Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Senate Panel Approves Bill Honoring Fallen State Trooper

Posted on Jun 21, 2011
HARRISBURG — The Senate Transportation Committee today unanimously approved legislation renaming an area bridge for a fallen state police trooper, according to State Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming).

Senate Bill 1043, sponsored by Yaw, would designate the bridge carrying U.S. Route 15 over Mill Lane (State Route 3014) in Old Lycoming Township, Lycoming County, as the ‘Trooper Gary Rosenberger Memorial Bridge’.

“This bill will establish a permanent memorial to Trooper Rosenberger, who was killed in 1970 while performing an undercover narcotics investigation,” Yaw said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and now we can honor his memory through this designation.”

Diane Shaheen
Remembering his service

June 24, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 12, 2020

Trooper Rosenberger,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Pennsylvania. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 12, 2020

I can still remember the day we got the phone call from my grandmother like it was yesterday I still think about him wondering what he would have been like,the time I knew him he was a wonderful person he was taken away to soon

Ron Miller
Nephew

May 2, 2018

I never met Gary Rosenberger but when the news came to us Lt Earl Wright, Trooper Jim Antolik and I drove to Hershey at the Academy where we all mustered. We went to the church for the services and then to Paxtang Cemetary for the burial. I remember it like it was yesterday. Having only five years on the job at the time, it was a first PSP burial for me. It was
snowing like it was never going to quit. Since then with almost thirty years on the job, unfortunately I have attended every funeral since and it never gets easier. God rest Gary's soul.

Cpl Bob Mertz (Ret)
PSP Troop 'B' Uniontown

December 14, 2017

Hi Brother....I remember this day well....you guys were the proud parents of Nicole and we were pregnant with Lori....I cannot tell you how many times that I have looked back when we were Cadets.......I was at your funeral....and at the cemetery.......even today, it is unreal.....I MISS YOU MY FRIEND.....REST IN PEACE.....

Michael B. Chaplin - Retired Sgt.
Pennsylvania State Police and Classmate and Friend

December 12, 2017

I got to know Trooper Rosenberger’s daughter while attending one of the State police memorials years ago. It’s always heartbreaking to me that she was so young when he lost his life. When criminals commit a crime, they have not one thought about the children that are often left behind.
Trooper Rosenberger would be so proud of his daughter and all the good she has done with her life!!

Jennifer M.
Niece of a fellow trooper killed in the line of duty

December 12, 2017

Today, on a beautiful day under a cloudless blue sky on the hill behind the Academy in Hershey we met a truly wonderful young woman. While attending the dedication of the new addition to the Pennsylvania State Police Museum, my wife and I were privileged to meet Trooper Gary Rosenberger's daughter, Nicole, and one of his grandchildren, little Matthew. Although we were only able to visit with Nicole and Matthew for a short time, it was evident to us both that the daughter of one of our department's most honored heroes, is herself every bit a hero. Nicole, who was only a little younger than young Matthew is now when her father died so tragically in the line of duty, is a woman of character and great faith. A mother to her own children, both biological and those adopted like cute Matthew, she is obviously a kind and caring parent. I am sure as Trooper Rosenberger looks down from heaven on his daughter he must be very proud of the woman and loving mother she has become. Rest well Trooper, your little girl is just like you, a true hero!

Captain Kirk R. Trate (Retired)
Pennsylvania State Police

April 15, 2016

I only met this gentlemen once in my life, but he made a lasting impression on me....you see he was my son-in-law. His life was cut too short, and he was missed by all of his family.

Marie Boyer

December 12, 2015

Coming home from Lewisburg I saw a State highway sign dedicating a bridge to Trooper Rosenberger's memory. When I got home I looked him up on the ODMP. Another young officer gone too soon. Any state or municipality that honors their deceased officers in this manner honors the entire profession.

The dedication written by his daughter was beautiful.

Chief R. T. Faulisi Ret.
Corning New York Police Department

January 1, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

December 12, 2014

Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Trooper Rosenberger. Thank you for your commitment.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 13, 2014

When I drive on what is now Rt 15 near Old Lycoming Township, I notice a sign dedicating a portion of the highway to the memory of Trooper Rosenberger. I was just a 7th grader in a different part of the state when the event happened but it is nice to see a community that honors and remembert their heros.

Mary Hawthorne

October 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the forty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 12, 2011

Thinking of you today and everyday. You will always be a hero for us to look up to. God bless you and your family.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

December 1, 2010

Dear Uncle Gary,
When you died, i was only old enough to have hazy, dreamlike memories. Time marches on, and soon Aunt Molly and Nikki were memories too. For the older generation, there would always be a hole where you had been. For we younger ones, the shadow of a hole. Might you have been my favorite uncle? How would my father always be subtly different? Might one of my own children look like you? Just as a person's presence can cause a thousand ripples, so can their absence. Now grown, i play with my own nephews, and a piece of your spirit is there, i am sure. I carry that piece with pride.

Rob Rosenberger
nephew

March 12, 2010

Trooper Rosenberger your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

December 20, 2009

Tpr. Rosenberger,

I thank you for your service and am saddened that you paid the ultimate price for your service.

Deputy Randall Rosenberger
Monroe County Sheriff, Michigan

May 10, 2009

ALONG THE STREAM
Dedicated to Trooper Gary Rosenberger
August 29th 1944 –December 12th 1970



A gentle flow
A rushing wind
Life that will never
Be again

Memories gone
Replaced by pain
A harmony played
Falls like rain

Leaving Love
Broken, alone
Now brave Trooper
Now you are home

Life that was lost
Least not in vain
It was given – surrendered
Worthwhile the pain

A Father’s gift
To a broken world
True love poured out
Awaits it’s reward

A seed sown in dying
The harvest is great
Inevitable truth
Executed by faith

A day will come
Full restoration is near
Until then beloved
Listen and hear

The cries of the fallen
They will not be silenced
They speak to the wind
And fall softly aside us






Stand young trooper
Come take your place
Your talents are needed
Now, run the race

My gifts, I have left you
Weapons placed in your hand,
Faith, love, and hope
You’ll need only to stand.

Stand strong, dear child
Rise to the fight
The battle’s been won,
Your testimony is light.

Never stop
Living &
Loving &
Learning

Never stop
Giving &
Seeking &
Yearning


For a place where peace
Replaces all fear
Where no single cry
You ever will hear.

No silver bullets
No rushing wind
Life is forever,
Forever in Him

No righteousness silenced
Along the stream
Heed these words of wisdom
Imparted through me



I’m with the Father
In peace, in His arms
I pray for you child
Your race continues on.


Some day by the Father
You also will rest
Along peaceful streams and green pastures
To this I attest

By: Nicole M. Rosenberger

Nicole Roseberger
Daughter

November 27, 2008

Trooper Gary R. Rosenberger,

The circumstances of your death are among the most horrific involving the the slaying of any law officer. You are a valid hero. To accept and engage-in the undercover investigation of those that peddle illegal narcotics and drugs is among the most dangerous of any assignments. You accepted the risk and ultimately were slain by the dross of society. Murdered by the vermin who thrive on the misery of others. The contibution that you have made to the citizens of the Commonwealth is both great and substantial. You will be greeted at the gates of Heaven, I am certain, by a legion of law officers also befitting of the title hero. Embrace them and cross the threshold to Eternity. You have earned it. No greater sacrifice can be made by he who perishes for the benefit of others. Our Creator has said so. Here on earth you are deemed a hero. Your peers have said so. Valor, Dedication and Honor have joined together to speak for you now. They loudly proclaim you a most noble soldier of the law! And, I add these words as I render you a final salute: Well done trooper, ...well done!

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

August 1, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. Today you are remembered

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

April 20, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 23, 2008

You will never be forgotten and may you always rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

Thank you sir for your dedication and service and may God always watch over your family.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 2, 2006