Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Denise-

Our stories are very similar. I was married to my husband for 8 months when I got the nock on the door. I still remember seeing two of his trooper buddies standing there speechless. I still remember that exact moment, and the loss I immediately felt. I remember the funeral, and being so overwhelmed by all who attended, and then going home, alone... I remember thinking that this was not what newleyweds were supposed to live like, apart. I am not going to try to make you feel better with my words, because like you, I know what it is like to wake up in the morning and realize you are alone. I know too what it is like to see the cruiser drive past, and look to see if he's in it, then to realize that he is gone. I feel your pain still 18 months later.

I've learned to notice the little things in life that would serve as signs for us. The waves crashing against the beach, and the beautiful thunderstorms rolling across the sky in the springtime. And most of all, we have a little inside joke about how he sent me a baby. (I found out 4 days after he died that I was pregnant)

So, with the sadness and lost feeling I am here to tell you that it is not true when people say it gets easier. It never does, it still hurts. But it does get easier to understand that life happens.


I will pray for you in the future. God Bless You-

March 1, 2004

Denise,
Although I never really got to know Bert personally, I do remember the first time I met him. He walked into the office I work at to ask your Dad for your hand in marriage. And the next time I met him was the day of your wedding.

But in between those two days I feel like I know the two of you so well. Your Dad, who I work with everyday and your Mom whom I've been friends with for some years now are so proud of you and Bert. Not a day goes by where one of your names comes into conversation. I know how much they loved Bert and how very proud they were to have him fall in love with their daughter and become there son in law.

Even though you didnt have a lot of time with your husband and he was taken from you so quickly, what you had is something that some people do not experience in of life time of marriage.

I can only imagine how you hurt and your heart aches for the loss of Bert, also how proud you must be of him.. almost as proud as he was to have you for his wife.

Between your faith and your family you will find the strength to get through this.

Bert is a hero in my eyes and I thank God for knowing him the little time that I did. He will be sadly missed.

My prayers are with you and your family to help all of you get through this together.

Joan Queen/Impac Lending
Friend of Carmen and Vicki Petrelli

March 1, 2004

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Bert is the love he shared with Denise. It was amazing! The second is "yellow socks." I will forever associate the color yellow and socks with Bert. It is weird how much I had in common with Bert. We both are extremely picky eaters. I know I would always like the food at his house- very plain with no veins in the chicken. We also loved the color yellow. And we both thought Denise was the kindest strongest, most loving person in the world. I will forever remember the best beer-pong partner I ever had. You will be missed.

Denise- Hang in there and stay strong. Remember that Bert will be in your heart forever.

Nikki Spina
Friend of Denise and Bert

March 1, 2004

My heart is broken for Denise and Bert. As parents we want to fix everything for our children when they are hurting or in pain. I want to put my arms around you both and say, "it's okay, we'll fix it". Oh, how I wish I could.

I am so sorry your beautiful life was cut so short. No one can explain why bad things happen to good people. But God only wants the good ones, so I have to believe you are in a better place and needed there.

I could not have asked for a better husband for Denise. How happy we all were on your wedding day. You were everything I could have wished for and beyond for Denise. I am proud and honored to have called you son-in-law. I know you will watch over Denise always.

I will always hold a special place in my heart for you and I will cherish the time I was able to call you "son".

God Bless You in your new position of "Heavenly Trooper". We will miss you and love you beyond words.

It brings a smile to my face and peace to my soul as I picture you renovating houses for the angels and and passing out speeding tickets when they are flying just a little bit too fast.

Love you,
Mom Petrelli

Vicki Petrelli
Bert's mother-in-law

March 1, 2004

Denise, what can I say to my little girl to help ease your pain? I wish that I could just hold you in my arms and make it all better, but I can't.

You have shown great strength and courage through a very tragic time. You are every bit the Trooper that Bert was. He would be very proud of you. I know that he will always be with you, watching over you and loving you.

You know that I love you more than anything in this world and I will always be there for you, any time, day or night.

Love Dad.

Bert, one of the things that I will always remember about you is the day that you came to my office and ask for my permission to marry Denise. I think that I was more nervous than you were. I knew that Denise would be marrying a good strong young man with great values who obviously loved her
with all of his heart.

The day I walked her down the aisle and gave you her hand was one of the happiest and proudest moments of my life. The look of love on your face when you first saw her that day will forever be ingrained in my mind.

I can't say enough about the wonderful support that Denise and both families have received from your brothers, the NJ State Troopers.

To say that I love you and will miss you would be an understatement. You are a true hero and I am so proud to say that you are a part of my family. I will never forget you. I know you are in Heaven. Rest in Peace, my son.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Carmen Petrelli
Berts Father in law

Carmen Petrelli
Bert's father in law

March 1, 2004

It's not the length of life; it's the depth of life.
He dove into life and never touched bottom.

annonymous

February 29, 2004

Bert - you were one of the most wonderful people that I have ever met. I remember the first day of the academy ... I had so many doubts and was so unsure that I made the right decision to go into the NJSP. It was you who reassured me each and every day that I had made the right decision.

You are a true example of what the NJSP stands for. "Honor, Duty, and Fidelity." You always gave 110% and also made me strive to be everything that you are. You are a wonderful man and will never be forgotten.

I was there the night that it happened and let me say it was one of the worse experiences of my life. But I knew that if it was the other way around you would have been there for me. I know that you are in a better place now and are watching over me and the rest of the NJSP. But most importantly you are watching over your loving wife Denise.

GODSPEED. ALWAYS LOVED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Trooper
NJSP

February 28, 2004

Denise- there is nothing I want more in this world right now then to take away some of your pain. I have known you for over thirteen years, and never seen any man light up your face the way Bert did. So many people never feel in a lifetime what you and Bert felt. I am so sad that I never had the chance to meet him, but thank the Lord that he came into your life and loved you like you deserved to be loved. There is so much evil in this world, and sometimes no explanation why tragedies such as this occur. But rest assure, when that evil takes a wonderful, brave, dedicated, Hero like Bert, God is there to take him home to Heaven. Bert's love, and your love for each other will be the inner strength that you never thought you had to survive such a loss. I love you, and am your friend for life. Please let me know if I can do Anything. If only we had more people like Bert in this world, wow -what an Amazing place it would be. XOXO Always

Nicole Vento
friend of Denise

February 26, 2004

My thoughts and support are with you Denise. Bert was an incredible person who touched everyone he knew. He was so full of life and always made everyone feel better about themselves. He loved his job, life in general, and especially you Denise. You are certainly a couple who everyone strives to be like. This was a tragedy that caused so much pain. Denise you are such a strong girl and Bert is still here watching over you. We will all miss him and we all be here for you.

Shannon Heaney
friend of Denise and Bert

February 25, 2004

I ONLY KNEW BERT FOR A BRIEF TIME BUT HE MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER BERT KEEPING MY WEDDING GOING WHEN IT SEEMED THE NIGHT WAS OVER, DRINKING A HUGE BEER OUT OF THE ENORMOUS GLASS AT HIS OWN WEDDING AND SHOWING UP IN THE BEST COSTUME FOR HALLOWEEN. BERT HAD A CONTAGIOUS PERSONALITY, WAS ALWAYS KIND TO EVERYONE AND ALWAYS LOVED TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. IT WAS SO OBVIOUS HOW MUCH HE LOVED HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HIS WIFE ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW HIM THAT LONG I CAN SAY ONE THING ABOUT HIM THAT I KNOW ALL WOULD AGREE WITH......BERT WAS THE KIND OF GUY THAT YOU WOULD WANT YOUR OWN KIDS TO HAVE HAS A FRIEND, THE KIND OF GUY THAT YOU WOULD WANT YOUR DAUGHTER TO BRING HOME AND MARRY AND CERTAINLY THE KIND OF GUY THAT THIS WORLD NEEDS MORE OF. MY WIFE IS NOW THREE MONTHS PREGNANT AND IF IT IS A BOY I CAN ONLY HOPE AND PRAY THAT HE GROWS TO BE HALF THE MAN THAT BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN IS. REST IN PEACE BERT TO DENISE: MANY PEOPLE GO THROUGH THEIR ENTIRE LIFE AND NEVER KNOW WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO LOVE. YOU AND BERT KNEW RIGHT AWAY, EVERYONE COULD SEE THAT. REMEMBER THAT LOVE AND BERT WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. JEFF HEANEY

JEFF HEANEY
FRIEND OF DENISE AND BERT, HUSBAND OF SHANNON

February 25, 2004

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free,
I am following the path GOD laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh…to love…to work…to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
For I found peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
These things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow,
For I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undo grief.
So lift up your heart and share with me,
GOD wanted me now...He has set me free.

Remember...to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die

Anonymous

February 25, 2004

For the 5 years that I was privileged to have known Bert, I knew I was in the presence of a wonderful man. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations as he recounted his day on duty. I admired his passion for life and respected his job as a Trooper. I felt safe when he was around and proud to have him in our family. I also quickly realized that Bert valued things in life that I often took for granted. I wanted to be a better person because of him.

Bert had "skills" that were umatched and he was willing to help anyone with any project. And when he helped, he gave 110% of himself. If that meant sacrificing sleep to help a friend or family member, he did it without hesitation. He loved his life, his friends, and family more than most people I know. But most importantly, he loved his wife Denise with all that his heart could hold and was devoted to her in every way.

One of the last conversations I had with Bert ended with, "Danielle, you know when I do something, I don't do it half way. It has to be the best". I find comfort in this because I know he lived his life in a way God would be proud and now he is in heaven guarding Denise and his family and friends from above.

I value the time I had with Bert and will miss him immensely. I love him and hope to see him again one day.

Danielle Petrelli
Sister in law of Denise and Bert

February 25, 2004

Denise,
God does crazy things and we don't understand why. But, true love and memories remain in the heart forever. You were blessed to have such a wonderful man in your life. You're blessed to have all the memories. Your in my thoughts all the time. May the tears fade away and Bert's love bring peace in your heart.

Love,
Kelly

Kelly Browning
Friend of Denise

February 24, 2004

Denise,
My memories of Bert are those of a well respected, kind and fun-loving person who sure loved to dance at weddings!!
Bert is now your special guardian angel who will be watching over you for the rest of your life...one day you will both meet again. For now, let the memories you hold so deeply within your heart give you the strength at this difficult time. Eventually, you will find the courage to carry onward to a brighter, better day. My thoughts are with you now and in the days to come.
Love,
Aimee

Aimee - friend of Denise and Bert

February 23, 2004

Although I did not know Bert well I know for sure he must have been a wonderful person because someone as wonderful as Denise was in love with him. I do not know how someone goes on in life after being dealt such a tragedy but if God dealt it to you then there IS a way! Hang in there. My thoughts and prayers are constantly with you.

Tara
Denise's friend

February 23, 2004

My family and I will be praying for you Denise during this difficult time.
Know that your friends, even the ones that you haven't seen or talked to
in a while, are deeply saddened by this tradgedy. Take solice in the fact
that you are loved by so many people and that you had, for however
brief a time, the divine opportunity to love another person deeply and
completely. It is a rare treasure indeed.

Vincent
friend of Denise

February 23, 2004

Denise-
Despite only meeting him a few times, I know for sure that your husband was a wonderful man, a true friend to many, as well as a brave and dedicated trooper. I have never seen a show of support as strong as I did at Bert's funeral. Only a truly amazing person could touch so very many people, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him will be forever thankful for having been so blessed.
I know you well, and I know that you are an incredibly strong woman. Bert is gone from this Earth, but he will never leave you. Have faith that he is watching over you, and he will give you the courage that you need to carry on in your life. My daily thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and all of Bert's family and friends.

God Speed Trooper Zimmerman

Joe O'Donnell
close friend of Denise

February 23, 2004

Bert and Denise-

So many good times we have shared in the past. So many wonderful memories we have made as friends. Never will there be a time that we forget these moments.

Bert - You are a wonderful, caring and giving person who made my friend the happiest girl on earth. You strived to be the best at everything you did and no one will ever forget your drive and enthusiasm. We know that you are looking down on Denise and helping her to continue on. You will always be in our hearts and our memories. Our gatherings will not be the same without you but we hold you deep in our hearts and will continue to remind ourselves of the fun times we shared with you. Thanks for being part of our lives. You will be truely missed.

Denise - Stay strong and keep the memories alive! We are all here for you whenever you need us. Times will be tough but I know you are strong enough to handle what has been brought onto you. Remember we are only a phone call away.

With Love - Wendy and Chuck Orseno

Wendy and Chuck Orseno
Friend of Bert and Denise

February 23, 2004

Bert was just the most amazing person I have ever met. I was lucky enough to have known him if even for a short time. One of my best friends is his wife Denise. In the few years that I have known Bert, I have seen how wonderful a man he is. He would give the shirt off his back for you. My fiance Tom got along so well with Bert. The moment that Tom met Bert he knew they would get along. . . I think because of the whole shaved head thing!! Bert was the toughest man that I knew. To look at him, you would be a little intimidated by his size, but when you got to know him, you realized that he was just the biggest teady bear. My only regret is that I did not know him better. Denise loves him so much. Denise and I used to always talk about Bert and Tom and the two of us getting together more and going out to dinner and what makes me so sad is that we never did. We never got that chance for our double date. If I have learned anything from this, it is to appreciate the friends that you have and let them know how you feel all the time. I have been at Denise and Bert's house a few times and it was such a loving home. Bert cared so much for his family and his friends. I remember going to Denise and Bert's house one day and without us even asking, Bert had filled the refridgerator for all of us girls!! When Denise and Bert got married, instead of making all of us girls pay for a hotel room, they told us that we could all stay at their house and even let us raid their fridge while we were there. I am so unbelievable saddened by what has happened to Bert and his family. I hope that one day his family will be able to smile again because I know that is what Bert would have wanted. He always wanted to make people laugh and smile and I am sure that he wants that still for all of those that he loved.
My deepest sympathy for everyone affected by this tragedy.
Nicole Walker

February 23, 2004

Danielle, Gracie and I will miss Bert terribly, but we count ourselves fortunate to have known him. He has left an impact on all of us, in his own, unique way. We have numerous things around the house that he built especially for us, memorabilia of him with Denise and the rest of the family. We will miss him, gone but not forgotten. We are comforted that he was responding to the aid of another officer, responding like any other law enforcement officer would, despite any dangers that may befall.

I in particular will remember the few times we talked alone about the various stages he went through in his professional career: the rigors of becoming a state trooper, achieving his Masters Degree, passing the exam to the tactical patrol unit, and eventually joining the SWAT team. Bert has changed all of us, leading by example, pushing all of us to do a little better in all that we do, yet still remembering that family is the most important thing. We love you and miss you Bert. Keep watch over all of us.

Vincent Petrelli, brother-in-law

February 23, 2004

Denise-

I cannot even begin to tell you how sorry I am. After Bert passed away, I was overwhelmed as I learned what a dedicated, hard-working, and loyal State Trooper he was. I only knew Bert as a friend. He was a wonderful and kind person and I know that he was a loving husband to you.

Please know that you are in my prayers. As a soon to be wife of a State Trooper, my heart goes out to you. Please know that you are in my thoughts.

Love,
Michelle

Michelle McGovern friend of B and D

February 22, 2004

We first met Bert when he was 11 yrs old and our paperboy. We always thought he was a great kid and were not surprised he grew into a man to be proud of. He became close friends with my niece Michele and we began to love Bert and Denise as family. Our family will never forget him and will always miss him. We will see him again in Heaven.

Betty and John Boccaleri
friend of Bert and Denise

February 22, 2004

Denise,
Although I did not know Bert very well, I could tell he was a great person because whenever his name was mentioned, there would be a huge smile across your face. I am truly sorry for you, but I know you are strong and Bert will always be there for you, shining down on you from Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are always with you!

Love always,
Melissa Zahaczewsky

Melissa Zahaczewsky
Friend of Denise and Bert

February 22, 2004

Although we never met, we have shared the pride of your in-laws, Buddy and Vicki, in you and your profession. Your father-in-law and I were boyhood friends who, like you, joined a "band-of- brothers" while serving our nation during the Vietnam War. May you now be with our fallen comrades in hallowed glory. We will see you again on the "other side".

Love,

George and Susan Vitetta

George Vitetta, USAF Ret.
DoD

February 22, 2004

Please know that you and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers daily.

Rich & Lisa Hudec

February 21, 2004