Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wish you were here, thinking of u tonight and everyday and wishing you were here to bring in the new year. Love you friend! Michele

Michele
friend Bert and Denise

December 31, 2004

BERT,
AS THIS NEW YEAR APPROACHES, OUR HEARTS AND MINDS ARE STILL WITH YOU. WE PRAY THAT YOU ARE HAPPY UP THERE IN HEAVEN.
STILL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. CONTINUE TO KEEP US SAFE.

lorraine

December 30, 2004

Well Troop, A new year is on the horizon. I am sure though for your family and friends it will not be the same without your presence. I pray that as the months have passed their pain has lessened, though I am sure it will never completely fade.

I had the opportunity to visit your memorial the other day and I have to say that it is quite beautiful, even in the starkness of winter. I can imagine how it will look come spring. Isn't it sad that all these wonderful things have been done because you are no longer on this earth, wouldn't it be great if we were all honored for our actions to this magnitude while we are still living? Maybe some day.

I hope you are doing well on your beat in Heaven. Take care of your family from above and rest assured that you will never be forgotten.

December 30, 2004

Denise,

I was on my way into work Friday night (December 25th) and took "the long way," going down Bert's highway just to pay a visit to the memorial and say hi to him on Christmas. You know I felt that he has been there other times but I couldn't help but feel he was completely with you when I stopped this night. It was like stopping for a minute at a friends only to find them out for a bit. I know some people might think that sounds strange, but Diane and I know you know exactly what that means.

I didn't call you as we knew you wanted to be alone, but I did call your Dad as I know this has been hard on him... sometimes more than he lets on. Of course Bert's Mom is always in our prayers as is the rest of the family like Jamie. We love you all and will always be here for you.

Anyway, just wanted you to know that we kept you in our prayers as we always do. Time will never make the pain go away, but we pray that Bert's spirit will lift you up just as if he were here sweeping you up in his arms. You know what he would want for you, but he would understand how hard it is to travel that road seemingly alone. Always remember that you are never alone. His spirit is right there with you and is in the hearts of your family and friends. There now resides a little of Bert in all of us...here to support you always.

Warmest Regards,

Ian and Diane

Ian & Diane Roberts

December 26, 2004

Merry Christmas honey. I love you and miss you. Love your wife, Denise

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

December 25, 2004

Denise,

I wanted to take a momemt on this day (Christmas) to let you know that people do care about you (even though we have never met) and let you know you are in my prayers today. God Bless you

Someone who cares (officers wife)
New Jersey (close to you)

December 25, 2004

Happy Holidays Troop

December 25, 2004

Merry Christmas!! We love and miss you very much.

December 25, 2004

Merry Christmas Bert. You are thought of on this day, as well as every other day. You have remained as close to my heart as ever before, and I miss you dearly. My one Christmas wish is that I could see you again. Take care friend, and Merry Christmas!!

December 25, 2004

Bert,
Christmas Eve. Doesnt even feel like that to me anymore. Last Christmas Eve was the best one I have ever had. That was the night you told me you had bought me Jayda! We went to my aunt and uncles like we do every year and then you had wanted Michele and Shawn to come over. They got there a little after midnight and you had Shawn set up our video camera to film me when you told me and gave me the statue and pictures. I still remember how excited you made me and how I was jumping all over you and climbing on you and kissing your head! That was the best present you ever gave me! But we couldnt pick her up until January. I still have that on video but I just cant watch it. I dont think Id be able to watch a walking, talking, laughing Bert again. It would be too difficult and sad for me.
I have decided to spend this holiday alone, just like I did on Thanksgiving and plan to do for New Years Eve and New Years Day. Would you want me to do that? No, of course not. But it is something I need to do this year. Christmas Eve will never be the same without you and I will always remember the best gift I ever got. I am bring Jayda to the cemetary today so you can see her.
I miss you so much and you will forever be in my heart. Love your wife, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

December 24, 2004

MERRY CHRISTMAS BERT! I KNOW CHRISTMAS MUST BE BEAUTIFUL UP THERE.
YOUR NAME WILL LIVE ON FOREVER HERE. I KNOW HOW HAPPY YOU MUST BE. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU! AND MISS YOU! AND WISH EVERYDAY YOU WERE STILL HERE.
SEND PEACE TO DENISE AND YOUR FAMILY AND ALL OF US THIS HOLIDAY.
YOU NEVER LEAVE MY HEART.

LORRAINE

December 22, 2004

I just happened to see this the other day and thought of you so I am putting it on your reflection page so everyone can see. It is a beautiful saying and it brought tears to my eyes. Please know that you are thought of dearly during this time and I know you are protecting us and watching over those who love you.

Enjoy this poem

Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;

Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got Me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free. Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to Me.

Written By Ruth Ann

SUE PEARCE

December 22, 2004

Bert-
we just wanted to wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year. i know you are looking down on denise, your mom, your sisters, and the rest of your family and friends to keep them safe during this holiday season. you are dearly missed by all, but would be so proud of what the state police are doing in your honor. i was at the road dedication and it was amazing. i can't believe how beautiful the memorial is and the big sign to re-name the road in your honor. every time we drive down the road to go to the shore we will stop at your memorial.
keep watching over us and keeping everyone safe.
we miss you.
love,
christine and dave
p.s. you will be missed at our wedding next year, we will have to play a village peoples song in your honor and bust out the indian chief hat!!!

Christine Tierno and Dave Taitt
friends of Bert and Denise

December 20, 2004

Mom and her son strolling down the street,
Passed a policeman walking his beat,
Mom says to her son, "See that man?
When you need help, he'll do all he can."

"He'll protect you when things get too tough,
He'll save you when people get too rough.
He'll stop you from doing something bad,
He'll comfort you if you are alone and sad."

The young officer turned with a smile,
He said, "That's the best thing I've heard in awhile.
It's nice to know you feel that way,
Because we sure don't hear it everyday."

The boy passed the officer all the time before school,
He began to think being a cop would be cool.
"If I could wear that badge and have a gun,
Shooting up bad guys could be tons of fun."

Then one day the boy thought and found,
That for days had not seen his friend around.
His mom said "I've got bad news for you
Because there is something sad we must go do."

The boy wore a nice shirt and had his shoes tied,
While his mom told him his friend the officer had died.
He left his friends, his family, his wife,
All just to protect his way of life.

The boy has now grown into a man,
And he is protecting us in the only way he can.
He passes a mom and young boy on the street,
While he is out walking his beat.

The little boy looked at the new officer in awe,
Like he was the neatest thing that he ever saw.
The young cop crouched down with a smile,
And said to the mom, "That's the best thing I've seen in awhile."

December 20, 2004

For one who knew what he wanted from the start:

The past several months have been quite a slow go
Like watching from afar a mystifying show
The nights and days have become just a blur
A hellish nightmare from which one can't stir

Then without any knowledge of how it could be
The blur goes away and we start to clearly see
A strength from within holds us up for the fight
With a warm inner peace, our soul becomes light

When A Police Officer dies, there are some guaranteed things
Most surely of which is that their badge turns into wings
Wings of an Angel that they will now be
Not confined by the body, their souls to fly free

If they could talk to us now, they would likely just say
Remember me often at least once a day
When you feel warmth surround you, as you lay down at night
Know that it's me, saying I'm ok… it's alright

They may be gone from our sight, but not from our heart
Making ready for us, when it's our time to part
Together again… we will all someday be
Giving strength to others, because now… we fly free

December 20, 2004

Bert,

The holidays are almost here and to think about us having to celebrate them without you makes me very sad. We will celebrate Christmas this year just as we did every other year but I can honestly say it will DEFINETLY not be the same. Every year we would wait to see what your work schedule was to see when we would do Christmas. I still can’t believe this has happen to our family AGAIN. I truly believe everything happens for a reason but I still don’t know why you. I guess one day when god’s ready he will send a sign and let us know. Until then I will just believe that he had other plans for you. You will FOREVER be in my heart!!!! I may hurt and be upset but deep down I know you and dad are ok. The reason I know this is last weekend I asked you and dad to send me a sign to let me know that you both were OK and this week both you and dad sent me many signs. I want to thank you for them and will cherish them forever. The one I got today I will carry with me forever!! In 8 days we are going to Florida and I know that by the sign I got today that you will be their with us. So I know this year you will be bringing the New Year’s in with us!!!!

You would be so honored to know that your memory is being keep alive. Not only by your family but also by many others. I only wish these things could have happened when you were alive so that you could have been their to accept them yourself. BIG…..You loved things big. You now have both a Highway and a Vessel named after you. I can only hope that as people drive on that highway they remember you and the sacrifice you made. And just as you protected us now your vessel will protect us. We are now part of a new family the State Police family and what a wonderful family that is to be a part of. With out them and their support though these tough times I don’t know how we would have made it. I can see now why you were so proud to be a part of the NJ State Police. You wore your uniform PROUD and took your job serious. I can remember that you had one dream and that was to one day become a NJ State Trooper. You fought long and hard and I was there to see you the day your dream came true. I was so proud of you. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!!!! Please continue to look over all who loved you and keep us safe.

Love Jamie
XOXOXOXO

JAMIE MANOS
BERT'S SISTER

December 19, 2004

Bert- Thinking of you today and everyday. The holidays are here and I wish you were HERE to celebrate them with us! Last New Year's Eve on the Spirit of Philadelphia with you, Denise, Shawn and I was the best way to bring in the New Year...with good friends! This New Year's Eve will not compare, but I think of the memories and smile. I sit here all the time and STILL can't believe your not around-it's so weird. WE ALL MISS YOU SO MUCH and know that you are praying for ALL of us.
We will miss you this holiday and keep you in our thoughts. LOVE YOU! Michele

Denise- Just wanted to let you know that I understand that the next few weeks are going to be hard. Let your family and friends be with you and help you through it! This year has been a god awful one, but you did get through it because you are a strong person with an excellent support system-your family! Everyone that is close to you loves you and is thinking of you this month.Bert loves you and always will. Think of the good times last Christmas , when you opened up that little box and saw the statue of Jayda! Remember how happy you were? You jumped on Bert and were kissing his head over and over and over and over......Thats what you need to think of, the HAPPY times you two shared- you have enough of them! You know Bert wants everyone to think of those types of things and smile. So thats just what I'm going to do! He was a great friend to Shawn and I and I miss him so much. This month will not be the same by far but you know he is with us! Love you Girl-Michele

Michele
friend of Denise and Bert

December 19, 2004

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on a cold wintry nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I"ll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in his grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don"t have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I"m still close beside you
in a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don"t shed a tear
cause I"m spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year

Poem by John Wm. Mooney Jr.

Sylvia Daniels
Allegan, Michigan

December 16, 2004

I really can not express the way I felt at the highway dedication on Sunday. I see others have had the same experience as I did. The wind was just a calm feeling over the whole ceremony that Zach was doing. I noticed the leaves moving in a slow, but steady pace. It was like someone was watching over all of us. So Bert, I do believe you were there in spirit and enjoyed everything that was said by Zach and everyone who spoke. I believe now you have a place that everyone can go for a visit and just feel like they are with you. This holiday season will not be the same without you, but I do know you will be there with us as always. Take care and watch over us all as I know you have been.

December 16, 2004

Sunday was so beautiful and I am so amazed at Zach and the work that he did for Bert and the Zimmerman's. I had felt something that day, but never really mentioned it to anyone but my husband and then I read Denise's reflection and read that she felt the same thing. On sunday, the ceremony started and Tom and I were just standing next to each other and it was quiet, just the speaker was speaking. Then all of the sudden I just felt the wind blow and notices this one tree out of the others. It was right behind the troopers on the left hand side. The tree had a lot of brown leaves on it. For some reason I thought it just stood out - looked different than the others. And when the wind would blow, I would just hear this one particular tree's leaves blowing in the wind. I just smiled a little when I would see and hear it. At the end of the service I told Tom that I really thought that Bert was there that day because of the wind and this one tree. Also during one of the prayers, I heard the tree again and looked up and saw a bird flying off in the distance. I truly believe that Bert was all around us that day. After reading Denise's reflection, I knew that it was true. He is always with all of us, but on that day with his whole family together I just felt how strong his presence was.
I truly hope the family knows that they are never ever alone. He will live on and on in our memories. What an amazing man, that a 13 year old boy who never met him, was so moved by his life that he did all of this to remember a hero!! God Bless Zach, his family and the Zimmerman family.

Nicole Useller
Friend of Bert & Denise

December 15, 2004

Denise,

I read about the dedication in the newspaper for Bert, what a honor! You must have been so proud of him. May God Bless you and Bert's entire family, you will be in my prayers during the holiday season!

December 15, 2004

Denise, I was there yesterday when they dedicated the road to your brave Bert. We have never met, nor have our husbands, but I cried throughout the beautiful ceremony and at all of the wonderful things people had to say, especially when Zach talked about "Who is a Hero?" I stood next to my husband, and looked around at all of the uniformed troopers there, some out of uniform who attended with their wives and children, thinking that it could have been any one of us sitting in your chair...any one of us. I cannot possibly imagine the hurt in your heart right now, but please know this: there are many, many of us praying for joy and peace in your heart. Please know that, no matter how cold this winter may feel, spring will come again. You will be happy. Your Bert is standing strong beside St. Michael and will always provide you with strength and protection. Take care and God bless.

Another loving NJSP wife

December 13, 2004

Today they dedicated State Highway 83 to you, and renamed it the Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman III Memorial Highway. I was so happy and so proud of you and so honored to be your wife. However, at the same time, it was very sad. So although it was a happy day that you are remembered the way you should be, it was very difficult for me. I know you will be looking down from heaven with a big smile seeing how everyone came out to honor you and remember you. It was weird, I honestly felt like you were there with me, right by my side. It reminded me of that poem someone had left previously on your website that said something about you being the winds that blow and the rain that falls and the sun that shines and that makes you always by my side. Whenever the wind blew today, I felt you.

I owe this all to a 13 year old boy, Zach Farkus, who is the son of LT Matt Farkus of the NJSP. He made such a HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT for a boy his age and he had so much dedication and energy into this project. I am forever grateful to him and his father Matt and mother Brenda. I know you will watch over him and his parents and protect them all always.

I hate standing at the exact spot where you were killed. I can not even begin to imagine what happened in those last few seconds, but I know you did not suffer, and I am so thankful for that. I love you Bert and I am so honored to carry the Zimmerman name. I miss you more than life itself and I know one day we will be reunited again.

Love your wife,

Denise

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

December 12, 2004

Bert, may God bless you and your family. Your courageous efforts and heroism was greatly appreciated by your fellow police officers here in Chicago.

Officer Andy Cuomo, badge #5853
Chicago Police Department - Harrison District 011

December 10, 2004

Bert---Thanks for the state trooper shirt that you got for my daughter Riley. I think about that tragic day often and I really wish that we could have gotten more time to hang out and drink huge beers. You always knew how to make a party that much better. We all miss you. You were and always will be a magnificent person and I will be sure to tell little Riley all about the hero who got her that trooper shirt. rest in peace buddy...no one has or will ever forget you.

Jeff Heaney
Friend of Bert

December 8, 2004