By Tom Markland
The Journal
MARTINSBURG — Hundreds of first responders, service members and residents gathered outside the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, the West Virginia National Guardsman critically wounded in a shooting near the White House last week.
The ceremony brought together emergency personnel from across Berkeley County and beyond. Sheriff Rob Blair said the event grew out of a simple question from County Commission President Eddie Gochenour: ‘What can we do?’
“One thing led to another,” Blair said, “And we came to the conclusion that we should invite Berkeley County emergency services, and if people from the community ended up showing up, that’s great too, because there’s power in the amount of people praying.”
Wolfe, a local deputy’s son and a Guardsman raised in the Eastern Panhandle, remains hospitalized in Washington, D.C. His family has described his condition as critical but marked by unexpected improvement. His father, Jason Wolfe, said the family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
“It’s the worst thing that could happen to any family,” Wolfe said. “What’s helping us is your prayers. The neurosurgeon said he can’t believe what’s going on right now with my son’s recovery.”
Speakers emphasized faith, unity and the heavy toll felt by the region’s close-knit emergency services community. Many in attendance had spent the week monitoring Wolfe’s condition, while also mourning the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, the fellow Guardsman killed in the attack. A moment of silence was held in her honor.
Commission President Gochenour thanked first responders for showing up on short notice.
“You’re the best,” he said. “Anytime we have a problem, we get the good people around us. To solve our problem is truly going to be through prayer.”
As the sun set, candles were lit and passed across the crowd. Air Force Reserve Chaplain Kyle Hamlin offered final prayers and distributed a small challenge coin to be passed from hand to hand. Each person was asked to pray briefly over it before it is delivered to Wolfe in the hospital.
“We stand with hope,” Hamlin said. “Healing takes time, but hope can be immediate.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is currently collecting get-well cards for Wolfe and forwarding them to his family in Washington. Those wanting to send cards can address them to 510 South Raleigh St. in Martinsburg, WV, 25401, made out to Andrew Wolfe.
“Tonight shows what this county is,” Blair said. “People who stand together, especially when it matters most.”
Another vigil is scheduled for later this week at Wolfe’s Alma Mater, Musselman High School on Friday at 7 p.m.
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