Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bert – Today we celebrated Bobby’s 4th Birthday! I can’t believe he is 4 already. I know you were with him today sending lots of birthday Hugs & Kisses. He loves & misses his Uncle Bert very much. Every night when he goes to bed he sings to you. We started this right after you died and it has continued until now. He was outside all day yesterday & today after school playing hockey. I can’t believe at the age of 4 how good of a hockey player he is and just how much he really knows about hockey. He is just amazing. I can only imagine how good he will be in a few years. I know you watch him from up there and just wish you could be down here with him. You should see him play baseball. For only being 4 I think he can throw really good. But then again look who his Uncle is.

We’ll in just a few months you will have a new nephew. I can’t wait to hold him. I know you are thrilled to be getting another nephew. Bobby was so cute today. He realized that his brother would be here soon because Jenna is 8 and he is now 4. I have a feeling he is going to be a great big brother and will be very protective of his new little brother. I already know Jenna is going to be a great big sister. She does a great job with Bobby and I know she will be just as great with her new brother. I was going to say how sad it makes me to know that my little boy will never get to meet his Uncle Bert. But some how I know he has already met you and in some way you sent this little guy to our family. He is a true blessing and a special gift from you & dad. I know you watch over us every day. We are very lucky to have the BEST “Guardian Angels” watching over us and keeping us safe.

Please continue to watch over all that love you. Especially Val & her little one as she is very close to having the baby. I just can’t wait. As long as their baby is healthy I will be happy with either a boy or a girl. But I still have my fingers crossed for a “Little Boy”. Our family has been through enough bad times and enough tragedies. That for once it will be nice to get a phone call with good news. I LOVE YOU BERT!!!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

P.S. Bobby told me to tell you "YO UNCLE BERT".

JAMIE MANOS
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

March 12, 2007

thinking of you and praying you are happy bert. 3 years have gone by so fast. i miss you and love you boy!
i remember all our happy times and i still feel so sad.
shell is having a baby, and we wish you were here with us to celebrate another happy occasion in the family.

lorraine

March 5, 2007

Denise,
You are an amazing person. After talking to you the other day, I realize how strong you are. I haven't talked to you in so long and I am so proud at how far you have come from such a terrible tragedy at such a young age. I can not think of anything worse than losing my husband and think its so wonderful how you help other young widows. I am so glad we met you and Bert on our honeymoon! We have so many funny pictures of you guys and great memories! Keep strong!Love, Stacy

Stacy
Friend of Denise

March 4, 2007

Bert,

Good news! Jim and Val came over today and they asked mom to be the godmother of their fourth and final child!! We are really hoping for a boy this time. Val is going to go any day now. So please keep them safe. You know what happened when Bridget was born!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III fo NJSP

March 3, 2007

Bert,

I didn't know you but I was working the day you gave your life for all of us. I see your name on the highway everytime my wife and I go to our vaction spot in Avalon. Rest in peace Troop and thank you for your dedication to life and freedom for all of us who live in New Jersey.

Denise,

God Bless you and your family, and you can be sure that Bert has taken his love for you and his four legged baby Jayda with him to keep with his spirit forever.

Lt. Louis F. Branda
Monroe Twp. Police Gloucester County

March 3, 2007

Hi honey. Please welcome my aunt up there. I am glad she will be in heaven with you.....she can make you all the 7 fish dinners you want and it doesnt even have to be Christmas. She knows which fish you like from the 7. Just tell her to go heavy on the shrimp (haha). Love you and miss you.
Love your wife,
Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

March 2, 2007

thanks for answering our prayers :)

February 27, 2007

We need your help, I am praying that you can help.
thanks :)

February 22, 2007

Bert – I had my ultrasound done on Valentine’s Day. It’s a BOY!!!! You’re getting another nephew. I know you were there with us and were just as happy as we were to find out. But I’m sure you already new I was having another “Little Boy” before that day and in someway I know you & dad had a little something to do with it. The kids are so excited and can’t wait for their “Little Brother” to be born. They went out yesterday and each of them picked out a new outfit for their brother. I will be sure to tell him all about his Uncle Bert!! I will show him pictures and share many stories about you with him. God knows I have plenty. Some I will laugh at & some I will cry at but when I’m done he will know exactly what a Great Person his Uncle Bert was. You will be his Uncle that watches over him & protects him.

Please continue to watch over all that love you and especially my “Little Boy”. Please take Jamie under your wing and show her around up there. Also please give her family the strength to get through the next few days. Unfortunately I know all to well the road they have ahead of them and what it’s like to lose someone who was way to young. Jamie was way to young but I know she is in good hands up there. I know you, dad, & Judy will keep her safe. I LOVE you Bert!!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

February 17, 2007

Bert,

Please take care of Ryan and Jamie up there in Heaven. They were both taken away from their families this week and were much too young!

February 16, 2007

Bert – Jenna celebrated her 8th birthday on Thursday!! I can’t believe my little girl is 8. Where did the years go? Mom picked her up from school and took her out for her birthday. I know you & dad were with her on her birthday sending her lots of birthday Hugs & Kisses. She misses & loves her Uncle Bert very much. We had to go to her school that night to get her report card but of course she did great. She got all A’s!!! Afterwards we went to the mall so she could pick out her birthday gift. I got very sad Wednesday night because I was sitting down writing out the invitations out for both her & Bobby’s birthday party and as I was going through my phone book I came across your name in their. It just made me very sad that I couldn’t write one out to you. But I know both you & dad will be their with us that day especially since we are having it on mom’s birthday.

Please continue to watch over all that love you. I will LOVE & MISS you FOREVER Bert!!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

February 10, 2007

Denise, I don't know how you do it. I will always be a big fan of you and Bert. You have so much to deal with on top of losing him. I truly do not know how you do it. Im glad we met through him and I am always here if you need me. Kim

Kim Friend of Bert and Denise

February 7, 2007

Bert – First I want to say “Thank You” for watching over Bob yesterday and keeping him safe. I know he was ok because he had both you & dad watching over him. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if something bad happened to him on the same day you were taken from me. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will never forget it.

3 years!!!! I still can’t believe it. It seems like yesterday that I saw you & had my last conversation with you. There is not a second that goes by that I’m not thinking about you or how things would be right now if you were still here. Knowing you I know they would definitely be different. I still can’t believe all that tragedies our family has had to go through over the years. All of which were devastating losses. It seemed like every time we turned around someone else was taken from us. The only thing that is a little comforting is that we know you are all up their together looking down on us giving us the strength to get through each day. I knew growing up life would be tough but I didn’t think it would be this tough. At 17 I had to watch my father die of cancer and then at 26 you were killed while on duty trying to keep us safe. I now know just how unfair life can be and how in a matter of seconds someone that I love can be taken from me. I know you were in the thoughts & prayers of many yesterday. I know as the Troopers go out on the road each day you watch over them and keep them safe. So that another family doesn’t have to endure the pain and heartache our family has to deal with everyday. As I went through the day I thought about the 26 years of memories we were able to share together as brother & sister. At times I giggled and at times I teared up. Bert I would give anything to have you back. But sometimes that’s just not how life works. I know I would not have made it through the tough times without you. You were my “ROCK”!!!! I also remember all the times even right up until before you passed away that I saved your butt. As your sister I was happy to do it for you and thinking about it today I’m glad I did and don’t feel one bit guilty. Hey after all isn’t that what sisters are for?

Please continue to watch over all that love you. You will “NEVER BE FORGOTTEN”!!! I will LOVE & MISS you FOREVER!! There is a song I heard after you died and I know you made sure I heard this song. Even though I cry every time I hear it I feel like this song was written about you. The line that I hold close to my heart is “The only thing that gives me hope is I know, I'll see you again someday". How true that is. I know one day we will all be together again but until that day know that you will FOREVER be in my HEART!! Please tell Dad I LOVE & MISS him VERY MUCH!!!!

XOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

February 6, 2007

Bert,
Thinking of both you and Denise today and always.

Lynn Melchionda
Wife of Officer Matthew Melchionda; EOW 3-8-06

February 5, 2007

To Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III, and his loved ones:

It has been three years since your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers, especially my friend who is your devoted mother.

Bert, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Bert.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Bert gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 5, 2004.

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

February 5, 2007

On this day, we all remember and will never forget your sacrifice. Rest in Peace Troop.

Trooper
NJSP

February 5, 2007

Remembering you today and always as the true hero that you are!! Never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 5, 2007

BERT- TODAY WE REMEMBER YOU, I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT I HAVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT YOU. YOU WERE A GREAT PERSON AND A WONDERFUL ROOPER. DENISE IS A STRONG GIRL AND SHE LOVES YOU SO MUCH. YOU WILL NEVER BE FRGOTTEN.

DENISE-I KNOW THIS DAY IS SO HARD FOR YOU, I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU AND WILL FOREVER BE. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON AND ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS. I HATE HOW WE MEET BUT I AM GLAD THAT WE BECAME FRIENDS. I AM HERE TODAY AND EVERY DAY AFTER. I LOVE YA GIRL.

SARAH LAMONACO
dAUGHTER OF TROOPER LAMONACO

February 5, 2007

Miss you today the most!!!

February 5, 2007

Hey Bert -
Thinking of you on this sad day. My thoughts are with your family and friends today. You are missed so much.
Love Always,
Nicole and Tom

Nicole & Tom Useller
Friend

February 5, 2007

The 3rd anniversary of your EOW has arrived and my thoughts are with your loved ones on this day and every day. I know they have thougth of you ever single day over the past 3 years and will continue to do so. You will never be forgotten. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm, also watch over those still out on patrol.

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

February 5, 2007

Just thinking of you on the day, rest in peace "119th Major Crimes."

Former Troop

February 5, 2007

We are trying not to think or relive what happened three years ago but it is impossible. We are still filled with so much sadness that your life was cut so short.

We are so proud and honored to have called you son in law and are happy that you were a part of our family. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. I don't think you realize how much or how often we think and talk about you.

A high school friend of yours who also played baseball with you, saw the sticker on my car just this week and pulled up next to me and motioned for me to put down my window to tell me proudly that he knew you. Made my day. No one will ever forget you. You made that much of an impression on all of us. We tell your story to anyone who will listen.

Thank you for giving Denise the strength to go on and move forward the best way she can.

God Bless you Bert.
Love, Mom and Dad Petrelli

Vicki and Carmen Petrelli
Mother in law and father in-law

February 5, 2007

Bert,

I FINALLY had the honor of showcasing your tune at our recent fundraiser. “Zimmerman”, written for you three years ago, has become a permanent part of the band’s memorial set. Each time I play the tune, I fondly remember the times that we spent together as classmates. When people ask about the tune, I proudly tell them about you, your service, and your sacrifice.

The Monmouth County Police Pipes & Drums is the Host Pipe Band for the National Law Enforcement Memorial Services in Washington D.C. in 2007. We will proudly play “Zimmerman” in remembrance of you and all those who went before us.

God Bless. You are sorely missed.

Det. Paul Seetoo
Pipe Major, Monmouth County Police Pipes & Drums

February 4, 2007

Hi honey. Just thinking about this day 3 years ago....and the last time I saw you alive. Ive written the same vivid scenario each February 4/5. People say it gets easier with time, but I dont think so. No matter how life goes on, you never go away and you are always with me in my heart and in my memories. Sometimes it seems like more than 3 years and other times it seems like not long ago at all. I always hate going to bed on this night and falling asleep because I know that 3 years ago tonite, it was the end of us, the end of Trooper Bert Zimmerman, and the end of BERT...the guy that loved life. I will always love you Bert no matter how life moves forward and changes. I know you know that and no one else needs to know it or understand it. Keep watch up there on your fellow troopers who still do the dangerous job you loved so much.
Love your wife and 4-legged baby,
Denise and Jayda

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

February 4, 2007