Prior to his election as Sheriff, Wagner served as a deputy sheriff for 18 years, attaining the rank of sergeant. Since his election, Sheriff Wagner has pursued professional excellence by accomplishing the following:

• Graduate of the 183rd Session of the F.B.I. National Academy
• Past President of the Nebraska Chapter of the F.B.I. National Academy Associates
• Board of Directors - Lincoln/Lancaster County Child Advocacy Center
• Former member of Police Standards Advisory Council (governing body of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center)
• Named Lincoln High School Distinguished Alumnus
• Board of Directors - People's Choice Federal Credit Union
• Past President of the Nebraska Sheriffs' Association
• Graduate of the 54th Session of the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS).

Sheriff Wagner's wife, Brenda, is a Registered Nurse.