Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you today, you are a hero who will never be forgotten. Rest in peace. God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 19, 2011

Hey TROOP!
how ya holdin up over there, if ya run into any of my family fee free to keep them in line...anyway bro you know u'll never be forgotten and this year for the police unity tour I'm gong to ride in your honor to keep it alive forever. Thank you for your sacrifice

Police Officer Nick Cevasco
Rutgers University PD

November 19, 2010

Thinking of you & your family today and remembering the ultimate sacrifice you made serving as a NJ State Trooper. Your family & friends keep you in their hearts ALWAYS. We will NEVER forget your heroism.

NJSPSOTT

October 24, 2010

Maureen,
though I do not know you personally I do think of you and Scott often. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I have heard so many wonderful stories and memories of his life. He was a true hero for how he lived while he was here. There is no doubt in my mind his life was cut short. I attend the game every year and do so with honor and pride to be a part of such a wonderful tribute. I watch the pride the Troopers have in participating in this event and it gives me chills. I too am a widow but of a different kind. My husband was killed in Iraq several years ago. He was a bomb tech and also like Scott my husband walked among the elite in his field. NJ State Troopers are among the finest there is in Law Enforcement and I am so proud everyday to be among that family. I have wanted to share something with you for a long time and hope that it brings you some comfort. I wish the best for you in your life and wish for you peace and comfort.. may the memories of your beloved Scott bring you comfort for the years to come... for the rest of your life. When my husband was killed I was given this poem and it brought me some comfort. I hope that it can do the same for you after all these years... I wish the best to you always...

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Mary Frye (1932)


With much love from my family to yours...

Anonymous

March 27, 2010

Maureen, I am and will always be here for you. I still think of Scott as I do of Tommy everyday.
Respectfully, Tim Hanratty

Tpr. T. Hanratty
NJSP

March 2, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twelth 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for your family. The circumstance of your death were horrific, but I am one of those who strongly believe that it is how you lived that is more important than how you died. In reading the reflections, I can see you were an amazing young man who impacted a lot of people in positive ways. The fact that you are loved and missed by so many is a testament to your character

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 24, 2009

Your sacrafice is an inspiration to LEOs around this great country. Your true devotion to duty is never to be forgotten.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Who will guard the guardians?

Officer William M Deford
U.S. Coast Guard Police, Baltimore

July 21, 2009

For Trooper Scott M. Gonzalez:

The circumstance of Trooper Gonzalez's death is among the most horric on record. A pursuit of a suspected felon who then turns violent beyond description. The suspect then uses his vehicle to ram the troop-car pinning the trooper inside. He then utilizes a shotgun to slay the trooper by firing multiple times. The suspect proceeds to shoot himself to complete the deed. Such is the act of a coward. But for the grace of God, each of us that has worn a uniform and retired has escaped such a fate. Easily, it can happen to any one of us that still enforces the law.

Trooper Gonzalez, and other law officers who have died violently, provide us the largest measure of awe and respect that much of the public possess for us. It is the blood of such officers that gives us any true validation as heros. When we are praised, honored or presented with any award it is to these fallen-heros that we should point because t h e y are the most valiant. They are the ones who have displayed incredible courage, ineffable valor and remarkable gallantry. We no-more-than exist in their shadow - as t h e y stand the tallest.

I am forever and equally grateful to each of them, and certainly none more than Trooper Scott Gonzalez. To him I render a final salute.

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

February 23, 2009

Scott , thank you brother for sharing the thin blue with me . you will never be forgotten.....rest on brother we continue to have the watch from here.........

officer val pickens
b'ham p../b'ham , al

December 1, 2008

Your's was the first "In the Line of Duty" funeral I had the honor of attending. Unfortunately, it was far from being the last. Rest in peace.

Patrolman Brad L. Reider #185
Jackson Twp. PD (NJ)

October 8, 2008

I came across this story while just looking over the NJSP webpage and after reading it, I was brought to tears. May you be in Peace and your friends, family and loved ones seek solace in knowing that they will see you again.

February 28, 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

December 12, 2007

Rest in peace as we will always remember you.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

October 24, 2007

Scott,

I cannot believe that ten years have past since that tragic day. I remember it so clearly, how my mom sat me down and told me the news and not wanting to believe that it happened. I remember watching the news and seeing your Troop Car, and I still didn't want to believe it. The day of your funeral, it finally hit me. Seeing your casket draped in the American flag with your hat on top of it, the same hat you put on my head when you graduated, reality began to sink in. Then the Pipes and Drums of the Blue & Gold began to play. I have never forgotten that day. I was so impressed by the showing of comradery that the Troopers showed that day that I knew this was the path in life that I wanted to take. Of course, you knew that already. Ever since you took me to the Log Cabin at Division Headquarters, and seeing the pride in your eyes telling me about your experiences as a Trooper that I knew I wanted to become a Trooper too. I remember when you gave me a tour of Hope barracks and introduced me to some of your squad mates. I remember you driving down the street in your Troop Car to visit me when I was playing street hockey with my friends. I was so proud of you, and I looked up to you not as an Uncle, but as a hero.
Scott, you were my inspiration going through Sea Girt. You were constantly in my thoughts. In PT, doing countless pushups in the same gym that you trained in, I never gave up, knowing the sacrifice you made. The stories I heard from Val and Susan about your shin splints in the Academy, and how you never quit, were inspirational to me. I passed by your picture in the Academy hallway every day and remember the sacrifice you made. The day I graduated was one of the proudest accomplishments in my life. I just wish you were there to hand me my badge.
I often think about were you would be right now if you were still around. Would you still be a road dog, or in narcotics, or a firearms instructor, or even a Sergeant? Whatever it is, I know you would still be a proactive Trooper who likes to get things done. I wish I had a chance to work with you, and seek your guidance in my developing career as a Trooper. But I know you are above us, watching over and protecting us as we put on this uniform and do our duty to help the public.
Every time I put on this uniform I am reminded of you Scott. I keep your funeral card in my hat so you will still be out on the road with me. I have seen a lot of senior Troopers at the station do the same.
Today, on the ten-year anniversary of that fateful night, I just left a memorial service that the Troop held in your honor. Ten years later your memory still lives on and you continue to exemplify what a Trooper should be. It was good seeing Maureen again, and you should take comfort in knowing that she has strong support from the State Police community. She has been a pillar of strength, and continues to be an active part of the State Police family. Today, they spoke of your accomplishments, including the large drug trafficking arrests you made. While at Perryville, I had the opportunity to dig up some of your old reports from the back and read them. I wish you were here to teach me your knowledge and interdiction techniques. I have also run in to some of your former squad and classmates. Each one has a new story for me, and I can truly see how you had such a positive effect on this organization.
I could go on for pages about how you have affected my life in such a positive way. I feel proud wearing the same uniform that you did, especially today, standing at attention at your gravesite, amongst a sea of blue and gold, paying honor to a Trooper whose life was cut short, but in doing so, made the world a safer place for us to live in.
I miss you Scott, and I will do my best to keep your memory alive, and I will never take for granted putting on this uniform. If today is any indication of what the future holds, rest assured you will never be forgotten.

Trooper K. McCormick
New Jersey State Police

October 24, 2007

You are not forgotten PLEASE watch over those men and women in BLUE.........REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex-New Jersey Cop

October 24, 2007

Scott ,
It has been ten years this week since your passing. A long time in calender days but like yesterday for your family ,friends, and classmates. On that tragic day a hero emerged who engaged the worst of society and never backed down. Your words have been forever imbedded in the minds of those who put their uniforms on each and every day and place themselves in harms way -" We don't get paid for what we do , we get paid for what we might have to do." And we will never forget that. You should be proud of Ray and what he has accomplished.He has defined what a true friend is ,but most of all, you should be very proud of Maureen. She has become such a pillar of strength for other wives and families whose loved ones have also been killed in the line of duty. She has become a strong source of support and comfort to those whose lives have changed in a single moment as hers did.
Your classmates will forever keep your memory alive and may you continue to watch over and protect those who may someday stand toe to toe with societies worst as you did and never back down. May we will all be as brave.
Rest in peace classmate and may God bless Maureen and your family.

SFC Anthony Ceravolo
113th Class

SFC Anthony Ceravolo
113th NJSP Classmate

October 22, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 20, 2007

"It's Not GoodBye, but See Ya Later" Scott, you will never be forgotten. My condolences to Maureen, your family, and fellow officers.

Rutgers Police

July 8, 2007

Scott,

10 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. I remember that day you came back from vacation as if it were yesterday. How you complained about how much weight you gained and how we joked about you needing a girdle from all the lobster you ate. That day started like anyother but changed everybodies lives in an instant.

No need to go over the details, you were there much like me. Finding you in your car has haunted me for years but I have found solice in knowing you did everything you could but everything went wrong. Your car broke along with your gun and it happened when you were all alone. I beat myself up for leaving to go take an accident on the other side of the county then racing to find you after you spotted the bad guy. We all wish we were there to take your place or to protect you that day but like I said, EVERYTHING WENT WRONG.

I have a constant reminder of you Scott, My son Alexander. I gave him your name as a middle name and he is well aware of you as a squad mate and friend. Whenever I get down I think of the good times together on the lake, Anthony, Ray, me and you on the boat. We are trying to stay strong for Maureen.

As another writter said earlier, don't worry friend, we got it from here.

Your Friend,
Brett

Det I Brett Bloom #5239
NJSP (Squadmate)

May 1, 2007

You will never be forgotten... God bless you and your family

Detective
Cranford PD (NJ)

December 5, 2006

Even after 9 years, you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. Your loved ones and close friends and the Blue Family will continue to keep your memory alive. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out guarding the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 24, 2006

Trooper Gonzalez,
On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

October 24, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.
G-d Bless you Trooper Gonzalez and may He also Bless your loved ones.

October 24, 2006

I had the pleasure of meeting Scott through his wife Maureen with whom I worked with for many years. I remember Scott when he was a recruit in the state police academy in Sea Girt. Scott would stop by at times when his wife was working to see her. I remember the tragic day that his life was taken from him. There is no explanation for this and it is very hard to understand. I know that Scott and Maureen did have the opportunity to spend some time on a vacation just a few weeks prior to this cruel act of violence. I was actually a recruit for the 118th state police class at the time. I eventually did get a conditional offer from the state police. It was something that from a young age I wanted to do. I like the uniform, how the troopers looked and what they stood for. I wanted to be a part of the elite. I am comparing myslef to Scott in this way because I knew he felt the same way. I loved the oufit and worked very hard to get it. I remember every phase of the year long process. Even when this happened to Scott I still wanted to follow through with my dream as I know he would have done the same. It is something you know could happen but it is a calling. I know what kind of trooper Scott was and he served the people of this state and the state police well. Unfortunately, out of 5,000 applicants who filed for the state police examination only 176 were selected through each one of the rigorous phases. It is sad because I was one of the selected recruits and rightfully earned it. Unfortunately, for me I never did receive my shiny gold badge. I would never be linked to all the troopers before me and after me. But I can live with the fact that I impressed the state police enough to get a conditional offer of employment. The only thing that prevented me from wearing the blue and gold was a medical condition that when the state police knew about my condition I was done. Although many years later I can still get through there academy with no problem and know that I can do the job as well as any trooper. I would have never been trooper of the year but one never does know but more importantly I would have worn the uniform well. What is most important the state police would have had my loyalty. I live with the heartache of not doing what I would have loved to do which was to be a trooper. I know that Scott loved being a trooper. He should be the epitome for the NJSP. I wish to this day that I never had something that was out of my control stop me from doing what I loved. Trooper Gonzalez, was a good trooper and proved that up to the last minute while wearing the blue and gold. Foe me I would have loved to be a part of the NJSP but I am taking what I have to offer to other state police divisions throughtout the country and will be a trooper. I wish NJSP well. And to all Trooper Gonzalez was a an example of what a trooper is all about. To serve and protect no matter what the consequences are. It is sad but to his wife you have a lot to be proud of and I wish you well.

118th state police class

September 28, 2006

Sir,

I am best friends with your nephew who also became a New Jersey State Trooper following in your footsteps. We had the chance to grow up down the street from one another and I was lucky enough to attend the basic academy class with him prior to him being hired with the State Police. He too only wanted to be a Trooper and the grin on his face said it all when he found out he was accepted into Sea Girt. Everyday he wears that uniform with bravery and honor and has showed that in many situations he has had to encounter. I don’t doubt for a moment that you were there to help guide him through each and every one of them. I think it would be hard to find someone else who is prouder to wear the blue and gold. I have only heard great things about you and I wish I had the chance to know you myself. You made the ultimate sacrifice and everyone along with myself who puts on a uniform everyday will do our best to show the same bravery and courage that you displayed. Your name and honor will never be forgotten.

Ptl. Raymond E. Walter
Boonton Township Police Department

July 6, 2006