Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Zimmerman family: my deepest sympathies go out to you. Bert was a wonderful man. From the first time that I met him, I could tell he was genuine. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Bert: You will truly be missed. You will be in my prayers. You were so kind and you have left a lasting impression. God Bless.

Anonymous

March 15, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Bert did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Bert be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Trooper Zimmerman's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Bert is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Bert was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

March 15, 2004

Denise, words cannot express the love and feelings we have for Bert. He was more to us than just a husband to our granddaughter, he was part of our family. We were proud and honored to call him "our grandson".
The short time we knew him, we have precious moments to remember that we will always cherish.
When the hot weather comes and we put on our air conditioner, we will remember how quick he came over with John to make us comfortable. Before he left, he kissed me goodbye and shook hands with grandpop. He had great respect for everyone.
At your wedding, he took time out, came to our table and asked to dance with his "two grandmothers". I have the picture of the three of us dancing and will always remember that moment. He will be remembered and loved forever.

Love,
Mom-mom and Grandpop

Mary Alice and Victor Ciminera
Denise's grandparents

March 13, 2004

Bert--you will never be forgotten. Every day that passes, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You were we a wonderful person and I will miss you.

Anonymous

March 13, 2004

Denise, I am a friend of your Fathers' and just found out today that Bertram was his son-in-law. I want tot express my deepest sympathy for your loss. It will take a long time to get used to this but you have youth on your side and things will get better for you in time. I recently lost my Mom and I can tell you the mourning never really ends, you just start to get used to it by feeling the loss every day.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Carmine

Carmine De Santo

March 12, 2004

Although we never had a chance to meet, we shared a common goal.
To make the world a better place, but now it's taken a toll.
Now I say to you in words of a prayer, I will remember what you've done.
Your death was the ultimate in sacrifice, how tragic that you're gone.
One day we'll meet and talk about our common goal and then,
The heartache that I 'm feeling now, will no longer have to mend.

The Men and Women of the Green Bay Polic
Green Bay P.D. Green Bay WI

March 12, 2004

Bert: May you rest in peace with the knowledge that YOU made a difference! You will never be forgotten & you will be missed.

Denise: We know that times are tough and we're sure they will get tougher, but remember that God wouldn't give you anything he didn't think you could handle! If he brought you to it...he will bring you through it! Know that we are here for whatever you might need! We will never understand what you've been though but we want you to know that you'll never be a lone! Always remember that love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear! Always remember that when it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your friends will be there! Good Friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget. We shall never forget!

Love,
Chrissie, Tim & Michael Mauger
Friends of Bert & Denise

Chrissie & Tim Mauger
Friends of Bert & Denise

March 12, 2004

Rest in peace, brother. May God bless and take care of your family in this trying time. See you on the other side.

Trooper
Maryland State Police

March 11, 2004

Denise,

Aunt Margie and I were both devastated by Bert’s loss. We discussed writing something in these pages several times, and both of us have difficulty putting into words our feelings regarding what is probably the most tragic loss either of us has witnessed in our lives. Denise, you had the family fooled. I agree with your Dad, you are every bit the trooper that Bert was, and Bert would be proud of you. We are most sorry that Bert’s life was taken so shortly after you were married. Denise, we are truly sorry, deeply saddened and will miss Bert; his enthusiasm for life, love of family, love of children, and willingness to help family, friends and others. I only wish that we had the words to somehow make it all better, but no words seem adequate to express how Aunt Marge and I feel. We love you and Bert, and would do anything to ease your pain and the feelings of loneliness that you undoubtedly feel. Bert will always be alive in you, and I am sure that he will watch over and protect you from heaven. If there is ever anything we can do, please call on us. We want to help.

Always remember that your family loves you and we are all pulling for you. We will always keep you and Bert in our Prayers.

Uncle Rich and Aunt Margie

Uncle Rich and Aunt Margie

March 11, 2004

This site does a great Honor to all of the Heroes, their family and friends. BUT, how nice would it be if the ODMP ran out of things to post...
Unfortunately we all know that will never happen.
And so each day we wait, hope and pray
for no new news...
I wrote the below poem two weeks after Trp. Zimmerman left us. Not for anyone specifically, but for all of those
that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Also, for those families and friends who must carry on...
Trp. Zimmerman’s story was part of the inspiration of this poem...
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends and the NJSP.
I post this in Honor of Trp Bertram T. Zimmerman III.


ONE MORE
By: Marc A. Turner - Copyright©2004

I heard a voice from across the room...
and caught a glimpse of gold on blue
I heard the news reporter say...
it’s doubtful he’ll pull through

I heard the cries from family
as they held each other tight
I heard a gasp... from everyone,
when they announced he lost his fight

I heard the radio crackle
with shaken voices filled with fear
I heard the noise of silence...
when there’s nothing more to hear

I heard the beating of my heart...
like distant warning drums
I heard his voice from long ago...
say... take it as it comes

I heard a cheer and someone said
they got the perp in cuffs
I heard that TV preacher say
they treated him too rough

I heard a stranger mumble I know him,
he would never do those crimes
I heard his criminal history...
arrested only 19 other times

I heard the stories and the tales
of how it all went down
I heard the talk from different sorts...
sending rumors all around

I heard the cries for punishment...
echo through the justice hall
I heard the tears of Heroes...
as they replayed that final call

I heard one more sound...
it will never leave my mind
I heard the cutting of the stone...
as they chiseled one more line

I heard the stone cutters...
as they taped out a little frame
I heard the grinding of the granite...
as they added... one more name

I heard him say... he’d done this
one too many times
I heard him... as if confessing,
there are just too many lines

I heard him as he finished
and polished down the stone
I heard him say... just to himself,
another Hero is now home

I heard that it will happen...
and all play out again too soon
I heard that on the stone...
there will always be more room

I heard... as long as there are Heroes
who stand the Thin Blue Line
There will always be a need...
to cut the stone... just one more time...


blueautumn.com

Sgt. Marc Turner (Ret.)
Roxbury Twp. PDNJ
www.blueautumn.com

Sgt. Marc A. Turner (Ret.)
Roxbury Twp PDNJ

March 11, 2004

Bert - You will be truly missed by many. You were a role model to many. You were always there for your wife and your family. You always made people laugh. You opened your house to many and told us we were always welcome. Now we need you to watch over Denise and your family to help them through this tough time.
Verna and family - My heart goes out to you during this time of sadness. Bert loved you guys so much and that was very obvious. I remember when you came to us for therapy, Bert warned me that I better treat you great or I would have to answer to him!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and always.
Denise - I truly wish I could make this easier for you. I see your face when you come to work and I just want to cry. We are here for you to help you through this. You know that whatever you need, just ask. We are here for you. You will make it through this. Just remember.....it takes time. Bert is watching over you and he wants you to be happy. Don't forget that.
Love,
Christine Tierno and Dave Taitt

Christine Tierno and Dave Taitt
Close friends of Bert and Denise

March 10, 2004

Bert was one that since he was a child knew what he wanted in life and that was to be a NJ State Trooper. I had known him and his family for his whold life and he was an awesome person. Every time you talked to him about police work of any kind whether he was giving tickets or pursuing a criminal you could see how much it was a part of his life. I just want to take this time to let the families of Denise and Bert that my thoughts are always with them. If there is anything that I can do just let me know. Bert was a great man, and nephew and he will be dearly missed. I know he is taking care of things in heaven, he is not letting anyone speed. He will not let them get away with anything. Plus he is rebuilding something that everyone will admire when it is time.

Adear Friend of the Family for Years Sue

Susan Pearce

March 9, 2004

Denise – I want you to know that I love you and will always be here for you. You are and always will be a special part of my life. I want you to know that I think of you as a sister and that there is a very special place for you in my heart. From the first day I met you I knew you were the one for my brother. My brother was very lucky to find such a wonderful person like you. There is no question about how much you and Bert loved each other. I was so glad to be a part of you wedding day. A day in which I will never forget and will remember for the rest of my life. I wish I could fix all the pain that we are all going through but I can’t. I can only hope that as times goes by it will get less painful. We just have to remember all the good times we were able to share with him. I know my brother will watch & protect you and one day you will be with each other again. He is now your new “Guardian Angel”. Not only are you a special part of my life but you are a special part of my kids lives. Jenna and Bobby are very lucky to have such a wonderful Aunt like you. One of the hardest things I had to do was to tell Jenna about how Uncle Bert was up in heaven. It took me almost a month to get up the strength and courage to be able to sit her down to tell her and I remember getting an email from you telling me that if I couldn’t do it you would for me. That meant the world to me. It wasn’t easy but I did it. I can still remember one of the things Jenna was sad about was that she thought she wasn’t gonna see you and Jayda anymore. But I explained to her that you would always be a part of her life and that she can see you and Jayda anytime she wants. That showed me just how important you are to her and Bobby as well. I also want you to know that Bob and I am very honored to have you as one of Bobby’s Godparents.

Love,
Jamie

Bert – First I want to tell you how much I LOVE YOU! I sit here and still wonder why you and all that I can come up with is that God had other plans for you. I just wish he could have waited about 40 more years. Your life was cut so short but I can honestly say you lived life to the fullest. You had no fears and loved life. The day you left me a part of me died with you. My heart breaks and will for a very long time. I go to bed at night and all that I can hear is the front door knocking. I remember answering it and seeing John & Joe and having John tell that my biggest fear had come true. There isn’t a minute that goes by that I am not thinking about you. You were one of the most important people in my life. On March 26th it will be 9 years since dad passed away. That day saddened all of us but because we had each other we were able to get through it. Sometimes I wonder if we are being tested to see just how much we can take. I can honestly say that I can’t take anymore. I am to my limit. I have now not only lost my dad but I lost you my brother. I feel very empty inside. I feel like I just lost my best friend and you know what in some way I did. I can still remember my wedding reception, in which just a few weeks ago I celebrated my 3rd wedding anniversary, that when most daughters dance the “Father-Daughter” dance I was not able to. But that was OK because I had you. We danced to a song in which years later became you and Denise’s wedding song. We cried, we laughed, and I can still remember you telling me how proud you were of me and how much you loved me. You also told me that dad would have been just as proud of me as you were. In my heart I had a special place that only belonged to you. I am very honored to have called you my brother and very proud to tell people that you were a NJ State Trooper. Even though I feared you being a State Trooper and that one-day this could happen know that I was very proud of you. You protected not only your family but also the whole state of New Jersey from the bad. I have gained so much respect not only for NJ State Troopers but also for all law enforcement. You are gonna be greatly missed not only by me but also by everyone who knew you. Know that Denise will always be a part of our family and that we will take great care of her. I could always see just how special she was to you and how much you loved her. I remember meeting Denise and from the first time I meet her I knew she was the one for you. Their was just something about her and I told my self this is the one he’s gonna marry. Here I am one month later still wishing that this was nothing but a bad dream and at the same time wondering how will I go on without you. Not only were you my brother but you were an uncle to Jenna and Bobby. I want you to know how much you meant to them. Jenna was lucky to not only have you as her uncle but as her godfather as well. I want you to know that when I had Bobby christened that you were also going to be his godfather. I couldn’t ask for a better godfather for my kids than you. One of the first things Jenna asked for when I told her what had happened was if I had a picture of you and her together so that she can carry it with her. As for Bobby is saddens me very much because I know he is too little to remember you and that he will never really know you. My promise to you is that I will never let Jenna & Bobby forget you. When they get older I will share many stories both happy and sad with them. I only ask one promise of you to please watch over them and make sure they are safe from bad and that nothing happens to them. Rest in peace and know that one day we will be together again.

Love always your little sister,
Jamie

Jamie Manos
Bert’s Sister

Jamie Manos
Bert's Sister

March 8, 2004

Denise, Verna & Family,

There are no words to express the deep sadness we feel at the loss of such wonderful man. Bert had such a presence about him..I think we all felt safe knowing he was in our family and apart of our lives. We were so touched that you had Nico in your wedding, though we weren't sure he would walk down the aisle that didn't matter to you guys as long as he was there in his little tux. I remember the times Bert would kneel to down to talk to him...holding him during the girls christening...he loved his trooper car Bert gave him and the bank...Nico adored Bert, we all did. Bert was very muched loved, he will forever remain in our hearts and a part of our family. We love you and miss you.

Liz & Rich Petrelli

Liz, Rich, Nico, Holly & Sydney
Cousins of Denise & Bert

March 8, 2004

Denise, your uncle and I are very proud of you and Bert. Bert for all he achieved in life and you for the poise and decorum you presented during a time that challenges the strongest of people. Though you may be small in size, we always new you were an equal to Bert. Someone who could make the strongest bend. Denise, we are truly sorry, deeply saddened and will genuinely miss Bert. We only knew Bert for several years but we love him as we love you. We will miss his unbridle enthusiasm, love of life, quick tempo speech and the conversations, ahhh, the conversations. As I said several times, your intense loss will not diminish; there will always be a void that can not be filled. This void will evolve. As life moves forward, you will not lose him for Bert will always be with you.

Denise you will enjoy this story knowing the history of Bert and your Uncle Tom. I believe Bert had the final laugh with your uncle as he climbed into the passenger seat of a NJ State Police cruiser. While the irony was lost on the very nice Trooper (and we tried to explain it) your Uncle and I didn’t miss it and I am sure you won't either.

The day of Bert's funeral we parked our car in the family section of the church parking lot. Unfortunately when it was time to leave for the cemetery the car in front of us did not have occupants. Rather than risk another “citation” for you uncle’s driving abilities, we moved into Uncle Rich and Aunt Marge’s car. However, the cruiser in front of Uncle Rich’s car was also missing it occupants as your Grandparents were in the family limos. The Trooper, having an empty cruiser, approached the car (Bert always enjoyed your uncle’s driving stories and he knew whenever a trooper or policeman approaches Uncle Tom on the driver side of a vehicle he cringes awaiting another “driving citation”.) The Trooper explained she didn’t want to drive an empty car and asked us to ride with her and we did. She was very nice and we enjoyed sharing “Bert” and other stories with her. Denise it still bring a big smile and a small sense of comfort to both your uncle and I when we think of Bert (with a big grin on his face) saying as your uncle climbed into the cruiser “Gotcha Uncle Tom this is for the first time we met”.

Our love always
Uncle Tom and Aunt Kathi

Uncle Tom and Aunt Kathi

March 8, 2004

The first thing I think about when I hear or see Bert Zimmerman's name is that at the age of 6 maybe even younger all he talked about was being a cop, a person to help others. His main goal in life was to be a state trooper and all he would say is, his life would be complete once he managed this. He just loved his job, loved being in uniform and enjoyed every moment of a day serving to help all. I have known the Zimmerman family for many many years and the strength that they have will help them through this trying time. I just wish I could help in other ways than just being by their side. Denise, I just wish that there was something I could do for you but I hope you realize you are in my prayers daily. Bert was special to me also, I looked at him as a nephew and now I know I have a niece also. To the Zimmerman family, my heart and soul are with you through all this and if you need anything you know I am there for all of you, ( you all are like family). To the Petrelli family, my thoughts are with you also and I really have enjoyed having you as part of my life, please keep in touch. There is just so much that can be said for all but I just want everyone to know you are in my thoughts and prayers daily and I know Bert is watching over all of us now as our guardian angel for he watched over us when he was here and I know he will continue. God Bless, Take Care, and Be Strong.

Sue Pearce

March 8, 2004

I guess in time I will figure out why God takes people that make a difference. Bert made a difference in everything he did. He made a big difference in my life. Wherever and whenever I needed my friend he was always there for me. I guess the good thing for me is that Bert and I had a lot of firsts. I went to my first WWF wrestling match with B. That was where I really started to understand Bert. He was like the WWF. Those people strive for perfection in the job they do. They love to have fun and make sure other people are having fun to. They also like to talk about the job they did. Bert loved to talk about his carpentry work. The funny part about it is that I would listen all the time. He had so much joy in what he did. How could you not listen. Well the memories I had and the goodtimes I will never forget. Thanks B.

Shawn Morley
Friend of Bert & Denise

March 7, 2004

From all that was said about this man, he proudly served his uniform and the public. He was well respected and loved by both family and friends. His funeral was proudly attended by so many and from so far. He and his family will remain in my thoughts.

Sgt Timothy Owens
New York State Police

March 7, 2004

God bless you and your family. As all brothers who have left us we will never forget you!

K-9 Officer
PTPD

March 5, 2004

To Denise and the Zimmerman Family,
I had the great pleasure to work with Bert in Evesham a few years ago. Many people will tell you things about your son and husband, and I too am one of those people. I lost my brother four years ago and Bert was one of the first officers to volunteer as a member of my brother’s honor guard. Although I thanked him, I never was able to tell him how much he did for my family and me. Bert gave us great pride and strength that night and those feeling continue today. You can always be very proud of Bert. He touched so many of us, and he will always continue to be a part of our hearts forever.

Sgt Chris Van Brunt
Evesham

March 4, 2004

It is amazing that life brings us such wonderful opportunities in so many ways. I have been blessed to have been touched by the love and devotion that is shared by two incredible people. Knowing and being a part of Denise and Bert's circle of friends has been one of the most wonderful opportunities that I could ever imagine. Love was such a prominent aspect of the relationship they shared, that it overflowed into the lives of all that surrounded them. While in their presence you could see the love the two of them shared and in turn you knew that you were loved and cared for.



Bert - Thank you for being the one of the kindest and sweetest men that I have ever known. Knowing you has made me appreciate many of the things that so many of us take for granted in life. There was never a man that was more generous and caring then you. Thank you for giving all those who knew you the special gift of your kindness and friendship.



Denise - I hope you know how much I love the friendship that you and I share. You know I am always here for you no matter the situation. Please stay strong and fill free to call on your friends no matter your need. We love you and will are always be there for you.

Tricia Kouch
Friend of Bert and Denise

March 3, 2004

TO DENISE,
I KNOW THAT I HAVE ALREADY SENT A NOTE ABOUT BERT THANKING EVERYONE WHO HELPED YOU DURING THIS SAD TIME. BUT IN THINKING ABOUT IT. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS,
IN OUR LIFE, ALL OF US HAVE TO DIE. THAT IS THE ONE CERTAIN THING FOR ALL OF US.
BUT HOW HAPPY IT IS TO KNOW, THAT BERT DIED, NOT IN VIEN. HE ACHIEVED ALL HIS LIFE LONG DREAMS AND GOALS. HE BECAME A STATE TROOPER, WHICH WAS HIS MAIN GOAL IN LIFE. HE HAD HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF HIS FAMILY, HIS MOM, AND SISTERS. HE HAD FRIENDS WHO LOVED AND ADMIRED HIM. AND MOST OF ALL, HE FOUND THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE, WHICH WAS YOU DENISE! HE DIED HAVING IT ALL. AND FINDING YOU, MADE IT ALL COME TOGETHER FOR HIM.
HOLD THAT CLOSE TO YOUR HEART DURING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. BE PROUD, OF HIM, AND PROUD OF THE WIFE THAT YOU WERE.
I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, BUT MOST OF ALL KNOW THAT MICHELE, SHAWN, AND OUR WHOLE FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU! BERT BROUGHT YOU TO OUR FAMILY. AND FOR BERT, WE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU. WE LOVE YOU.
LORRAINE
MICHELE'S MOM

March 3, 2004

IT TOOK SOME TIME TILL I COULD PUT INTO WORDS JUST HOW I AM FEELING. I AM LORRAINE, THE MOTHER OF MICHELE, DENISE AND BERTS BEST FRIEND.
FIRST AND FOREMOST I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO DENISE. YOUR LOSS IS SOMETHING THAT I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE. YOU CAN TAKE COMFORT THOUGH DENISE KNOWING THAT BERT, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME, HAD PICKED YOU TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE WITH. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE GIRL THAT HE WANTED TO SHARE HIS LIFE WITH.
NEXT, I WANT TO SEND MY THOUGHTS OUT TO THE ZIMMERMAN FAMILY. YOUR LOSE OF A SON, A BROTHER, IS SOMETHING ALSO THAT I CANNOT IMAGINE. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUT PRAYERS.
I KNEW BERT FROM HIS CHILDHOOD. HIM AND MICHELE, MY DAUGHTER GREW UP TOGETHER. PARTED WAYS FOR AWHILE, AND THEN THROUGH WORKING WITH DENISE, THEIR FRIENDSHIP CONTINUED.
BERT WAS A FUN LOVING KID. HE DID HIS SHARE OF TEENAGE MISCHIEF JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER KID. I REMEMBER WHEN HIM AND MICHELE WHERE TEENAGERS, I WENT OUT FOR A WHILE, AND CAME HOME TO A HOUSE FULL OF KIDS. MICHELE WAS HAVING A PARTY WHILE I WAS OUT. DURING THE PARTY, BERT FELT COMPLELED TO PUT BEER IN MY DOGS BOWL FOR HIM TO DRINK. MY DOG WAS A SMALL YORKIE, AND NEEDLESS TO SAY WAS SICK FOR QUITE A FEW DAYS AFTER. BERT LAUGHED AS HE ADMITTED HE WAS THE ONE TO DO IT. MY HUSBAND DIDNT FIND IT SO FUNNY, BUT I MUST ADMIT, I DID. IT WAS SO OUT OF THE ORDINARY FOR BERT. WE NEVER LET HIM LIVE THAT DOWN.
LOL.
BUT AS HE GREW OLDER, HE WOULD COME OVER AND TALK, AND THE ONE THING THAT HE WOULD ALWAYS TALK ABOUT WAS THAT HE WANTED TO BE A COP. AND NOT JUST A COP, BUT BEING A STATE TROOPER WAS HE ULTIMATE DREAM. HE MADE THAT COME TRUE.
HIS DAD DIED WHILE HE WAS IN SCHOOL GETTING HIS DEGREE. I REMEMBER THE DAY HE CALLED AND TOLD US THAT HIS DAD DIED. HE WAS DEVASATED. BUT, HE PICKED HIMSELF UP, AND TOOK HIS MOM, AND SISTERS, AND BECAME THE MAN OF THE FAMILY. HIS FAMILY WAS EVERYTHING TO HIM, IT WAS OBVIOUS IN EVERYTHING HE SAID AND DID.
I KNOW WE ARE ALL SADDENED BY HIS DEATH. EVERYONE HE KNEW, LOVED HIM. HE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF EVERYONE AROUND HIM. AND BERT YOU WILL BE MISSED, AND I AM SURE YOU KNOW.
I WANT TO ALSO SEND MY THOUGHTS OUT TO THE STATE POLICE. THE TIME AND CARE, AND LOVE THAT YOU GAVE TO DENISE, WAS WONDERFUL. ALL THE WHILE YOU ARE SUFFERING THE LOSE OF A BROTHER. YOU ARE TRULY HERO'S.
AND LAST, I WANT TO SAY HOW PROUD OF MY DAUGHTER AND SON IN LAW, MICHELE AND SHAWN, THAT I AM OF YOU BOTH FOR OPENING YOUR HOUSE TO DENISE, AND THE STATE TROOPERS WHO WERE THERE WITH HER, DOING THE PLANNING OF THE FUNERAL. AND TAKING IN THE FAMILY OF BERT, AND DENISE. I KNOW BERT IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU, AND HE IS HAPPY.
I REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER, BERT GIVING A TOAST AT THE WEDDING OF MICHELE AND SHAWN. HE ENDED IT WITH, HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO HIM, DENISE , MICHELE AND SHAWN GROWING OLD TOGETHER. AND I BELIEVE HE WILL BE THERE STILL, WITH ALL OF YOU.
BERT WILL FOREVER LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS.
WE LOVED HIM, ADMIRED HIM, AND RESPECTED HIM.
DENISE, THE ZIMMERMAN FAMILY, MICHELE AND SHAWN, FRIENDS, AND BROTHERS OF THE STATE POLICE, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
MY LOVE,
LORRAINE
P.S. DONT THINK JUST BECAUSE BERT ISNT HERE ON EARTH, THAT HE ISNT WRITING TICKETS UP THERE IN HEAVEN! HE DIDNT LET ANYONE PASS ON THAT HERE ON EARTH, AND I AM SURE HE IS CONTINUING UP THERE.

March 3, 2004

There are no words I can speak to ease your pain. There are no actions I can take to reverse this tragedy. My heart goes out to Bert’s family, Denise’s family and most of all to Denise. Please know that whenever, however and whatever I can do to help my friend through this challenging time I am ready. Bert’s love for Denise will never waiver . . . nor will Denise’s love for Bert. They are “soul mates” and will remain that way forever. The responsibility of Denise’s family and friends is to remain at her side as she learns to cope with this lose. Denise, we are all here for you (always). Bert, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Matt Kinsey

Matthew Kinsey
Friend

March 3, 2004

Denise and Bert -

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Bert on a few occasions in the past two years. He always had a smile on his face which quickly spread to everyone else around him.

There were two things you knew for sure when you talked to Bert: he loved being a state trooper and he loved his wife Denise even more.

Stay strong Denise and know he will always be with you in your heart. You will be missed Bert but never forgotten.

Michael Montana
Friend

March 2, 2004