Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bert – We’ll were home from vacation. Jenna & Bobby had an awesome time but were so sad to leave. On Sunday I went Jet Skiing and I had an awesome time. I now know why you loved it. I also think I’m the only person who has ever gone jet skiing and cried. Not because I was scared to do it but because all I could think about was you and how much you loved to Jet Ski. But I knew that you were up their looking down on me smiling. So knowing that all those tears turned into a smile. When they first asked me if I wanted to go my answer was no because I knew it would remind me too much of you and I knew how upset I would get. But then I told myself Bert would want you to go. How funny was mom when I told her what I did. After I told her about it she said the same thing I did when I got off now I know why Bert loved it so much.

I’m sure you already know that tragedy struck our family again. Last Saturday which was my first full day of vacation mom called me in the morning to tell me she hated to do this to me but that she had some bad news. I never thought in a million years the bad news she had was what she was about to tell me. She proceeded to tell me that Uncle Robert passed away earlier that morning. But he was more than just an Uncle to me. He was also my “Godfather”. The only thing I can remember saying over and over is that I can’t believe this was happening to me again and how unfair it was. As I laid on the bed crying all I could think about was all the memories I had of him, trips to the Villas, him taking me to “Crab Beach”, Eagles games on Sundays, and most of all him as my “Godfather”. As hard as it is right now to accept I know he is in a better place. I have no doubt that the 3 of you are together. I’m sure you are up their right now getting ready for the Eagles first game. Here it is a week later and I still can’t believe that Uncle Robert is gone. Right now I just feel so empty and heartbroken. The 3 men in my life while growing up who meant the world to me are now gone. First on March 26, 1995 dad lost his battle with cancer, then on February 5, 2004 you were killed while on Duty doing what you loved, and then on August 19, 2006 Uncle Robert passed away. I continuously keep asking my self why dad, why Uncle Robert, and why you? It was when I flipped over the memorial card at Uncle Roberts Memorial Service and the last 2 lines made me understand some of the reason of why. It read: God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. I know that you, dad, & Uncle Robert will give our family the strength we need to get through this. Bert I ask you to please send me a sign letting me know you are all together and that Uncle Robert is OK. Also please look over Aunt Betty, Lisa, & Bobby as they need will need alot of strength to get through this hard time. My heart just truly breaks for them because unfortanatly I know all to well the road they have ahead of them and all the hurdles they will have to jump.

I LOVE & MISS you Bert…I know that we will be together again one day but until then please continue to look over me & give me the strength I need right now. On Thursday I asked you for some advice and I know like always you will send me a sign telling me what I should do. Oh yeah and how funny is Bobby right now. I know you are up their laughing your butt off at him. How many times I look at him and say to myself if Uncle Bert could see you now. How proud you would be of him and all the high fives you would give him. I will never forget you and you will always be in my Heart FOREVER!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

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

August 26, 2006

As someone who comes from a relatively big and close family and a recently married person myself, it is hard not read these reflections and not get a little emotional thinking of all of the wonderful people Trooper Zimmerman left behind. This is just something to let you all know that his brother and sister Trooper's across the bridge are also thinking of him and he will never be forgotten. Thanks for your bravery and service sir!

Cpl/1Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 22, 2006

God Bless your wife Bert, I don't know how she does it.

Jen

August 17, 2006

Bert – I just got done packing for vacation. We leave tomorrow for Wildwood. Jenna & Bobby can’t wait. They are so excited. You know as I always do when I go to Wildwood that I will stop by your memorial. Being down there a week I will probably stop by more than once. As sad as it is for me to go their Jenna & Bobby love to go their. I guess because they are still to young to really understand what it really means. But I know one day when they get older I will share with them what it is for. They also love to go and leave things for you.

Yesterday was a great day for me. Mom called me with the best news ever that we would be getting a new addition to our family. I know you heard in her voice how happy she was when she was telling me. But I don’t have to tell you because I’m sure you knew before we all did. Jim & Val are expecting another baby. I am so happy for them and can’t wait. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a boy. Bobby & Joey need another playmate. They have 3 beautiful girls who I love with all my heart. Jim, Val, Sarah, Bridgette, & Emma are a very special to me and I know you are just happy to know they are part of the Zimmerman Family. They may not have the Zimmerman last name but they are Zimmerman’s to me. I know you wouldn’t want it any other way. I know I don’t have to ask you this because I know you are already doing it. Please look over Val & this baby until he or she is born. I now know why Jim was your best friend. I don’t know if I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for him. I know you are grateful for all that he does for us and how he looks after us. He is a truly amazing man and I am thankful to have him in my life.

I asked you the other day for advise on something and I wanted to say thank you. You sent me my sign like you always do on what I should do. We’ll I did it and I am very happy that I did. Please send me all the strength you can because I can use it. I will MISS & LOVE you FOREVER!!!!! Please say hi to Dad for me and tell him I LOVE & MISS him too. You are both in my heart and I will never forget either of you. There is NOONE that could ever take either of your places in my life. You both have a special place in my heart that will never go away. Someone saw my tattoo today and told me how much they loved it and thought it was a great way to honor you. I am very proud of it and I am so glad that I chose that way to honor you. You are forever with me. We’ll please look over us and protect us like you always do. I know we will be together again some day. Until then keep us safe. I LOVE YOU BERT!!!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

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

August 17, 2006

Three years ago today, I walked Denise down the aisle and gave her to you as your wife. It seems like yesterday.

There isn't day that goes by that we don't think about you or talk about you. It's still so hard to believe that you are gone.

But today........all I can think of is you and Denise and how happy you were that day. I can still see you in my mind and how you beamed as we walked down the isle toward you in church. And how you danced and sang and had such a great time at the reception. I'll never forget that day.

Everyone close to us had you both in their hearts and minds today. Denise still amazes us with her stength. However the sadness that she hides in heart was plain to see on her face today.

I know that you are always with her and watching over her. WE all love and miss you. Rest in Peace, Son.

Love Vicki and Carmen
In-laws of Trooper Bert Zimmerman

Carmen Petrelli
Father in Law

August 16, 2006

Bert
Just thinking of you today and Denise as well... today would of been 3 years that you and Denise would of been married! if you were here, we probably would be down in the basement drinking a coors light and watching some sports show and possible yelling at the kids to be quiet! I think of all the fun memories we would of had and more that should of been ahead of us. Thinking back to your wedding, i remember how much fun we all had and especially how much both you and Denise loved eachother. It seems just like yesterday at times and other times it feels like forever. everybody's lives have changes since youve been away and i guess thats something we cant change nor understand BUT we wont forget you and the terrific man you were. we all miss you so, so much....i wish you were here so i could say happy anniversary!! and as always Denise, i'm thinking of you today and hope you are doing okay!
Love you bert
Michele

michele
friend

August 16, 2006

Hi my honey. Today would have been our 3 year wedding anniversary...it isnt any easier than any of the other 3 wedding anniversaries we never got to have. Never even had 1. We had such a beautiful day (not weather-wise since we both know that it poured and the air conditioner broke in the church the day of our wedding in 94 degree weather!) but it was a beautiful day for US. We had so much fun and everything was perfect. I still remember that look on your face when the doors opened and my dad walked me down the isle. That is one of my favorite pictures of you. Everyone talked about how much fun they had at our wedding and I think thats because of you! You were so funny in your indian chief hat during the YMCA song and drinking beer out of our centerpieces with my college roommate's husbands and breakdancing on the floor haha. SO many of my memories seem just like yesterday.

Not a day goes by that I dont think of you and miss you. You are always in my heart and in my dreams and I am very thankful for the 6 years that we had together. I will always love you and always miss you.

Love,
Boo Boo

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman End of Watch 02-05-04

August 16, 2006

I think of you often. You are dearly missed. I just wanted you to know everyone is looking after each other but we miss you.

Sue Pearce
Aunt

August 15, 2006

BERT---JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU. WITH SO MUCH HATE AND EVIL IN THIS WORLD IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO WILL STAND UP TO IT. YOU MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. THANKS. JEFF HEANEY

JEFF HEANEY

August 14, 2006

Dear Bert,
Over the last 5 months I have been able to get to know your wife, Denise. She immediately reached out to me after my husband passed away and she has been an unbelievable help to me since that horrible day. She is an amazing person and I'm sure you are very proud of how she has helped so many others. Denise and I have shared many stories of you and Matt and the similarities that you both shared. So there is no doubt in our minds that you and Matt have already met and are buddies in heaven. We only wish that you both could be here with us. Please know that you will never be forgotten for your dedication and the sacrifice that you made. You will always be a true hero. Thank you for bringing Denise to me to help me through this very difficult time.

Lynn Melchionda
Surviving Spouse of Officer Matthew Melchionda EOW 3-8-06

August 14, 2006

It will be 2 1/2 years since your tour of duty ended and I know the tears still flow from the hearts of those that love you. There are no words I can offer to help them with their pain except to take one day at a time, thats about all any of us can do that have lost an officer. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and visit them in their dreams to let them know you are okay. I just received this poem in the mail today and I would like to share it with your loved ones and close friends:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

by Richard Fife


Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

August 2, 2006

Bert – We’ll Jenna started Cheerleading tonight. So I guess that now makes me a cheerleading mom huh? How scary is that ME a cheerleading mom? I still can’t believe my “Little Girl” is a cheerleader. I can remember growing up saying if I ever had a girl she would never-ever be a cheerleader. But there I was tonight taking her to her first practice. Of course her first practice had to be on one of the hottest days. I sat their thinking how did this happen. How was Jenna doing the one thing I swore I would never let her do. Then I said because it is so her. She will be an awesome cheerleader. She is so outgoing and is a perfect Raa-Raa. She loves to dance & sing. But I know you already know that. I also know how proud you are of her and how much you love her. I know that you watch over her everyday. Jenna loves her Uncle Bert and their isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t miss you. I often sit and wonder how things would be if you were still here. I can definitely say It’s just not the same. You were not only an amazing brother but an amazing person as well and there is NOONE that will EVER be able to fill your shoes. I hope that Bobby grows up to be just like his Uncle Bert and maybe even follow in your footsteps. I know you were there as Bobby sang to you tonight. He can’t go to bed until he sings and tells you how much he loves & misses you. He then tells you Sweet dreams & to watch over him. Is he just not the cutest? I can still here you say “YO BOBBY”. It is just so sad to not be able to hear that anymore. Thank you for looking over Bobby the past few weeks. I got some good news for once yesterday. Bobby still has a little ways to go but I can actually breathe again and know that very soon it will all be ok. I heard something the other day on the radio and after I thought about it for a little bit it actually made me feel a tiny bit better. They said if “God” brings you to it then “God” will get you through it. I just wish he would make helping me deal with your death a little less painful. I turned 29 last week and for some reason out of everything my birthdays are the hardest to get through. Once again I pulled out the last Birthday card that you gave me. Of course I read it and cried.

We’ll continue to look over us. I LOVE & MISS you very much. You will forever be in my heart and I will NEVER forget you or the sacrifice you made that morning. For that you will always be my HERO. Tell Dad I said HI & that I LOVE & MISS him too. As hard as it is to live everyday with out the two of you it’s comforting to know that you have each other up there.

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

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

August 1, 2006

Bert, 8 years ago today we went on our first date-Fridays for dinner and then to see Saving Private Ryan. What a first date movie haha. Its weird but when you came to pick me up at my parents house (in your navy blue polo shirt and jeans), I KNEW you were the one. I just did. I dont know how but I did. I can still see you standing in the doorway of my parents house waiting in the same spot you always did by the bottom of the steps talking to my parents until I came down. We still swear you stand there sometimes. I miss you and I wanted you to know that today is still one of our anniversaries to me. I love you and you are always in my heart.
Love your wife,
Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

July 25, 2006

Bert – I want to Thank you & dad for looking over Bobby today. I’m so glad he had the both of you to look over him when I couldn’t be with him. He is a very lucky little boy to have such great Guardian Angels in his corner. I know you heard him singing to you last night. I just love listening to him sing to you. Then he blows you kisses, tells you how much he loves & misses you. When I asked him where Uncle Bert was he said in Heaven. Then he asked me if he could go to heaven and I asked him why and he said to see Uncle Bert. When I told him he couldn’t go to heaven to see you he got very sad and asked why can’t I go see Uncle Bert. I didn’t know how to explain that to him. He’s only 3 and still doesn’t understand. At that point my heart broke because it’s so sad to see how much your death has affected Bobby. It’s been 2 ½ years and my heart is still broken as much as it was the day you died. I try to keep hope that one day it will get easier and the pain will lesson. Again thank you for looking over my little boy. But I know you wouldn’t have been anywhere else today but with your nephew & godson.

I will Love & Miss you Forever!!!! You will Never Be Forgotten and you will always have a place in my heart. Please continue to look over all that Love you.

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

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

July 14, 2006

BERT, I WENT TO SEE YOU TODAY AS I DO EVERY WEEK. I LEFT FLOWERS FOR YOU AND MOMMY. FOR SOME REASON, I FELT SO SAD TODAY THINKING OF YOU. WE MISS YOU SO MUCH.
CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER US AND KEEP US SAFE.
I PRAY STILL FOR PEACE FOR DENISE. ITS JUST NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU.

lorraine

July 7, 2006

The Brothers and Sisters of the 137th and 138th class HONOR and RESPECT what TPR. Zimmerman did for the NJSP. All of us can only shadow his immaculate 3 year career. As its been said in the past TROOPERS STAND IN THE SHADOWS OF NO ONE!!!

137th
NJSP

July 7, 2006

Bert – How cute was Bobby last night. Is he not just the cutest hockey player in the world? For only 3 he is really good. But then again look who his father is and how much we all love hockey. He is a die-hard hockey fan. Last night as soon as we got home he sat down with his snack and was watching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup. We taped it for him so he could see the guys skating around with the cup. Of course this morning he had to watch it before he left for school. It’s just amazing how much he knows about hockey at the age of 3. I know you and Dad were up their watching him. Mom was calling him Dave Shultz. I’m sure by watching him you both know why. It just makes me so sad that even though I know you are watching him from up above but it’s not the same as you being here and him being able to come off the rink and give you high fives. I know you would have been their last night and I know exactly what you would have told him. You would have been giving him high fives and telling him that’s my boy. You would have been that proud Uncle watching his nephew play hockey for the first time. We’ll he plays again next Monday so make sure you’re their but I don’t have to tell you that because I know you will be their every time he plays.

I Love & Miss you very much Bert. Please continue to watch over us.

Love,
Jamie

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

June 20, 2006

Bert I ask you & dad to please give me the strength I need to get through today. Today is the day for the sentencing for the man who was charged with your death. It will also be a very very hard day for me. I ask you to please send me a sign and let me know you are with me. I love you Bert & will never forget the sacrifice you made the morning of February 5th 2004. You will forever be my HERO!! You hold a special place in my heart that no one else can fill. I will LOVE & MISS you FOREVER.

Love,
Jamie

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

June 8, 2006

Hi my honey, finally a bit of good news! The armed robber who committed the crime at the wawa the night you died is FINALLY held responsible for your death! 30 years total....20 years for the first robbery, 15 a piece for the 2nd and 3rd robberies (which unfortunately will run concurrent to the 20 years) and 10 years for manslaughter. He accepted the plea bargain for the lesser charge with the maximum sentence. But at least we dont have to go to trial! We were all spared that pain. I guess God thought we had all suffered enough when you passed away and didnt want to make us suffer anymore. No matter how many years he got Bert, it will never bring you back. And thats what makes me more sad and more angry than anything. I love you and miss you and you will ALWAYS be in my heart.
Love your wife,
Denise
PS Jayda misses and loves you too

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-04

June 4, 2006

Denise,
As the trial starts I know how hard it will be for you but I also know how strong you are as a person, you will be as strong as you were the first day I meet that night in Feb. Know we are here for you anytime needed, to talk, cry or just to be your friend. Don't worry about Bert my dad is with him and will stand by his side as we do to you. One way or another the person who did this will get what he deserves that I promis. I love you Nino

Bert, As you look down on your wife and family give them guidence and let them know you are with them. Don't be afraid you have alot of Troopers up there supporting you as they all look down here. I will take care of Denise I will do what ever she needs to get through this and be her friend for life.. Until we meet

Sarah Lamonaco

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco

May 30, 2006

DENISE,

OH HOW I WISH YOU DID NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS TRIAL. JUST TO KNOW HOW EMOTIONAL AND HEART WRENCHING IT IS GOING TO BE, MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS AS I DID. WHENEVER YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU, PICTURE THE PROSECUTOR IN IS UNDERWEAR. NO, I'M NOT KIDDING, I DID, AND EVEN IF I GAVE MYSELF A CHUCKLE (WHICH IS THE FACE PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS SUPPOSE TO BE SAD DURING THIS) THE CHUCKLE WORKED.

I SPOKE TO YOUR MOM TODAY, AND GAVE HER MY LOVE TO SEND TO YOU AND CARMEN AND BERT'S FAMILY AS WELL. I'M HERE FOR YOU AS SARAH IS. I WILL HAVE MY CELL WITH ME AT ALL TIMES. USE IT, CALL AND TALK.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE BRAVE, JUST STRONG. AND KNOW YOU WILL GET YOUR STRENGTH FROM US.

I LOVE YOU BABE, AND MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU. I WILL HOLD YOU IN MY THOUGHTS EACH DAY. BY THE WAY PHIL WILL BE WITH BERT SO OUR STRENGTH IS DOUBLED.

GOD BLESS
DONNA

LAMONACO
DONNA

May 30, 2006

BERT

I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW TO GO TO PHIL, SIT WITH HIM AND ALLOW HIM TO BE YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL. THE TRIAL IS BEGINNING AND DENISE AND YOUR FAMILIES ARE STARTING A JOURNEY THAT WILL REFLECT ON THAT HORRIBLE DAY THAT TOOK YOUR LIFE.

I WILL BE HERE FOR THEM AS WILL MY SARAH. I WILL BE THEIR GUARDIAN ANGEL DOWN HERE AND BESIDES THE PRAYERS EACH NIGHT, THE THOUGHTS AND REMEMBERING MY OWN HORRIFIC FOUR YEARS OF TRIALS, BUT WILL HOLD THEM AND PROTECT THEM TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY. I NEED YOU TO DO THE SAME. PHIL WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE TEARS YOU WILL SEE, THE ANGER YOU MAY HEAR AND THE PAIN FELT.

OUR LITTLE DENISE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, THERE IS NO DOUBT, BUT SHE WILL NEED US NOW MORE THAN EVER AND WE WILL NOT LET YOU OR HER OR HER FAMILY DOWN.

I WILL LOOK FOR THE SHINY STAR NEXT TO PHIL'S EACH NIGHT AND KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING OVER HER. I ASK YOU AND MY LOVE PHIL TO GIVE SARAH AND I THE STRENGTH TO KNOW WHAT TO DO AND SAY. WE LOVE ALL OF YOU YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW - NO MATTER WHAT - WE ARE TRUELY FAMILY.
GOD BLESS YOU

DONNA

lamonaco
donna

May 30, 2006

I think of you often, but will be thinking of you now especially with the upcoming trial. God Bless you and your family.

May 29, 2006

Bert,

Please wrap your loving arms around Denise and give her the strength she'll need for the upcoming trial.

Thank you.

Love,
Mom and Dad Petrelli

Vicki Petrelli
Mother in Law

May 26, 2006

Bert - This is National Police Week. This past weekend in Washington, DC all Law Enforcement Officers who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice were honored. For those who were killed in the Line of Duty in 2005 their names were added to the wall this year. A wall in which I hold close to my heart. Some people may just think it's a wall with a bunch of names on it but to those who have been their and have taken part in National Police Weekend know it to be anything but that. This wall is just truly amazing. I can still remember the first time I saw it. It actually took my breath away. As I walked along the wall I realized something that day that I was not alone. How many people out there that were in the same position that I was. The wall also made me realize how many Law Enforcement Officers made the Ultimate Sacrifice. It hurt to know that what brought us all together and what we had in common was that we lost someone we loved who was doing nothing but their job. So this week I honor "ALL" Law Enforcement Officers. The ones who are no longer with us and also the ones who are still here with us. I honor you my brother for all that you did to keep the citizens of NJ safe and for getting the criminals off the street. But unfortunately on February 5th, 2004 while doing not only your job but also what you loved best you were taken from us. I just want you to know that I will never forget the Sacrifice you made that morning. To me you are not only my brother but also my "HERO" & I will forever be grateful to you. Their are also 2 others officers that I prayer for every day and I have a special place in my heart for them. I Love them both and I am grateful for everything they have done for our family over the past 2 1/2 years. Without them I don't know if we would be where we are today. John & Jim are two of the "BEST". But I don't have to tell you this because you already know this. So I ask you Bert to please look over them and protect them as they go to work every day. Because honestly I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to either of them. I love you & miss very much. You will forever be in my heart & I know one day we will be together again. So until then continue to be our “Guardian Angel” and protect us.

XOXOXOXO

Love your “Little Sister”
Jamie

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

May 16, 2006