Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bert,

Well another hard day to get through. It seems as though when days like this come, your birthday, they are the longest. I just hope that you are happy and well. I thought when dad died you would always be here and now that can't be. We are thinking of you today just as always. I hope you are eating your plain white cake with whipped cream icing!! P.S. Joey got his second tooth today. More and more people say he looks like you. I hope some day he grows up to be just like you!

Sister of Bert

August 29, 2004

Denise,
I know this has been a difficult month for you, and I am in awe of your strength and bravery. You have done such a wonderful job of keeping Bert's memory alive and well. You and Bert continue to be in our thoughts and prayers often. Everytime I was with Bert, he was always smiling and was so kind to everyone. He was a giant teddy bear, and he is missed. Happy Birthday Bert!

Jen McFillin
Friend of Denise and Bert

August 29, 2004

BERT-- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! YOU ARE MISSED BY SO MANY AND FORGOTTEN BY NO ONE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO.

ANONYMOUS

August 29, 2004

Bert-
It seems as though you were just here. Today is your birthday.... This past Saturday Shawn ,Denise you and I would of been in your basement chugging some Coors Lights and celebrating at your bar. Denise and I would of been demanding that you and Shawn play the newlywed game (like usual) and after a small battle (lol) you two would of given in.(as usual) Boy what we would give to have that! We are thinking of you on this day and wish you were here!
I love and Miss you so much......

Love
Michele

MICHELE
FRIEND

August 29, 2004

Denise,

We wanted to wish Bert a Happy Birthday! This has been such a tough month and you have been so strong to make it through this. We all wish Bert was here for every one of the occassions that happened this month. He is truly missed. We think about him all the time, as you know. We know he is watching out for all of us, especially you! We love you and miss Bert tremendously.

Shannon and Jeff

August 29, 2004

Happy Birthday Troop.

August 29, 2004

Happy Birthday honey....its so wierd not waking you up in the middle of the night like I always did so that I could be the first one to tell you Happy Birthday....you would have been 33 today, August 29. It kills me to know that you will forever be 32, no matter how many of your birthdays pass....

I love you and I miss you so so much. I hope that you are happy where you are and that you know that you are always with me in my heart and in my memories.

Love your wife,
Denise
7777777

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

August 29, 2004

Bert, Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. You know a lot of people are thinking of you today and always. Please continue to watch over us as we continue to keep you alive in our thoughts.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Heather

August 28, 2004

Bert -
Just wanted to wish you a Happy B-day! It seems like just yesterday that you were here. You are missed by so many, especially Denise, your mom, and your sisters. Wish you were here to celebrate.
Love,
Christine and Dave

Christine Tierno and Dave Taitt
Friends

August 28, 2004

I had the opportunity to meet Bert years ago on the Garden State Parkway. Bert stopped me one night while I was on my way to the Jersey Shore with my wife. Bert impressed me from the moment we met. When Bert discovered I was a fellow Officer, he treated me with a level of respect and kindness that I cannot even describe. After speaking with Bert for a few minutes, he wished me and my wife a great vacation and continued his patrol. Immediately after, my wife asked me the question, "Is this what you mean when you say brother Officer?" I then looked at her and said, "yes Babe, that's what this is all about" She then replied "I now understand". When I heard of the tragic news of Bert's passing this year I was deeply sadened. Bert exemplified what being a Brother Officer is all about.

Bert, gog bless your family friends, It was an honor to have met you, you made me a better Officer that day, and I am forever grateful. God Speed Brother

Patrolman Tom Cocco
Voorhees Twp. Police

August 28, 2004

Bert,
This song makes me think of you. You are missed so very much by so many people. You were a wonderful person and loved by many. You remain close in spirit to all who loved you. You are missed my friend. Happy Birthday!!

FRIENDS
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes he’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong


And friends are friends forever
If the lord’s the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love god’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Anonymous

August 27, 2004

Bert,
As your birthday approaches this weekend, please know that you will be thought of and missed by so many. We want you to know that you have been missed so much, especially this month. We know how hard it has been for Denise, but she has been as strong as she can and we know you would be proud of her for that. Times that all of us have gotten together havent been the same without you there. We missed you at Nikki and Michael events and we know it would have been so much fun to have you there. Not seeing you sitting in that chair next to Denise was just reality again that you really are not here with us. We know that you are safe and happy where you are today. We will think of you on Sunday and say a prayer for you. Happy Birthday Bert.

Love - Wendy and Chuck

August 27, 2004

Denise - This is the first time I visited this site. I was sleeping last night and my fiance, who is a NJ State Trooper, came in crying around 4 am. I asked him what was wrong and he told me he somehow came across this webpage and began reading all of your messages. He said he could not stop crying and he is not one to cry, like most guys. I remember the day of February 5th perfectly clear. My fiance was on day work and had to be in at 5 a.m. that day. I received a voicemail message from him around 6 a.m. and all he said was "I'm ok" and then for hours afterwards I could not get a hold of him. I was so worried. Then on the news at lunch time I saw there was an accident involving a NJ State Trooper and they mentioned the Buena barracks. My fiance was working at the Buena barracks at the time, so then I began to panick. I had so many different thoughts going through my head. I prayed that it wasn't my fiance, but I also prayed for whose ever family member it was. I actually saw Bert one time, while my fiance and him played at the Rutgers Alumni baseball game. I just remember telling my fiance, who at the time was waiting to be accepted in the NJ State Police academy, that guy is defintiely a Trooper (talking about Bert). He just had that look! When my fiance told me that was the trooper who had been in the accident, it made it so much worse. I am so saddened by your loss. I know there is nothing anyone can say to make your pain go away, but please know you are in alot of people's prayers and thoughts. Take Care...

Anonymous

August 26, 2004

Denise,
My husband was Bert's classmate. I remember him coming home from Bert's funeral telling me how the 119th class came together to honor one of their very own. It was that day that I saw my husband cry for the second time in the 18yrs that I have known him. I read Bert's reflections weekly and am touched by every one of the reflections you leave. I'm so sorry for your pain. The other reflections show the many loving people around you. Those people will help to ease your pain. Please know that along with many others, my husband and I think of both you and Bert often.

Happy Birthday Bert!!

Wife of a NJ State Trooper

August 25, 2004

BERT
THIS IS YOUR B-DAY WEEK. ON THE ACTUAL DAY, AUGUST 29TH, I THINK I WILL JUST FEEL TO SAD TO LEAVE A MESSAGE HERE FOR YOU.
I KNOW IT WILL BE VERY HARD FOR DENISE, AND MOM, AND SISTERS AND EVERYONE WHO KNEW YOU, AS WELL AS ME AND MICHELE AND SHAWN.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BERT, I MISS YOU, AND WILL BE VISITING YOU ON THAT DAY AS I ALWAYS DO. I WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE WITH US.
LOVE, LORRAINE

lorraine

August 24, 2004

Bert,
Well a little more than six months have passed since you have been gone. You have missed so many things in these six months. Jenna turned five three days after you died. Joey was born a week later, and as you know has your name as his middle name. Everyone is starting to say how his ears are starting to look like yours. You would really love him. I know how much you loved boys. But you know he comes to visit you. He already has a whole box of stuff about you so when he gets older he will know what a wonderful person you were. I can't believe that I have to refer to you in the past tense. Then came mom's birthday. She misses you more than you know. Then came Easter. The first holiday without you. It was so hard to believe that you wouldn't be coming over. We laughed though because of how you liked all of your food plain and what a pain, but I would give anything to make that food now. Then came my birthday and then Joey's christening. Then Jamie had her birthday. And now next week is your birthday. I can't believe that we will have to visit you at the cemetery. I know dad is looking after you. And I hope you two are looking after Jimmy's little girl and Judy. So many people have gone since you have.
Everyday I look at your picture hanging on my wall and think that you are just going to talk to me. The picture is so real and depicts every one of your features. It almost looks like a photograph. Diane has done a wonderful job on your picture and the others that she has drawn.
I know that you are happy where you are and I know that some day we will see each other, but I wish you were here and not there. It's just not fair that someone as wonderful and caring as you was taken away from all of us, but I guess God had other plans. Just know that I think about you everyday and please look after all of those that really care about you!

Sister of Bert Zimmerman

August 21, 2004

Happy Anniversary Bert. I can not believe we are spending our 1st wedding anniversary apart. I hate this day without you here with me.

Today I have decided to do what we had planned to do for our anniversary because I know you will be here with me. I am going to eat some of the top layer of our cake and drink the beer and wine from our honeymoon that we brought home. I am going to look at wedding pictures and listen to our song. And you already know that several times I will be going to visit you at the cemetary.

Seeing this weather today brings me back to our wedding day...I remember how upset I was that it was raining and that wasnt even the worst part! I didnt find out until I got to the church that on that hot 93 degree August day, the air conditioner in the church broke that morning....again, I thought that was so horrible and I was so upset. All our groomsmen and bridesmaids, our parents and guests were all sweating. You knew I was going to be so upset...and I was....until I saw you.
I will never forget that feeling when the doors opened in the back of the church for me and I saw you. It was like no one else was in that church that day but me and you. You looked so incredible. I couldnt believe that "our" day was finally here. So many people have told me that the look on your face when you saw me was priceless. Fortunately, our photographer got that picture of you right when you saw me and its one of my favorite ones.

Everyone always tells me that our wedding reception was the most fun they have ever had at a wedding. Everytime I picture it, I see you standing there in that indian chief hat dancing to YMCA or during the Frank Sinatra song when all the guys were on their knee singing to me with you in the front. We had such a good time and I will never forget it. It was the best night of my life.

I have not been able to listen to our wedding song since you died but I do read the words often. We had that picked out 6 years ago! Before we were engaged, I used to picture us dancing to that song on our wedding day. It was perfect.

BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES
You're my peace of mind
In this crazy world
You're everything I tried to find
Your love is a pearl
You're my Mona Lisa
You're my rainbow skies
And my only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes

The world will turn
And the seasons will change
And all the lessons we will learn
Will be beautiful and strange
We'll have our fill of tears
Our share of sighs
My only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes

You will always be beautiful in my eyes
And the passing years will show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes

When there are lines upon my face
From a lifetime of smiles
When the time comes to embrace
For one long last while
We can laugh about
How time really flies
We won't say goodbye
'Cause true love never dies
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes

You will always be beautiful in my eyes
And the passing years will show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes
The passing years will show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes


I never thought that when we said in our vows "till death do us part" that that was coming so soon. We were suppossed to grow old together and "change each others diapers when we were old". We were suppossed to still be holding hands when we went to the movies at 75 years old...we were suppossed to do so many things that we never got to do together.

When I think of your life, I try to think if you had and did everything you wanted in life before you died. You were definitely a go-getter and whatever you wanted, you got, no matter how hard you had to work to get it. I cant even begin to list all your accomplishments in the State Police and how proud I am of you. I know you would have been a major or a captain some day. I am just so lucky that you did have our wedding day. And that we were able to be in Michele and Shawn's and Prudence and Bruce's weddings. I know that we are all thankful for that because you passed away so soon after. I think the only thing that makes me sad is that you never got to be a father. You loved kids so much and I so wanted to see you hold them and love them. I got a sample from all our nieces and nephews but it just wasnt the same. That is the only thing I would have liked to have seen you do before you passed away. I feel like since we had no children yet, I dont have a little piece of you to look at everyday...a piece of you in a child to keep with me. On February 10, I closed the casket for the last time and I can never see you or a part of you ever again.

I would give anything to have you back with me, even for just one more day. I miss you so much Bert. I love you and I always will. You will always be in my heart and in my memories, the problem with that is I dont want you in my memories, I want you here on this earth with me. I know you are happy where you are and that gives me some peace and I know that no matter where I go or what I do, you are with me. Happy Anniversary my honey.

Love always and forever,
Denise
7777777

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

August 16, 2004

Hi Denise,
I am a New Jersey native, but now living in Tulsa OK. I am a wife to an Oklahoma State Trooper. I would periodically come to this website when my husband told me about it, after one of our state troopers was killed in December of 2003. One evening, I read about your husband. After reading his reflections that you left for your husband,I was so sadden. I couldn't imagine the pain, but it made me cry for the both of you. Anyway, I just recently came back from visiting my family in south jersey. It's been months since I read those heartbroken reflections, but I guess your reflections left an impact on me, because when I saw a New Jersey State Trooper I thought of you and Bert. I don't know why, but I just smiled, remembered, and looked up and said a prayer. I just had to leave a reflection letting you know that people still care, even people that live half across the United States. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Wife of 716 Oklahoma State Trooper

August 15, 2004

Denise,

It has taken some time for Diane and I to find the words to write here on Bert's memorial page...words seem so inadequate to express our sentiments. First, I hope you know that we will always be here for you and for the rest of your family. I believe that one of Bert's legacies is the friendship we now share.

We know that nothing will ever replace your loss and we know that nobody can ever truly understand what you are feeling as no one else is you. Still, I know you are aware that Bert is with you and always will be. Do you remember the conversation we had the night we all went to see the Devils play the Canadiens? The one where I said there will come a time that Bert will let you know he is with you? You now know that is really true and I pray that you take comfort in knowing that he is there. He must have been laughing to see some of the guys yelling "Go Flyers" in the middle of the Devils crowd...not to mention the ride home and our "entertainment!" All this is a part of his legacy and part of the reason he became a Trooper. You know that Bert lived life to its fullest and cherished every moment as he cherished you and your family.

Knowing you all as we do now, we can see how much they all loved him. We often think of your wonderful Father and Mother and think of how blessed they were to have such a man to take care of their little girl. Similarly, Bert's Mom was so blessed to have you to complete her Son's life...for you really did complete him.

Well, there is so much more that could be said, but it would still be so inadequate. Take comfort in his presence and live life as he wants you to live it. Thanks for letting us be a part of your "extended family." We are grateful for the gift of your friendship.

With Love from Your Friends,


Ian and Diane

Ian & Diane Roberts
Retired Florida Police Officer/Friend

August 11, 2004

Dear Bert,

As I am sure you already know, you are now an uncle for the 6th time...I know in my heart that you and little Julianna have already met. As with Gracie, I speak of you to her often so that she will know all about her wonderful Uncle Bert. Her little ears may not know everything I say, but I know she feels the love we have for you and how much we wish you were here with us to hold her little hand and touch her little face. Gracie talks about you all the time...your favorite color and how we can see you in the sky at night. There is no doubt that you are the "brightest star" in her life.

As your wedding anniversary approaches, I can't help but remember going up to you while you sat alone for a brief time at the table. I seized the moment to tell you how much we loved you and how blessed we were to have you in our family. I am so thankful that I said that to you and I hope you knew how much I meant it.

I miss you so much.

Love, Danielle

Danielle Petrelli
Sister in Law

August 11, 2004

A COP ON THE TAKE


First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes---

He takes it in stride when people call him a pig.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket that you deserve...
He takes on creeps that you would be afraid to even look at.

He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured children to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.

He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both of your headlights have to work.
He takes the job that no one else wants---
telling you that a loved one has died.

He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.

If he is lucky, he takes a retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night,
that you couldn't bear for one day!
Sometimes he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally he takes a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken...

GOD takes him!

SUE PEARCE

August 10, 2004

Denise -

We just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you today.

Dan and Terry

August 5, 2004

well bert, 6 months today. it went by in a flash. i still cant believe your gone.
i had a dream of you last night. very vivid. i woke up during the dream, and was happy i saw you there.
denise we are all thinking of you, esp. this month. we will be here for you, for whatever you need. we love you.
and to berts mom and sisters, and friends, my prayers are with everyone.
bert, you will never leave my heart.

lorraine

August 5, 2004

Denise, We have never met but please know that my heart breaks for you today. I know that nothing can take the hurt and pain that you feel away. I know of similar pain, I had to bury my newborn son 6 years ago. I know that this first year will be the most difficult for you with all of the "first" anniversaries of everything in your lives together as well as all the holidays. Hold dear to your heart all the wonderful memories you have as they will help you through the rough days. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers.

L.E.O. Wife

August 5, 2004

6 months ago today was the worst day of my life. I keep remembering back to that morning and where I was at this exact time back then. I don't remember making phone calls to our friends and families so that they didnt hear the awful news from the television or the radio, but I know somehow I did. I can still remember the last time I saw you walk out of our house, what you did, what you said, and the last voice mail messages you left on my cell phone that night. I can still hear you say "I love you and I will see you in the morning when I get home." But there was no seeing you that next morning. Our lives changed forever that night. Sometimes it feels like I just saw you, that you were just here, and other times it feels like forever since I've seen you.

Your anniversaries are always so hard on me...but I try to get through them the best that I can. I know you would want my life to go on as normal as possible. This morning when I woke up for work, Jayda went crazy...she was barking in the middle of the living room and no one was there. She ran to the door and barked and no one was there. She ran to the window and barked and no one was there. Or at least we couldn't SEE anyone. I know she saw you and that you were there with us to check on us and make sure we were ok. I really do believe that. When I said to her "Who do you see, do you see daddy?", she began jumping and licking me all at the same time looking back out the door and the window and running around the empty living room.

I wish I had you here with me Bert. Even if I could have just one more day. I loved you more than I thought I could ever love anyone. August is such a tough month...your 6 month anniversary, what would have been our 1 year wedding anniversary, the anniversary of our engagement, and your birthday. I miss you Bert and I hope that you are happy where you are. You are always in my heart.

I love you and miss you.
Love always and forever,
Denise
7777777

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

August 5, 2004