Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bert, as much as I miss you and as sad as I am that the 2 year anniversary of your death just passed. Today is a happy day for me. A day that I know I can smile and know it's ok. Today is Jenna's 7th Birthday!!!! So Happy Birthday to your Niece & Goddaughter Jenna!!! I know you & dad are up their singing Happy Birthday to her and looking down on her with great big smiles. You would be so proud of her. She is now in 1st grade and is doing awesome. She just got her report card and got all O's for the second time. I just can't believe she is 7. Man how time has passed. This morning when Jenna got up she said mommy I want to show you a picture. I didn't even have to look at the picture because I already knew which picture she was going to show me. It was the picture of the day she was born and you were holding her. She loves that picture and holds it close.

Please look over Jenna today as it is her special day. But I don't have to tell you that because I know you wouldn't want to be anywhere else but with her today.

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

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

February 8, 2006

THANKS FOR MY SIGN BERT!!! You are so funny, you used Jayda to help you! You made me smile!

Love your wife,
Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

February 8, 2006

To my brother that I will miss forever!!! The person after dad died that I knew I could turn to no matter what. You were never to busy for me and were always their for me. Whether I need someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or just needed a hug. I still can't believe it has been 2 years. I know the heartache I feel will never go away I know this because the heartache I felt after dad died almost 11 years ago is still their. I know you were in the thoughts and prayers of many people this weekend. Their is not a second that goes by that I don't think of you. I still often sit and ask myself why you. You were so young and had so much life still left to live.

It's weird but I remember the 4th & 5th like it was yesterday. You called me on the 4th and we talked for a while. Little did I know that when I hung the phone up that it would be the last time I would talk to you. If I knew that I would never have hung up with you. When I hung up with you I knew you had to go into work that night. I told you I loved you and to be careful. I went to bed that night and the next day was a day that I will never forget.

Sunday morning and afternoon we were all together as a family. We met at the Cemetery where we left flowers and the kids left things that they painted and wrote on for you and then we all went to breakfast at your favorite diner "The Meadows Diner". You loved to go eat their. After breakfast we all drove down to the Memorial. It was so hard to stand their and know that just 2 years before that and just a little ways down the road is where the accident was. As people drove by I wondered if they remembered you and that day. But somehow I knew that anyone who drove by knew. As we stood their a car pulled up and a guy got out of the car. He walked up and told us that he stops their alot and when he's their that he straightens all the flags and always makes sure the two hummers on top of the memorial haven't fallen off. If they should he picks them up and puts them back on. He says he also drives by the memorial every night and salutes you as he drives by. It was so nice to meet him and know that he does this. It's amazing how you have touched the lives of so many people. You are a true HERO & will never be FORGOTTEN!!!!!

As for your Best Friends John & Jim what can I say about them. They are two of the most wonderful & amazing people I have ever met. I am so thankful for them everyday. They are always their for us and to me they are family. I know you wouldn't want it any other way and are so grateful to them for looking after us and making sure we are ok. I think Diane Schuck hit the nail right on the head. She called you three "The 3 Musketeers. How perfect is that because that's exactly what the three of you were. They wanted me to let you know that they honored you in a way you would have wanted them to. Every year the 3 of you went away on a vacation. So they decided that every year on the anniversary of your death they were going to continue taking those trips. So this year they went out to Arizona. On the anniversary of your death they went out and rented a HUMMER & drove it around all day and I'm sure they even had a beer or two for you. But I don't have to tell you because I'm sure you were their with them. Anyone who knew you knew that you wanted a Hummer. Every time I see a white Hummer I think of you. I actually saw 2 of them on the way to work today. It's weird but both times I was thinking about you.

Jenna & Bobby send HUGGS & KISSES to their UNCLE BERT!!!! They LOVE & MISS you very much. Please continue to protect and watch over them. I know they will always be ok because they have you as their Guardian Angel. They will never forget you and will grow up knowing that you were a HERO & that you were a very important part of their lives.

XOXOXOXO

I love you Bert,
Love your "Little Sister"
Jamie

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

February 7, 2006

Your loved ones were in my thoughts Sunday as they remembered the day, two years ago, that forever changed their lives.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

February 7, 2006

Denise,

Two years have come and gone. Time passes by so quickly and change is unstoppable. But the one thing I know that will always remain the same is the love you have for Bert. Always remember that you, Bert and your families are thought of often here in Maryland. Tell your mom and dad I said hi!

Love,
Jenn

February 6, 2006

You are missed dearly. You have touched many people during your short life and really have set an example for everyone to follow. You are missed dearly and I know that you are watching over each and everyone that was a part in your life. Hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl yesterday and that your team won. Whenever I see a trooper or hummer you come to mind and believe me that is often. Rest in Peace and watch over us always.

February 6, 2006

Trooper Zimmerman, I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten you and I never will, you are a true hero. Watch over you family, some days are just harder than others, and we all know what they are.
I hated to use the anniversary word for my son's death, so instead I said that it was his First Birthday, and Second Birthday in Heaven. So if you don't mind, Happy Second Birthday in Heaven Trooper Zimmerman.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

February 6, 2006

On this second anniversary of your death, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. May you rest in peace, sir, in the loving arms of God.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

February 5, 2006

Dear Bert,

The hurt is starting to soften, it will never completely go away but I think we are learning to live with what happened. Life has a way of interfering with grief. We still get up in the morning, brush our teeth, take a shower, go to work, pay our bills and do other normal things. And before we realize it, a week goes by, a month, a year and now two years. I believe the normal things we do on a daily basis are God's way of helping us cope with something so heartbreaking.

Did we think of you more today than we did yesterday or more than tomorrow? No, we think of you all the time. I never realized how many constant reminders there are of you. Seeing someone who resembles you, or sounds like you, or a song on the radio or seeing a Hummer, or watching something on TV, watching a Trooper car go by, and you immediately come to mind. And I am grateful for that because now it brings a smile to my face most of the time instead of tears. I am grateful for all the little signs that we have received to help us through this. And I thank God every night for giving Denise the strength to go on.

We love you and miss you. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have you as part of our family. I am proud to say you were our son-in-law and there will always be a special place in my heart for you.

Love,

Mom Petrelli

Vicki Petrelli
Mother in Law

February 5, 2006

Hi my honey. Your second anniversary today. Anniversaries are supossed to be fun and exciting, we used to have those, but now the anniversaries I celebrate are sad ones. I still remember the night like it was yesterday. The 2 troopers knocked on the door and I was there with Jayda. I can still remember their exact words and I hate it. I don't think that I will ever forget them. Fast forward 2 years and here I am. Last night was so so tough because I just thought back to the Feb 4 of 2004, that was the last night that I saw you. That was the last time you called and left me a cell phone message saying you hoped Id feel better and that you loved me. I knew the time of that message and layed there in the bed last night staring at that very long minute. I hated the fact that Id be asleep as the minute you died passed by. And that by the time I woke the next morning, it would have been all over. But then today came. It was so hard at the cemetary and then my family and I remembered you in our own way today. And Sarah and Donna drove down and surprised me! I was so happy they came to spend the day with me and my family! After that, there were no more tears, just smiles. I am happy that I can talk about you and laugh at the funny things and smile all while missing you like crazy at the same time.

Its ironic that its superbowl sunday. The superbowl in 2004 I remember you skipped watching it so that you could spend time with me instead. I thought that was so sweet. In a way you must have known what was going to happen bc you passed away 4 days later.

We have such wonderful family and friends that have been checking on me, some in the state police, and some not. The words that people have to say about you is wonderful! And it always makes me feel better. Its so nice to know that through everyone's busy days and in the hussle and bussle of life, people take the time to continue to let me know they are remembering you.

I miss you so much my honey. But I know you already know that because you are always with me and you always hear me talking to you. You were the light of my life and I want to thank you for the 6 years you gave me. You were very special to me and I treasure every memory. We will meet again someday Bert. I love you forever and ever. You will always be in my heart.

Love your wife,
Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

February 5, 2006

Denise, Carmen, Vicki and the entire Zimmerman family, please know I'm thinking of you today, on the 2nd anniversary of Bert's death. Hold your memories of him near and dear to your hearts, as he will always live on through each of you.

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane
EOW 8/26/92, Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department

February 5, 2006

Denise,
Although we only met briefly in Washington last year, I still think of you often and hope you are doing well. I know Feb. 5 will always be a difficult day, but remember that Bert is smiling down on you, so smile right back.
Jennifer

Jennifer Waters
Wife of Mike Waters EOW 9/11/03

February 5, 2006

Hey Denise, I just wanted to let you know that Michael and I are thinking of you today and tomorrow. I was just looking at some pictures of Bert and reading some of the things that I had saved. Honestly, I am sitting here in tears. I cannot believe that it has been two years. It really seems like it wasn't even that long ago that you two got married. I am glad that Bert got to have that day. You could always tell from the way that he looked at you how much he loved you. I know that he looks down on and you and wishes he could be there but knows he will always be able to keep you safe and that you will always have each other in your hearts. Remember that memories last a lifetime. Bert is missed by so many people. He is one of those people that made everyone laugh a smile when he walked into a room. He was like a little piece of sunshine on a rainy day. I still think of him as that sunshine. Just remember that Bert is only a memory away. Enjoy your day thinking about those memories, the time Bert made you laugh or did something so funny that your were laughing so hard you felt like you were either going to cry or pee your pants and the times when he surprised you by doing something out of the ordinary and the times when you just cuddled up but didn't say a word. Those are the times to think about and be thankful that you shared that time together. I truely miss Bert and I think about him all the time.

Nikki (friend of Denise and Bert)

Nikki

February 5, 2006

My thoughts are with you today Denise, the family of Bert, and all of the NJ state troopers.
I went to the grave today and left flowers.
I miss you Bert. Your in my heart.

LORRAINE

February 5, 2006

2 years, Is that even possible? Seems like an eternity yest it seems like yesterday. Strange. I remember the day you walked into our department. You were fresh out of the Special Police Academy. Proud as could be. Your presence was immediately noticed by all through your vibrant personality, professionalism, neatness and your honest good nature for life. Contagious. We became friends quickly, despite our age difference. You always brought a smile and a good word along with you. I remeber how you used to come in, even when you weren't working, just to say hi. You made friends quickly, and there was always that special group..You, Jim and John. The 3 muskateers I tell Ya! Could there be 3 friends more deserving of each other? They are still close and miss you incredibly. I'm sure you know that.
You quickly progressed to becoming a Class II Officer, So Proud. It was just after that, that you started looking to move on. Always with State Police in your mind. A brief stop at Evesham Twp. How blessed were they ?
I remember when you first met Denise. You came into headquarters beaming, smiling ear to ear. You told me that "You found her, the one." You knew right away that Denise was who you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. And you did. I remember you bringing her in to meet me. The gleam in your eyes when you looked at her was unmistakable. Love.
Bert, I was never so proud or flattered, as when you asked me for a recommendation for State Police. What an honor for me. When the investigator called me about you, he asked questions about your character, integrity and many other things. I could not say enough good about you. I remember him saying "You make him sound almost unbelievable". I answered him by saying. "He is, He is truly one of the most memorable people you will ever have the honor of knowing.: And Bert, You are!
When I heard about your accident, I nearly fell to my knees. Not You, pleae god, not you. But it was. One of the great losses of my life and the lives of many.
My niece has a special gift and says that you knew I was at the cememtary with my daughter on Christmas. She even said you knew about the discussion that day of you trooper hat. Thank you for nowing we were there and being with us.
Bert....You are truly loved by many. You touched so many lives. More than most in a lifetime. Your funeral proved that and was one of the most miraculous events I have ever experienced. You deserved it all and more. A true tribute to one of the best people I have ever had the priviledge of knowing.
Love and miss you always, Diane

diane Schuck
Gloucester Township PD

February 5, 2006

It is so hard to believe that 2 yrs have passed since you left us. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think of you and talk about you.

To this day, I still meet people who knew you and were inspired by you. It is amazing how many lives you touched in the short time you were on this earth.

On occasion we still get those little signs from you saying hello or telling Denise that you love her. Please keep them coming, they mean so much to everyone, especially Denise.

We all miss and love you very much and are very proud to have you in our family.

Carmen Petrelli - Retired Phila PD
FIL of Trooper Bert Zimmerman

February 5, 2006

Denise,
Thinking of you today as you reflect on Bert's EOW date. I know we don't get to talk that much because 3000 miles has a lot of time zones in between it, but I know that you will do what is right for you today. Wishing you and all of Bert's loved ones hope and peace for better days.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

February 5, 2006

VICKI AND CARMEN,

TODAY IS A DAY THAT IS SO EMOTIONAL AND DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR HEART FEELS THE PAIN OF NOT ONLY A LOVED ONE WHO PASSED, BUT FOR ONE THAT IS HERE FLECTING ON HER LOSS. YOU HAVE GUIDED HER WITH STRENGTH AND LOVE AND YOU CAN BE PROUD OF ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR HER. SHE WILL BE OKAY, BECAUSE YOU WILL BE OKAY.

AS FOR THE TWO FO YOU I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, FOR - THANKFULLY I AM NOT A PARENT WHO LOST, BUT OUR THOUGHTS AND PAIN AND EMOTIONS ARE ALL TO SIMILAR. YOU KNOW PHIL AND BERT ARE UP THERE, PROBABLY PLAYING TEXAS HOLD EM OR POKER AS PEACE LOOKING DOWN AND HOLDING ALL OF YOU.

BUT I AM HERE RIGHT NOW FOR THE BOTH OF YOU. WE HAVE BECOME SUCH GREAR FRIENDS AND I KNOW THERE IS A REASON. NOT SURE WHAT RIGHT NOW, BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER. KNOW I AM HERE FOR YOU AND ALWAYS WILL BE.

DONNA

DONNA LAMONACO WIFE OF TRP PHIL LAMONACO
NJSP

February 5, 2006

TO THE ZIMMERMAN FAMILY

PLEASE KNOW I AM THINKING OF ALL YOU TODAY AND EVEN THOUGH IT IS A DIFFICULT, EMOTIONAL DAY ITS A DAY TO REMEMBER AND REFLECT ON THE GOOD THINGS BERT WAS AND DID IN HIS SHORT LIFE HERE. PHIL IS WITH HIM RIGHT NOW AS I AM WITH ALL OF YOU.

BE PROUD OF WHO HE WAS AND THAT WILL REFLECT ON YOUR STRENGTH. I'M HERE FOR ALL OF YOU.

DONNA

DONNA LAMONACO WIFE OF TRP PHIL LAMONACO
NJSP

February 5, 2006

DENISE,

HI BABE, WANT YOU TO KNOW I AM HERE AS ALWAYS, BUT ESPECIALLY TODAY. I HOLD YOU SO TIGHT FOR I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH. REMEMBER, YOU DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO TODAY, WHETHR IT BE REFLECTING YOUR MEMORIES OF YOU AND BERT, GOING TO A SPCIAL PLACE AND/OR SHARING YOUR DAY WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND LOVE YOU. YOU GAVE YOUR COMMITTEMENT TO BERT AS LOVE AND HONOR AND YOU'VE DONE THAT. HE MAY BE GONE PHYSICALLY, BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART AND MEMORIES. AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU DO IN LIFE.

HE AND PHIL ARE LOOKING DOWN UPON YOU AND EMBRASSING THE LOVE THEY HAVE FOR US, KNOWING AS PHIL IS THERE WITH BERT WE ARE HERE WITH YOU.

WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SITUATIONS LIFE BRINGS US, BUT WE DO HAVE CONTROL OF LIFE AS WE LIVE IT. BE STRONG, BE HAPPY AND LIVE EACH DAY FOR YOU, THAT WILL BE THE BEST COMPLIMENT FOR BERT.

LOVE YOU AND AM HERE FOR YOU.

DONNA LAMONACO

DONNA, WIFE OF TRP. PHIL LAMONACO
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

February 5, 2006

Denise - I can't believe it's been two years. I can still see the look on Gary's face and the sound of his voice as he came home that morning to tell me the tragic news as if it was this morning. I remember every detail from that morning with such clarity. The details from the days that follow are a fog, as was the days themselves. I do remember that without even knowing you that I felt an instant connection to you and my heart just broke and ached for you. Little did I know that not only would I have the pleasure of meeting you, albeit under the somber circumstances of the roadside dedication, but that I would also come to call you my friend. The memories from Washington when you gave Gary the privilege of being your escort as the nation paid tribute to Bert and all of the officers who have given their lives for a profession they so love has forever left an imprint on my heart. I cherish the time we spent together with you and your parents there and since. Know that we will always be here for you.

Mrs. Zimmerman, Andrea and Jamie - You and your family are in our thoughts today and always. Know that we will do our part to continue to honor Bert's memory.

Vicki and Carmen - Words cannot express what your friendship has come to mean to us. You have raised a truly amazing daughter. I have often said that I am in awe of the strength and courage that she has demonstrated during the past two years. But having gotten to know the two of you, I know that she gets much of it from you. Continue to do what you're doing to help Denise as she continue on this journey that I know she wishes she had never had to embark upon. And know that the loss and pain that the two of you have endured is not overlooked or forgotten.

Bert - Denise gave me a pencil etching of you and your car that was done not long after your died. I had it matted and framed and gave it to Gary this morning. He already knows where he's going to hang it. It will be a constant reminder of the sacrifice that you, Denise and your family have made. Not that we need a reminder. Some day when the boys are old enough to truly undersand we will explain to them how Daddy's friend died a hero.
Continue to bring peace and strength to Denise and your family as even though time has elapsed they will forever continue to need it. And know that you will never be forgotten.

Colleen L. Brandt
Proud Wife of NJ State Trooper

February 5, 2006

To Bert and Denise,
Bert- I never had the chance to meet you but I have heard many wonderful, amazing, and funny stories about you. Today we remember you for the sacrifice you made to the state you proudly served, and for that I Thank You. Please keep my dad company up there as I do the same to the ones left behind. We will all be toghether one day until then rest in peace, and know you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,

Denise- I know today will be one of the hardest days of the year for you. Know I am here for you today, tommorrow and a month from now. Hold all of the times you two have spend toghether close to you and if you need to cry do so, or if you need to laught about the funny stories that is ok too, Do what you need to do to get throught this day, but know that alot of people have you in their hearts today. I don't know alot about Bert but from all the stories you have told me he loved what he did and he was an amazing trooper and that is somthing to be proud of, which I know you are. It took two deticated Trooper to do their job to the fullest to bring us toghether and be there for each other and that is just what I will do today. I will be there for you. We may live far but never to far for a friend who needs me. I love you!. Stay strong today, and know your husband is a true hero in blue.
Love,
Sarah Lamonaco

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco

February 5, 2006

Carm and Vikki,
You both will be in your hearts and prayers today. I know your emotions you are feeling and it is ok. A wonderful person was taken. You two have always been there for me and my family and we will do the same. We will get through this together. Know we are here for you always on this hard day as we are with you everyday.
Love
Sarah Lamonaco

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco

February 5, 2006

To the Zimmerman Family,
I know today will be hard for you, know that Bert and your family are in our hearts and prayers today as you are everyday.
Remember the good times and hold on to them. Know that he will always be with you, and he will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
We are here for you all the time.
Love,
Sarah Lamonaco

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco

February 5, 2006

Denise and the Zimmerman Family;

Please know that I will be thinking of all of you today. I know it's hard to believe two years have gone by. I said that to myself when it was three years for Chris.

Please know that time does not stand still, life still moves and we as individuals must do the same. Even though we are stricken with disparity, sometimes we find clarity.

So go out and do what makes each and everyone of you happy. Don't worry about what anyone thinks. Make the most of your lives.

People come and go, but Memories live forever!! God Bless all of you.

Love, Lisa A. Scales
Wife of Trp.1 Christopher S. Scales, EOW 12/3/02

lisa scales

February 4, 2006