Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus Christ, as we watch America's Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the American Peace Officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, and by Your authority, I pray. Amen.

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." [Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed/Certified Independent Christian Clergy
Intercessor for America's Peace Officers

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

April 21, 2024

Trooper Gonzalez,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New Jersey. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 24, 2022

RIP

Tpr. II Gene Hong 7487
NJSP

September 22, 2022

Maureen (Reenie) Brannick Gonzalez

Maureen, of Barnegat NJ, died at age 60 on August 29, 2022. She was pre-deceased by her parents Muriel (Donovan) Brannick and Charles J. Brannick, her late husband NJ State Trooper Scott M. Gonzalez, who died in the line of duty October 24, 1997, and her nephew and Godson Christian Wollner. Maureen is survived by her siblings; Muriel Bowness, Madeline Wollner, Charles Brannick, Marilyn Franchini, Daniel Brannick and James Brannick, and her dear partner, James Tierney, who brought her so much happiness. Maureen is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews, and five grand nieces and nephews. Maureen, “Reenie” as she was known to many of her friends and family, was born, the youngest of seven children, in Orange NJ, and raised in West Orange. She attended Our Lady of The Valley Grammar School, Edison Jr. High and graduated from West Orange High School in 1980. Maureen graduated from Kean University in 1984 with a BA in Psychology. She attended St. Barnabas Medical Center to become a Radiology Technician and a Mammographer. Maureen worked at the Outpatient Center of St. Barnabas for many years. More recently she was an Instructor in Radiologic Technology at Morris County College. Maureen was the self-appointed photographer and keeper of family photos. She enjoyed compiling albums and collages for all the family and gifted these to them for holidays and birthdays, as well as milestone events. Over the years Maureen grew to love spending time at the beach, regardless of the season. She also started landscape painting and many of her family and friends have been gifted some of her paintings which held meaning for them. Following the tragic death of her husband, Trooper Scott Gonzalez, Maureen established a fund to keep alive his memory and his determination to overcome and persevere to attain his goals. Through this fund she was able to provide generous scholarships and awards to many graduating students pursuing advanced education or service. Her “State Police Family” recently honored Maureen with a plaque inscribed with these words, “For her dedication and commitment in making a positive impact on countless peoples’ lives and for her generosity which offered peace of mind to families faced with sudden tragedy, hardship, and giving assistance to young men and women striving to continue their education.”

All her family extend their thanks for all the kind words and the memories friends have shared. Paraphrasing the poet E.E. Cummings, “Carry her in your heart.”

There will be a Celebration of her Life for friends and family at Dangler’s Funeral Home 340 Main St. West Orange NJ, Thursday evening, September 22nd from 3-7pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Maureen’s Name to: The Gift of Life Donor Program 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19123-4101, www.donors1.org or the Charity of your choice.

Anonymous

September 8, 2022

The Troopers Bridge Dinner "G5059 Lest We Forget"
October 24, 1997 Laughing in the report room with Stan, Brett, Bruce, and you (Scott) life was good, but changed so tragically, I still feel the sting from that day, and knowing that I had locked up Shipps 7 months prior, I replay that every day in my head, wondering what could have been different.
As myself and the other HOPE station Barracks mates move forward, I know you are watching over us !

Through this tragedy, we now bring light to those in darkness "The Troopers Bridge Dinner" losing you was not in vain, you are still serving others through the bridge dinner.

June 2022 the 25th year Dinner - Shawnee Inn, follow of pages in the links below, "We never forget"

* https://www.troopersbridgefoundation.org/
* https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Business/Troopers-Bridge-Foundation-311266439503794/

I will always hold this in my heart

"We don't get paid for what we do, We get paid for what we might have to do"
Trooper Scott Gonzalez 5059
G5059 - Lest We Forget

Barracks Mates Always #HopeStation

(Ret. Lieutenant - NJSP)
Gary Talijan

Ret. Lieutenant Gary Talijan
new jersey state police Hope station Barracks mate

November 4, 2021

Your story really touched me. You fought so hard til the end. You were so brave . You rest now in the arms of the lord

Jerry
Citizen

October 7, 2021

Scott was and always will be my classmate in the NJSP 113th class which graduated in January 1993. As I reflect back to our graduation day none of our class would ever have envisioned what Scott had to endure on that awful day. I cannot even imagine what was going through his mind in those last few seconds prior to his death. He was a "Trooper" in every sense of the word. He fought till his last breath. I'm honored to have known Scott, train 22 weeks at Sea Girt with Scott, and wear the same uniform as Scott. Unfortunately all the training in the world sometimes is just not enough. He nows sits with our Lord! Scott you are a true NJSP HERO!! Always will be!!

SFC N. Ponte#5088 (ret.)
NJSP

October 24, 2020

RIP classmate

Sgt. Angelo Armagno #5026 (Ret)
NJSP

October 24, 2020

Rest in peace always and know that your heroic actions and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 24, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

October 4, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Gonzalez.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2019

You where taken from us much to soon . So many memories with you fishing hunting,camping and being there for me when in need.I miss you so much, we will meet again.

Richard Streeter
Child hood friend

April 24, 2018

Twenty years have passed, and you are not forgotten, Trooper Gonzalez.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

October 24, 2017

RIP Scott...you've never been forgotten

Lt/Retired Nick Norton
Westfield, NJ PD

October 18, 2017

This happened near where I live, will never forget that night. Your sacrifice is appreciated and not forgotten.

P01
USN

November 7, 2016

Bless you brother

Judge /retired SC State Trooper Danny L
Aiken County, SC

October 25, 2016

May you continue to rest in eternal peace my brother. You are a true hero that will never be forgotten.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

October 25, 2016

I worked with Scott at Washington, and yes I was there that awful rainy night. Now my son is a Glen Ridge police officer and he met your nephew. It seems time has come full circle and the years are passing by quickly. But the memories and respect never go away. God Bless you and your family. Protect and watch over all our brother officers.

Tpr I Bob Wilk #3603
NJSP (Ret)

January 30, 2016

Dear Mrs. Gonzalez, I trust that our Lord's Grace has sustained you through the years since that tragic day and your loss of Scott. Remembering your heartache and suffering the day after when I met with you at your home. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will be sharing some of my experiences as a police chaplain in an upcoming "Blue and White Sunday" (law enforcement honoring service) this Sunday in Essex County, NJ.

May our Lord continue to keep and bless you.

Chaplain Wayne A. Zosche (Retired)
Magnolia Police Department
Camden County, New Jersey

Former Chaplain
Magnolia Police/Camden County, NJ

June 1, 2015

It takes a special person to become a law enforcement officer and put their own life at risk to protect the lives and property of others. I always admired people who chose to serve a higher purpose. When officer is on a duty it means his whole family is on a duty as well. Today, remembering Mr. Gonzalez, I want to thank his Wife and Family for letting Mr. Gonzalez to serve the community. It is unfortunate that this Trooper lost his life in a line of duty. And even though it happened years ago, Trooper Gonzalez is not forgotten. I am a current recruit at LASD Academy, class 403, and I want the family of Trooper Gonzalez to know that I think of your loved one and I am committed to train even harder to fight the crime on the streets in Trooper Gonzalez' memory.

Recruit Jean M.
LASD Academy

September 29, 2014

I believe this happened on property my family owned off obrien rd.,KNOCK bawn farm. Top of the mountain, gives me chills and my condolences go out to family after time that has gone by,

Richard Bennett
none

August 4, 2014

I feel great sorrow for the loss of Trooper Gonzalez. I was a high school junior when this tragedy occurred. Trooper Gonzalez's death highlighted the sacrifice law enforcement professionals make to help those in need. His legacy inspired me to become a state trooper and serve and protect others. Rest in Peace Trooper Gonzalez, your sacrifice has never been forgotten.

Erik Domanski
Trooper, Texas Highway Patrol

October 24, 2012

god bless you

PFC Jon Pease
CMPD-Retired B.P.D.

October 24, 2012

Thinking of you and your family today. Your memory lives on and thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. God bless you and your family.

Corporal
Pennsylvania State Police

October 24, 2012

Happy 50th birthday Scott, forever young and always a hero

Captain (Retired)
N.J. State Police

March 28, 2012