Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sir,

Thank you for your service to all of us. At the time of you passing, I was in the MCPA as a recruit. You stood for honor and each day we took time to remember you and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice before you. You stood for alot and although I did not have the chance to ever meet you, I know from all I have heard, that you were a great man and a great Trooper. You were remembered back then and I still remember you now. Rest my friend, you did your job with honor, and those you left behind remember and always always will for sure. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace Sir.

Recruit from MCPA
class #50

March 16, 2006

Each day I put the uniform on I think of you and the others that have fallen in the line of duty. It is because of your dedication to our outfit that gives each Troop our pride. I also think of the strength your family and friends show while they continue to show thier dedication to the outfit. I know you are patrolling heaven and I hope to ride with you someday. May God bless you and your family.

January 9, 2006

Scott,
Remembering you and your family. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and comfort your family.

Ret. Sgt. AJC
MCSD, NJ

January 1, 2006

Sir I never had the honor of knowing you but you motivate me every day to do the job the right way. Your memory is alive and well in the hearts and souls of all the troops. I only hope that I can honor you and all the others fallen in how I live my life. One day in another place I hope I have the honor of meeting you.

anonymous

November 20, 2005

To the family and friends of Trooper Scott Gonzales and his fellow officers with the New Jersey State Police:

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Trooper Gonzales was brutally murdered eight years ago. On this the anniversary week of his tragic death, his valor and dedication is remembered and honored.

May you continue to be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you.

It was wonderful to read how successful his scholarship fund has been and it is such a magnificant way to honor Scott. Another light in his rainbow.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Scott gave to his community, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 24, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 24, 2005

Rest In Peace, Scott, on this 8th anniversary of your End-Of-Watch:

Your grave site is located right between my Father and Grandfather's graves...just a few steps. You are in good company, as they both served as Newark (NJ) Police Detectives, until cancer cut short their careers, in 1963 and 1961 respectively.

Whenever I visit Dad and Grand-Pop, I always stop to visit with you, and say a prayer. Then, I'll pull any weeds missed by the cemetery personnel, and wipe things clean with some tissues. Being a retired NJ Police Officer, I know quite a few NJ Troopers, but that is “our secret,” okay?

In my Criminal Justice classes, no student can last a 16-week semester without my emphatic accounts of the Best of the Best…the New Jersey State Police! (Honor, Duty and Fidelity!).

Sleep soundly, Trooper, free from the stress of such a hateful and sinful world. I'll see you when I can’t pull those weeds anymore...

Dr. John Hill, Ret. Police Officer
Middletown Twp. NJ Police

October 24, 2005

i miss you scott,it is hard to meet a special friend like you,some day we will meet in that special place you are in.until then you will alway"s be in my heart trooper.

sgt.thomas amwake ret.
camden co.

August 7, 2005

Rest easy Hero, you are not forgotten.

To Muareen, I am very sorry for your loss. Although I was not married to the officer I grieve for, I did have a very profound love for him. Jake was my best friend. I know the hole it leaves in your heart, and I pray for you. Be proud of the courage and bravery your husband had as a Trooper. For these men are special breeds and do the jobs most others would run from. Stay strong, and know that you will be with him again.

Melissa
friend of Jake Laird EOW 8/18/04

June 18, 2005

You are a hero like none outher. Stand fast on the high ways of heaven, Trooper, we got where you left off down here

May 2, 2005

Trooper Gonzalez, I never had the honor of knowing you, only your story. And I could never pay you for your service, only remember you. You are a hero to me and so many more. Rest easy sir, we got it from here

January 1, 2005

Scott,
In the more than 7 years since you have been gone,I am still amazed by the tremendous outpouring of support to the scholarship fund and dedications to honor your name and memory, as well as the personal favors and assistance that has been given to me, whenever I need anything at all, I just have to ask and it is taken care of, which is a sign of their brotherhood. The fund has grown, and is much more established than I could ever have hoped for when it was created and it's still going strong. It is very rewarding and makes me very proud to award these scholarships every June in your name.
The holidays are upon us,and I often recall our holidays spent together, cutting down a tree at the Quick Christmas tree farm, hanging our special ornament together or just snuggling on the couch to watch some of our favorite movies.." The sound of Music", (I hear "my favorite things" often and think of how you sang that to me to make me laugh when I was sad.) "Chitty-chitty bang bang", and the "march of the wooden soldiers", and miss you so much more around this time. (I know, that info may tarnish your reputation as a salty dog, but it was the part of you that no one could know.)
To many people it may appear that I am strong,and am getting along just fine on my own. I do alright, but my heart is empty and there is just no way to fill the void in my life. With you,I always knew I had someone to rely on and to love. I still and always will miss you.
It's strange, but in a good way, I still feel your presence with me. This past June when I was giving out the first scholarships of this year, as I got out of my car and looked over the building...there was a rainbow right over where it said West Orange High School, and felt you were still there with me even after 7 years. I shared our rainbow stories with the audience that night. This weekend will be another dedication to your name and memory, in honor of your sacrifice, a boat dedication, that will bear your name.I am proud to be your wife. You are forever in my heart, Love Maureen

Maureen/Wife

December 17, 2004

Trooper Gonzalez you and your family will forever been in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your dedication and service to the people of NJ.

L.E.O. Wife

November 9, 2004

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE *** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina.

Chief (retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

October 25, 2004

7 years ago today Trooper Scott M. Gonzalez lost his life in the service of his country and community. We honor this hero today by dedicating all of our shifts in his memory with the the resounding message that he and all who serve and sacrafice will never be forgotten.

OMY/COP/WPD
10/24/04

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

October 24, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I pray for you, your immediate family, and your police family.

Thank you for your service. You died a true hero.

October 24, 2004

In loving memory of trooper Scott G.:
The years have passed, but your
memory hasn't faded, thanks to your
wife and your fellow leos and friends.
Your death has not been in vain. May God continue to bless your memory
and heals those who are still missing you. From one coast of
America to the other,
Lynn Kole
Washington State

October 24, 2004

It seems like it was just yesterday you were taken, but years have gone by. I keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless you and your loved ones.

Ret Sgt AJC
MCSD, NJ

July 31, 2004

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 20, 2004

Scott,
I was always proud of you,your loyalty, your dedication and devotion, not only to me, but to your job,and to other important things that mattered to you. Your integrity, compassion, committment and bravery is an inspiration to me and others.
Every year I present a scholarship to selected student at both of our high schools,and to NJSP families. The criteria is based on your facing adversity,and determination to overcome any struggles to achieve your goals and live your dream.I seek out the underdog student, who fights hard, and deserves the recognition for their efforts, just like you earned the title of NJ stateTrooper. It is very rewarding, not only to the students, but to me as well. It is a perfect way to transform a tragic event into something very positive. Your fellow troopers, friends and even stragers have been very supportive to the fund, and to me personally at the time of the event and even now. I am very grateful to them for all of their help and friendship over the years. It has helped me to carry on with my life.
I fought hard to seek justice, in a law suit, that we lost. I still believe, that if those car doors had nnot been jammed at the hinges, that you would have fought off the individual with your bare hands if necessary, and would have been scarred, but would liekly have been alive. They did get new weapons, which were badly needed, and they are satisified with them.
On your headstone, it reads, " to be willing to die so that honor and justice may live", a principle I know you believed in firmly.You are a legend, an inspiration and a hero, to others and of course to me. I will always love you. Until we can be together again, watch over all of us, and help give guidance to the other troopers and local cops all over so they may go home to their familes each and every night. God Bless law enforcement officers, They do so much to ensure our safety they should be safe too. Your, wife, Maureen

Maureen Gonzalez, wife/widow

April 13, 2004

Scott,
It was an honor knowing you through out the years. I remember how excited you were when you got the nod for NJSP. all you did was grin. I miss bumping into you "cous"
Bernie

Sgt. Bernard Jewson
Bernardsville Police Department

March 19, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, October 24, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Trooper Scott Gonzales who died on this date six years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Trooper Gonzales' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

October 24, 2003

Rest in peace troop, your tour is complete. Please watch over us as we continue on.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

October 24, 2003

Scott,

God Bless you and the sacrifice you have made for us.

You should know that your death has resulted in many changes for the NJSP the least of which is the procurement of a new weapon which is now a controversy but the change was brought by you.

Your memory lives on in the form of a scholarship program and golf outings. Your lovely wife is very active in all of these events and the Troops are always looking out for her. Jim

Anonymous

I'm very sorry for Trooper Gonzalez, his family and fellow troopers. Another visitor of this website said it well when he posted that, "The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." You certainly faced this evil with great courage, Trooper Gonzalez, and countless numbers of people mourn for you. God bless your family. I have a NJ State Police patch in my patch collection, and will always remember that he helped make it stand for what it is today.

Pat
Baltimore, MD

Trooper Scott GONZALEZ will always remain in our thoughts and we will always pay tribute to him at our annual Crossing the Bridge fund raiser. In great memory of Scott we are able to raise money for other Troopers from NJSP and PSP who have been injured or have fallen as a hero of thier department. We will always remember the sacrifice Scott has made for all of us. We would like to thank Scott's wife Maureen for all of her hard work for all of us.

Trooper Victor ORTALANO Jr
Pennsylvania State Police Troop