding to a 911 call. "A date that few will forget and will always weigh heavy on our hearts and minds," said the Wintergreen Police Department. "Anniversaries usually invoke happiness and cause for celebration. However, some anniversaries raise emotions and leave us with more questions than answers."

According to Virginia State Police, Wagner was responding to an emergency call for a reported assault when 23-year-old Daniel Barmak, of Maryland, fought Wagner for his weapon, and fatally shot him.

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"Chris stood in the face of evil while performing his duties to protect our community," said WPD. "Knowing the risks, he sacrificed his life so others would survive that night."

"On this second anniversary, we pause to mourn his sacrifice but remember the hero. Chris Wagner will never be forgotten."