Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today is one year, at times it feels like an eternity but I just wanted to let you know that you are dearly missed.
Just continue to watch over those who love you. Also I know you will be watching the Eagles game along with your dad on a big screen TV. This is what the two of you have been waiting for too many years, so enjoy the win for the Eagles, with the man who has been in your heart for years and now you can spend time with him again. I wish the both of you could be with us to celebrate. I know that you will be with us in spirit so LETS GO EAGLES, and know that you are in our prayers always.


AUNT SUE

February 5, 2005

Bert, I dont even want to relive this nightmare of a day. I dont even want to get into the days happenings one year ago. I just want you to know that I loved you more than life itself, more than I have ever loved anyone before. You will ALWAYS be in my heart and in my memories.

I read something the other day that made me think of you:

"Each day I live brings me one day closer to you."

Love your wife,
Denise

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

February 5, 2005

Denise, Just wanted you to know, that people who are following you down this terrible and lonely path are thinking of you today. I'm praying for you and your family that you will find happiness one day and your memories of your husband will fill your heart with joy instead of such heartache. Take care of yourself.

Missy Pierce

Missy Pierce
Brandy Winfield's Sister-in-law EOW 10/14/04

February 5, 2005

Denise,

I am thinking about you even more today than I think about you every day. From our email conversations, you are truly an amazing woman. Keep staying strong.

Love and hugs,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

February 5, 2005

May God continue to bless Trooper Zimmerman's family and friends. God bless you brother.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA.

February 5, 2005

Thinking of you and your family on this day.

February 5, 2005

Bert,

I honestly don’t even know where to begin. February 5th 2004 a day of tragedy, sadness, and a day that changed my life forever. I can’t believe it will be one year tomorrow that you were taken from us. I am just so glad that I got to talk to you the day before you died but little did I know that when I said good bye at the end of our conversation that it would be the last time that I would ever get to talk to you. I can say that many people loved you and I know that tomorrow will be a tough day for all of us. Part of me just wants to go to sleep tonight and not wake up until Sunday morning. But I know that is not possible and I know that you would want me to get up tomorrow and face the world. You would think over time that it would get easier and the pain would lessen. But unfortunately that didn’t happen.

I still remember that morning like it was yesterday. Sleeping in my bed just waiting for the alarm to off but instead of getting woken up by the alarm I was woken up by pounding on my front door. My first and only thought was that it was someone to tell me that Andrea went into labor because she was due to have the baby the following Thursday. When I opened the front door and saw Joe I was like yes she’s in labor and I’m going to have a new niece or nephew. It was until I opened the screen door and the outside light came on and saw John that something told me that wasn’t why they were their. I still remember John standing in front of me telling me that you were in a very bad car accident and then he proceeded to say I’m sorry to have to tell you this but he didn’t make it. After that everything went fuzzy and was all a big blur.

To sit here and write this is very hard for me. I want you to know that you will always be my HERO!! You will FOREVER be in my HEART and you will always be with me wherever I go! I know you and Dad are together. Please tell him hi and that I love & miss him. I sometimes think that Andrea, mom & me are being tested. I think god wants to see just how much the 3 of us can handle. Tomorrow it will be 1 year for you and in March it will be 10 years for dad. Do me a favor if you should see GOD tell him that’s enough and that we threw in the white towel.

In the next two months Jenna, Joey, mom, & Bobby will be celebrating birthdays. As we celebrate each birthday I know that you will be there with us. These birthdays are a little harder than the others because they are so close to the day you died. Your family was the most important thing to you. I have so many stories and memories of you and me but I’m just not at the point to where I am ready to share them with people. They are tucked away close to my heart and will stay there until I am ready to share them.

For everyone who has posted a reflection through out the past year I want to take the time to thank you. Your kinds words and prayers are greatly appreciated. To all the New Jersey State Troopers please stay safe and know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I also want to thank everyone who has been there to support my mother Verna, my sister Andrea and myself though this past year. Without all of you I don’t know if we would have been able to get this far.

Ok Bert the EAGLES are going to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday. I’m sure that for all of us who are Eagles fans would agree that for Sunday and Sunday only you could stop being our Guardian Angel and be one for the Philadelphia Eagles. Please keep them safe and help them to bring home a VICTORY!!!! I know on Sunday you and dad will be flying high over Jacksonville rooting very loudly for those Eagles.

Please continue to look over us and keep us safe. You will never be forgotten. I LOVE YOU BERT!!!!!

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
BERT'S SISTER

February 4, 2005

Bert - I remember that February morning like it was yesterday. Gary walked in the door and woke me up and I could tell by the look on his face that something horrible had happened. Never could I have imagined just how horrible. The next few days were a fog. While I did not know you, though I think we may have met once, one did not have to know you to have been completely shaken by what had happened. Maybe even more so as only eight nights earlier Gary had been in an accident on the job. Now eight days later he lost one of his classmates. Gary was there with you those early morning hours of February 5th and stayed by your side. Since then, you have stayed by his side and been his guardian angel - saving him from two more near misses. I know some people don't believe in those things - and I'm not so sure I did either - but now I am a believer. You will never know how grateful I am to you for looking after my husband and protecting him. Please continue to do so, especially tonight as he is working an overtime on the anniversary of your death and with black ice on the road. Continue to protect all of your brothers of the 119th and the New Jersey State Police. Look after your family and try to bring them some peace. Especially Denise. I am so in awe of her courage and strength. God Bless You Troop and continue to patrol those highways of heaven.

Denise- You have been on my mind so much this week and almost every minute today. I so wish we could have met under different circumstances but am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to get to know you, if even a little, now. You are living the nightmare that all of us wives dread every day, and you do it with such strength and grace - although it may not feel like it to you. You can keep Bert in your heart forever, as I know you will, and still move on. While I know things will never be easy, my wish for you is that they become easier and that someday soon the good days outnumber the bad. You and Bert are forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Colleen Brandt
Wife of a NJ State Trooper

February 4, 2005

February 4...one year ago this was the last day I saw you alive, the last time you kissed me goodbye, and the last time you told me you loved me. For some reason I remember looking at the clock when you walked out of our house that night. 6:36 pm. How was I ever supossed to know that that would be the last time I would ever see you alive?

The state police saved the two messages you left on our machine that night and on my cell phone. You called at 1130 the night you died and said that you hoped I was feeling better and that you were heading out on the road to catch the armed robber. I still remember the end of your message like it was yesterday. You said "I love you honey and I will see you in the morning when I get home." But you never did come home. I am thankful I have those 2 messages saved so I can hear your voice when I am ready.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. I woke up before you because I had to work but you got up with me. I still remember the present you gave me and your card. It was almost like you knew you werent going to be around anymore bc you asked me to come back to bed and you wouldnt let me up to go to work! You must have told me a million times how much you loved me! I still have that card you gave me that morning where you wrote in it that you were so happy to have me as your wife and how you planned a special weekend for us the weekend after you passed away. You wouldnt tell me anything but that it was a surprise and that I had to pack to go away overnight. I am happy that you chose me to be your wife and to spend the rest of your life with. I only wish we had the chance to do that.

I remember the entire week before you died that I didnt feel well. I was nauseous and lightheaded and had that feeling in my stomach where I thought something was going to happen where I was constantly nervous. I remember describing that feeling to so many people and they kept asking "Well whats going to happen?" and I kept saying "nothing that I know of." You were so funny bc you were so excited bc you thought I was pregnant! You kept saying how you hoped thats what it was! You passed away in Feb and just that weekend before, we talked about starting a family that summer. You even voluntarily skipped watching the superbowl so that you could spend time with me. After you passed away, it was like my feeling of being nauseous and nervous and sick to my stomach was validated. It was almost like somewhere I knew that something was going to happen and I didnt know where, when, and I didnt know what. But after I found out you had died, that feeling had disappeared and there was only complete devestation and sadness.

That Friday night prior to your death, we had the best alone night! We went out to a romantic dinner and came home and spent time with our new puppy and played games and drank and laughed and just had the best time together. That night and the next night, Saturday night, you talked a lot about how you wanted to catch that armed robber. And that it was going to be YOU who would get him. When Michele and Shawn came over for dinner, that was all you talked about. How ironic that in a way Bert, you did get him. Hes where hes supossed to be right now.

You were an amazing man and husband and I miss you more than you will ever know. Please know that as my life goes on, my love for you will never ever change. You will always be with me in my heart and in my dreams. I love you and I hate reliving today and tomorrow but I know you will help me get through it. I love you always.

Love your wife,
Denise

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

February 4, 2005

Bert-
Tomarrow will be a year! sometimes it seems like forever and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday. We all miss you dearly! Denise- Everyone is so proud of you! This year has been awful INDEED but you are pulling through it the best that you can. I envy your strength and courage though this entire year. Zimmerman family- we are praying for you over the next week. Bert will never be forgotten!

Miss you Bert!

Michele and Family

Michele Morley and Family
friends of Bert and Denise

February 4, 2005

I can not believe it will be one year tomorrow. This has been an insane year. You are so missed!!! So many things have changed in one year and we all truly wish you could have been here to experience all of it. I think that everyone who knew you and even some who did not have all been touched by you some how over the past year. We all know that you are looking down and taking care of everyone.
Denise - I am soooooo proud of you and how you have been able to hold up over this past year. Your courage is amazing. From the outside you are this little girl, but on the inside you have the strength of a giant. I hope that as the anniversary passes, that you can find it in your heart to move forward with your life. Bert would want you to experience the world. I hope that tomorrow will bring you some closure. I know from our talks that you will love Bert with all of your heart for the rest of your life and he will love you!!! Bert will always be close. He will always be watching. He will always be loved!!! I pray that this anniversary will help start the healing.
Your Friend, Nicole

Nicole Useller
Friend of Denise & Bert

February 4, 2005

Bert -
I can't believe that it is a year already. It seems like just yesterday that you were here. You are missed by many, especially Denise and your family. Keep looking down on everyone like you already are.
Just remember, say extra prayers for the Eagles and be their guardian angel this Sunday, because we need to win the Super Bowl. We are due. Make sure you watch it on your big screen TV up there.
You are dearly missed.
Love,
Christine and Dave

Christine Tierno and Dave Taitt
friends of Bert and Denise

February 3, 2005

Just wanted you to know that we have not forgotten Trooper Zimmerman, he is a true hero. To the family, you are in my prayers, I know how difficult it is, not just now but all the time. You know instead of saying it was the anniversary of Clint's death, I wanted to say that it was Clint's first birthday in heaven, so if you don't mind Happy Birthday Trooper Zimmerman. Your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget you. Look Clint up for me tell him we miss him.

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

February 3, 2005

To My Brother Bert,

I know you are up their somewhere looking down on me making sure I am always safe. I also know that at night you are the brightest star up in the sky. Just ask you nephew Bobby he’ll tell you. When I ask him what Uncle Bert does he tells me TWINKLE!!!! I know that you are my guardian angel and I know this because I came across a poem today. I truly believe that you made sure today was the day that I came across this poem. You couldn’t of picked a more perfect day for me to see this poem because I really needed my Guardian Angel and my big brother watching down on me. I know you were up their smiling down upon me and were very proud of me today. You will FOREVER be with me no matter where I go. The poem read:

The Guardian Angel Prayer

There’s a very special place
Way up in God’s big sky,
Where I went to get my wings
And then I learned to fly.
I floated on a puffy cloud
While watching over you,
Hearing everything you said,
I saw what you could do.
But then I knew you
Needed me
You called and I was there.
‘Cause I’m your
Guardian Angel
And I will always care!

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I miss you. I think of you every minute of every day and you will forever be in my heart. I know one day we will be together but until then continue to keep me safe. I LOVE YOU BERT!!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
BERT'S SISTER

February 2, 2005

Troop as the anniversary of your death is upon us, I pray for your wife to find peace and to move forward. Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting it means living which im sure you would want her to do. May God Bless you and your entire Family

February 1, 2005

Denise-
I am not sure if I messed this up the first time- I think I hit the wrong button. Anyway, if the first one didn't go through - I am so sorry that it took us so long to write this. I have gotten on to this website every week for the last year and everytime I try to write something...I somehow lose the words. Please forgive me Denise that it has taken so long...
My husband and I met Bert and Denise a few years ago when Bert joined Hardenbergh Pete's baseball team. When the guys play as many games as they do in a summer you get to know to know each other pretty quickly. Each night the guys would play, the group of 5 girlfriends (and now wives) would sit in the stands and talk about everything. Brian & I and Bert & Dneise were engaged within 2 months of each other. We also got married within 2 months of each other. We would spend countless nights talking about our weddings, honeymoons, etc. Their wedding was the last one we went to before ours. I don't think I have every seen a groom more happy than that night. I don't think that Bert sat down for a second the entire night. Tonight I was watching our wedding video and I don't think that Bert sat down at our wedding either. He was all over the video! He always seemed to live life to the fullest!
For those of you that don't know, Pete, the coach of Hardenbergh Pete's baseball team, owns a Limo Sales & Repair Service. Pete had offered to provide Bert & Denise with limo's for their wedding. Bert asked Pete if he had a Hummer for them to ride in - Pete didn't. After Bert had asked Pete decided that he should get one. An extended Hummer came in a few days before Bert died. Pete brought it to the funeral and we all rode in it to the cemetery in honor of Bert.
The other thing that I noticed at the games was his family. No matter where the team played - there was always someone there. Whether it was his mom, one of his sisters, one of his best friends or his niece - they were always there cheering him on. I know they may not have known who I was but I always knew who they were. It was always obvious how much they loved him.
One month after Bert died Hardenbergh Pete's baseball team lost another one of its young players. Before the first game of the season the coach hung both of their jerseys and retired both of their numbers. The players of that team made it to the playoffs last year wearing the numbers of their teammates on their jersey as well as a black band on their arms.
Denise, Mrs. Zimmerman & family - I want you to know that there is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you and that you aren't in our hearts. As the next few weeks go by, I can't imagine how tough they will be for you. Please know that we are here for you no matter what you need. Bert was one of the best people we have ever known and we feel honored to have known him.
Sincerely-Kristin & Brian McGettigan

Brian & Kristin McGettigan
Friends of Bert & Denise

January 27, 2005

Well Bert I agree with your sister Jamie. I know you and your dad were part of the celebration yesterday along with all of us. I know that you will definitely be there with us watching, I can't believe I am even saying this, and helping the EAGLES win. the SUPER BOWL, and helping the EAGLES win. Your mom and I went to the memorial the other day and did it up with EAGLE colors and all so I know you watched while they won. Just know you are dearly missed and we wish you were here to celebrate with us and finally enjoy the hoopla that comes with a championship. Take care and when the Eagles need help you and your dad will be their guardian angels and I know that they will win.

Love You
Aunt Sue

January 24, 2005

GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!

We’ll I’m sure you already know the Eagles are going to the Super Bowl!!!!! I still remember last year as the Eagles made it to the Championship game coming over your house to watch it. I still remember you standing there in your Eagles jersey. That same jersey you wore last year I have worn every Sunday this year and every time I put it on I thought of you and the last time I saw you wear it. But putting it on yesterday was a little more difficult than all the other weeks. I know that you & dad were over Lincoln Financial yesterday cheering on the Eagles as you both did every Sunday when you were here with us. I just wish you both could be here to enjoy and celebrate with us.

Bert, I’m sure that you already know how much I Love & Miss You!! Please continue to look down on us and keep us safe. And oh yeah E-A-G-L-E-S--------EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Jamie
XOXOXOXO

JAMIE MANOS
BERT'S SISTER

January 24, 2005

Well the Eagles made it! Last year you and Shawn went to the playoffs but they didnt make it to the superbowl. Wish you were hear to celebrate, but im sure you are in heaven! missing you! Michele

Michele
friend of bert and denise

January 23, 2005

Trooper Zimmerman,
You, your family and your co-workers are in my prayers. Rest in peace, my brother.

Sergeant Michael E. Kopp, Jr.
New York State Police - Troop T

January 22, 2005

Well Bert you were dearly missed during the holidays. I know you are safe and happy and watching over all of us who love you. Keep smiling as always, I know you are. Sorry you were taken away from us close to a year ago. I know you are doing your job there at the highway of heaven for I keep seeing that smile and that tells me you are still enjoying your job and you are closer than we think.

Aunt Sue

January 14, 2005

Rest in Peace my brother...Thank You.. May God Bless Your wife and family

Sgt. Harry Norcross (Ret)
Camden County Major Crimes

January 10, 2005

Bert,

I can’t believe in less than a month we will be faced with the first anniversary of the day that you were taken from us. It still does not seem real. I still wait for the phone to ring and hear your voice on the other end & I still wait for the knock at the Front door from you. But even though deep down I know that will never happen I can still wish – right!! As New Year’s Eve 2004 came upon us I was both happy & sad. But I know that even though we were so many miles away from home that you were there with us celebrating the New Year. I know this because of the sign you sent me just a week before we left for Florida and also as we were standing in Epcot on New Year’s Eve watching the fireworks go off all I could think about was you and how much I wished you were their with us at that moment. A couple minutes later the tree above us began to move and I felt the wind blow. At that moment I knew that you were there with us. 2004 was a year full of many emotions. It went from having the worst thing that could ever happen to us happen to a week later having one of the best things that could happen to us happen. On February 5th just 3 days before Jenna was due to celebrate her 5th birthday we were hit with the news that you were taken from us and then on February 12th we celebrated the birth of Joey. Christmas 2004 was probably the most difficult holiday that I had to get through. As much as I didn’t want to celebrate it I did because I know that is what you would of wanted me to do. I also received a card from a special friend who has been their for me through all of this and that card let me know that it was ok to celebrate the holiday and that I shouldn’t feel guilty. She is one of the reasons why I made if this far. Whether I needed a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or just needed a hug she was there for me. I am forever grateful for all that she has done for me. I know that you will look over her and her family and keep them safe. It was weird because the card she gave me was perfect. It said it all and it was like it was written for me. It said:

You’ve had more than your share of stuff to deal with this year, and I imagine that getting into the holiday spirit is going to be a little more difficult than usual. That’s totally understandable. But, hey, there’s no rule that says you have to act any certain way. Life happens, holidays or not, and all any of us can do is take them one day at a time. I care about you, and I know that sometimes you expect way more from yourself than you do anybody else. But this year, I wish you would put yourself first. Listen to your favorite carols; breathe in the evergreen fragrance, Indulge in a Christmas cookie…or three. In other words be good to yourself!!! Believe me when I say – Nobody deserves it more.

I want to let you know that I don’t think you could of picked two better Best Friends than Jim & John. They are truly amazing and wonderful people. Even though they were and still are trying to deal with the same loss that we are they always make sure we are ok and always check to see if we need anything. I know that if I ever need anything they are only a phone call away just like you were. They do what they do not because they have to but because they want to. I will forever be grateful to them and they will always have a special place in my heart. I know wherever you are that you are proud of them too. I know that you not only looked at them as Best Friends but as the brothers you never had. They now and always will be a part of our family.

I hope wherever you are your happy. Know that there is not a minute that goes by that I’m not thinking about you. You will forever be in my heart and the memories I have of us I will hold onto and cherish forever. I know that one day we will be together again but until then please continue to look down on those who loved you. I LOVE YOU BERT!!!!

Love,
Jamie
XOXOXOXO

JAMIE MANOS
BERT'S SISTER

January 10, 2005

Trooper Zimmerman will be missed!, Trooper zimmerman in 2002 Wished me good luck on my sleo II for north wildwood i am currently in the academy i dedicate my hiring, and academy to Trooper Zimmerman he was a good man!

Brian Vergantino
North Wildwood

January 9, 2005

Happy New Year's Eve and New Years Day honey. This is one of the hardest times for me because I keep thinking back to our last New Years Eve and New Years Day together. We had such a good time with Michele and Shawn on the Spirit of Philadelphia, spending New Years Eve with our two best friends. I love the pictures from that night. Remember how we always used to have to kiss right as it was turning over into the new year?? As the last second of the old year was ending, we kissed until the first second of the new year began (although somehow they always lasted longer than those 2 seconds!). Our little tradition. We've had 6 of them.

New Years Day was hard also this year. That was the day we went and picked up Jayda and brought her home. We went to the breeder a week early and we were so excited! You actually picked her out because you thought she gave you her paw when you asked her to, that was so funny. Then we took her to Petsmart and bought her the whole store! When we were finished I think we drove her to everyones house we knew showing her off! She was 8 weeks old. I hate that the last time you saw her she was just 12 weeks. She was so tiny when you last saw her. I hope you see her now. I take her to see you often at the cemetary. And I kept the 3 toys that YOU bought her and your sock that she loved to chew so I will always have them, even though they are ripped apart!
One of my favorite memories of you with her was when we first brought her home. We had her in our room in the crate and she was so young, she would cry all night. We couldnt sleep, we were up all night and we both kept saying "this is the best birth control!". You would get up out of our warm comfy bed and take your pillow and a blanket and lay on the floor with your head at the door of the crate so she could see you. You slept there all night a couple of times, just so she would stop crying. You were the best "daddy". You loved her.

Its amazing what can happen in just one year. I never in a MILLION years would have guessed that this would have happened to us. I think about you every day, every minute. You will forever be in my heart honey. And I know you are still with me bc I feel you all the time. I hope you are happy where you are. I will always love you.

Love your wife,
Denise

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

January 2, 2005