Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the privilege of knowing Trp. Bert Zimmerman. We attended high school together at Highland High School in Blackwood, NJ. Bert graduated 1 year behind me. Bert then worked with us at Gloucester Twp. Police Dept. He always aspired to be a New Jersey State Trooper, and he achieved his goal. I remember Bert as a hard charging aggressive cop, a real warrior. My prayers are with his wife and his family. It was an honor to know Bert. HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.



-Sgt. David J. Harkins #122

-Gloucester Township Police Department

Sgt. David J. Harkins
Gloucester Township Police Department, NJ

May 30, 2004

Denise,

We have never met but our husbands knew each other well. They were both members of the 119th Class of the New Jersey State Police. My husband has always been proud to be a trooper but even prouder to be a member of the 119th Class and Bert was a big reason why. Since graduation, Bert's was one of the names he would mention often. I remember Gary telling me when Bert made the Tactical Patrol Unit and how he was waiting for his spot on TEAMS. He was so proud to see one of his classmates succeeding.

I remember the morning of February 5th all too well. Gary was in the middle of working midnights. He normally would go to his parents to sleep during the day. On that morning he came home. I could tell by the look on his face that something terrible had happened. I have known my husband for 18 years and prior to that day could count on one hand the number of times I had seen him cry. I no longer have enough fingers to count. He told me there had been an accident and that Bert had been killed. He was a part of the same pursuit as Bert and when he heard there had been a Trooper accident responded to the scene. When he heard it was Bert he was beside himself. He stayed the whole night, collecting Bert's things and never wanting to leave his side. He was his classmate and knew that Bert would have done the same for him.

The next few days were tough and it was all we could do not to have Bert and you in our every thoughts. As did so many others, Gary went to the viewing. He came home telling me about it with tears in his eyes. The following day he went to the funeral and proudly stood with the 119th class. Their class coordinator Miller made certain they were together and that they were involved. They were on flower detail. Anything for them to feel like they were together and doing something for Bert. Many say that once you graduate you are no longer a member of an individual class but rather the state police as a whole. While the bond of being troopers is something they all share, the bonds that form among a class, especially a class as small in size as theirs, during those 27 weeks of training last a lifetime. That day was a special day to be a member of the 119th class, even for those who are no longer troopers. Gary again came home that day telling me every detail he could remember with tears in his eyes and his voice cracking.

During the several months since Bert's passing, Gary has had the privilege of speaking with your father on several occassions. He spoke with him just today which is what prompted me to finally leave you a message. Gary picked up the case for Bert's casket flag today and wanted to let your father know. As I know your father has told you, it is just a small gift from Bert's brothers of the 119th class. There is so much more they would like to do for you and Bert but are uncertain of what. A flag case just doesn't seem like enough, but then again what ever is. Please know that his brothers from the 119th class will always be there for you and will always remember Bert. They would like to do something more to honor their fallen brother. If there is anything, please have your father call.

We have been having a house built and it should finally be done this summer. We will be having a 119th class reunion barbeque. It will be the second reunion barbeque since they graduated. It is our intention to have it the weekend of August 28th, what would have been Bert's birthday. We figured what better time to reminisce about the academy, catch up on the latest happenings and honor their fallen brother. Bert's absence will be profound but his presence felt.

I have never met you and only met Bert once but our hearts ache every time we think of Bert and the loss that you and his family are feeling. I can't even begin to imagine what you have and will continue to go through. It is easy to dwell on what could have been but be comforted by the time that you did share together. It is obvious by reading the other reflections that the two of you shared an incredible love and life.

You and Bert will remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers forever.

Colleen Brandt
Wife of a NJ State Trooper

May 24, 2004

Dearest Bert, i still think of you everyday. The grief of your death remains the same as the night we found out about the accident. I will continue to pray for you everyday. And pray for Denise and your mom and sisters, and everyone suffering from losing you.
I go to your grave weekly, and that will never stop.
Keep us save Bert. Watch over us.
You are forever in my heart.
love.........lorraine

lorraine massi
mother of michele

May 19, 2004

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds giant on snow
The sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle Autumn's Rain
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
So do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not DIE!!

God bless the Zimmerman Family

Wife of a NJ State Trooper

May 11, 2004

Denise,

I live not to far from you, and know many people who knew your husband Bert. I hear many wonderful stories about what a great guy he was and a outstanding Trooper. I am also a Police Officers wife and sisters and I for all officers safety. I am so very sorry for your loss may God Bless you and your family.

Police Dispatcher wife and sister

May 6, 2004

3 months ago today you were taken from me way too soon. I need you here with me, this is where you belong Bert. I miss you more than I could ever tell you. I am so thankful for all of our memories over the many years we shared together. We were definitely in love, thats for sure. I am so honored that you chose me to marry, to spend the rest of your life with. I loved being your wife. Bert, I love you so much and I would do anything to have you back. We were each others lives, best friends, and soul mates. No one can ever take that away from us. Our own private memories I will treasure until I am able to see you again. I love you and miss you forever.
P.S. Jayda misses you too. She often just sits in the bottom of your closet or goes right over to your clothes like she is protecting them. And she still chews on your Nike sock despite the hundreds of dollars of toys she has!

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of New Jersey State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-2004

May 5, 2004

Mrs. Zimmerman....
I have never met you or your husband, but today I came upon the site of his tragic death and thus found my way here. From all that I have read you're husband was a wonderful man, an excellent Trooper and most of all An Exceptional Human Being. Please accept my condolences. My heart aches for you and your family. You will FOREVER be in my thought and prayers.

Anonymous

April 24, 2004

Denise,
As I was reading a reflection you had written on another officer's page, I couldn't help but remember my own pain. I lost my husband on 04/25/98. Our second anniversary would have been on the 27th. Instead of picking out a favorite restaurant to celebrate, I had to pick out a casket. We were both young and I was devastated. I have never shared my poem on here, but God gave me this poem about two months after his death. After I wrote it, I sat back and balled my eyes out. It was as if he were there talking to me. Anyway, I've never shared this before, but my heart broke after I found out that you too were a young bride left behind. I hope this helps you like it did me. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura

A Police Officer’s Wife

I cannot believe this day has come
only two short years we've overcome.
Please dry your tears my loving bride
for I will still be right by your side.

I know you're young, but you must be strong.
And don't worry, for we won't be apart long.
I can't wait to see your beautiful face
and show you this glorious place.

The flag today they will hand to you.
They will dry your tears and salute you, too.
Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye,
you know I loved you, you know I tried.

My job called and I had to go
I just wished that you could know.
As I lay dying, I wasn't sad
for I saw God and he held my hand.

Now when times get hard,
hold your head up high.
If you feel you need to see me,
just look toward the sky.

Until we meet again on Heaven's bright shore,
I just have to tell you once more.
Remember Sweetheart, make the most of your life-
for you will always be a
Police Officer's Wife!

Laura Gibson-Szerokman
Surviving Spouse of Ofc. Allen W. Gibson, Jr. EOW 04/25/98

April 22, 2004

Denise,
We just passed the two month anniversary of the loss of my sister's husband, a police officer, who lost his life at age 38, after being shot in the line of duty.
I wish there were something to say to help to ease your pain, sadness and loss.
You are in my prayers, that the pain in your heart will lessen over time, that you will begin to see beyond the dark days, that your family and friends will hold you close in your time of greatest need.
Your husband was truly a hero, a brave man who gave the ultimate sacrifice. He must admire the strength within you as he watches over you from above, until the day that you are once again together.
Michelle

Michelle Scannell

April 13, 2004

To the Zimmerman family, friends, and the New Jersey State Police. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Trooper Zimmerman for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

Bert, Happy Easter! We'll this is the first holiday that I had to spend without you. I wish you could have been here to spend it with us. Know that I love you and miss you very much. I think about you all the time and I am trying very hard to deal with this but still two months later I'm not able to. I still sit waiting to get a phone call from you or for you to knock at my door to see the kids. I'm just so afraid to let myself deal with this. I just like to think you’re working crazy hours and that's why I haven't heard from you. Please stay safe and continue to look over all of us. I LOVE YOU!! Love, Jamie XOXOXO

Jamie Manos - Bert's Sister

Jamie Manos
Bert's Sister

April 11, 2004

Happy Easter Honey. These past 10 weeks that you have been gone feel like an eternity to me. I would do anything to have you here with me. Please know how very much I love you and how much I miss you. You are always in my heart and in my memories and I think about you every second of every day. You were my life, and I know we will be together again someday. I miss you and love you forever. Love, Denise 7777777

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

April 11, 2004

IN REMEMBRANCE OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III, MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE NJSP FAMILY. TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT TROOPER ZIMMERMAN IS IN A BETTER PLACE WATCHING OVER YOU AND PROTECTING YOU.

TROOPER DAVID ENNIST
NEW YORK STATE POLICE - TROOP F

April 7, 2004

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of another law enforcement officer. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Trooper Zimmerman. It is obvious from the reflections that he was a wonderful man.

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Bert was always an enthusiastic person in everything he did. Many people cannot accomplish what Bert was able to in his short time as a patrolman and state trooper. He will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him.

Maribeth and Michael Trampe

March 31, 2004

Miss you Bert. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday! Please watch over us and keep us safe. You were a wonderful man and I will never forget you.

Anonymous

March 30, 2004

Trooper Zimmerman:

You gave your tomorrows for our todays. Thank you.

Anonymous

March 29, 2004

Denise,
Where do we find the words to say at a time like this? Bert is constantly on our minds and will always be in our hearts. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Bert,
We thought we would enjoy many years with you as our Grandson but it seems God had other plans for you. In the short time that you were a part of our family, you left a lasting impression.

We will never forget how kind you were when Nan had her accident. We were in the ER most of the day. We had a big snowstorm earlier that day and never gave it a thought until on our way home. Imagine our surprise when we arrived home and saw you and John clearing our driveway. You had driven a distance and even though you had to be up at 5AM, you gave up your time and sleep to come and help us in our time of need. Your act of kindness made a huge impact on all of us.

We pray to our Heavenly Mother every night and will continue to keep both you and Denise in our prayers. Until we meet again, Rest in Peace.

PS. We will always think of you when it snow or when we see a Hummer.

Love,
Nan & Pop
Ann & Carmen Petrelli
Denise's Grandparents

Nan & Pop - Ann & Carmen Petrelli
Denise's Grandparents

March 21, 2004

Bert, I met you many years ago when you joined the Gloucester Twp. Police Dept. as a Special Officer Class 1. You really stood out among many of the people I worked with due to youe friendly smile and calm way of handeling encounters. I know I am a few years older than you but you were very mature and taught me to relax which has helped me to be the officer I am today. I was very proud of you the day you left GT for a full time position with Evesham PD but even more proud when you joined the New Jersey State Police. I sit here and read all the beautiful reflections from those who know you and those who are just being kind and everyone has hit the nail on the head when they say you are one of a kind. You are a true friend to everyone you have touched. I am proud to have been a part of your life, a riding partner of yours during park patrol and someone who has the deepest respect for what you accomplished. Thank you for being my friend and may GOD bless you and your family. I will reunite with you when my calling has come, unitl stay safe and I will carry out your mission here to Protect and Serve.

Rick Monticello
Somerdale Police Dept.
Camden County, NJ

Ptl. Rick Monticello
Somerdale Police Dept.

March 21, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Trooper Zimmerman for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

March 20, 2004

To the family, friends & co-workers of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III my family would like to extend our condolences to all of you. May God watch over all men & women in law enforcement.

Gail M Pabst

March 19, 2004

Bert, we first met when you came to Gloucester Twp. Police to start your journey in law enforcement. I never met a person with so much energy and so much love for the job. Back then your duties were limited, but even then you gave 100% everytime you put on your uniform. I know that everyone that worked with you was so proud when you became a trooper. And even after you left you always made it a point to return to where you came from and just say hello and see how everyone was doing. I remember Judy always coming home from work and saying," Bert stopped in today to say hi." "He is such a nice guy." You are a nice guy and a great man.
I remember the last time I saw you, you were dropping off a prisoner at our station. I knew you were busy and had to leave, but you made it a point to stay long enough to say hello and made sure everyone was doing well.
Please take care brother and watch over us while we continue this fight. We will watch over your loved ones and keep them safe while you are away.

Inv. Chris Crabtree #129
Gloucester Twp. Police Department

March 17, 2004

Rest in peace brother, and continue smiling upon the ones who love you, for that will bring them peace.

Anonymous

March 17, 2004

Denise,
I do not know you personally but you left a reflection for a deputy in my county and it prompted me to look at your husband's. I am truly sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how devistated you are. You seem to be such a strong woman to leave a reflection for someone else after what you have endured. I have read the reflectons left by MANY of your friends and family. I can tell that you and Bert shared a great love for eachother and are loved by many. Although you have suffered such a tremendous loss, you seem so fortunate to have such loving friends to stand with you through this. This speaks volumes of your character as a person! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kind words.

Shannon

March 16, 2004

Bert-the last time I talked to you, you were at my Mom and Dad's house fixing the grout in their tile floor. You were telling me how well things were going for you with the State Police and how much you loved your job. You were also telling me how great your home life was going and how lucky of a guy you were to have Denise. You made anyone who considered you a friend proud to say they knew or worked with you. You looked like the quintessential trooper and always exuded professionalism and pride. You will be greatly missed. Keep an eye on the rest of us from up their, will ya. We'll keep an eye on your family down here. Rest in peace brother, you tour on Earth may be over, but your shift in Heaven has just begun. God Bless You.

Denise, we got your beautiful note. Thanks for the kind words. Your requests will be our pleasure. No matter where you go or where you rest your head we will be looking out for you and your family. Take care.

Sergeant Bob Stavola, Jr.
Gloucester Twp. Police Dept.--NJ

March 16, 2004