Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I could hardly believe it when I heard the news on Monday morning. Scott I only knew you for a few months but during this time I was able to see first hand what an exceptional officer you were. There will be a huge gap in the ranks left by your passing. I remember your sense of humor that you brought to Platoon D and am deeply saddened for Reading Police Departments and your family's loss. Rest in Peace

John Catanzaro
Reading Police Intern 2005

August 8, 2006

ANOTHER GOOD BROTHER LOST IN THE BATTLE THAT CONTINUES, REST EASY BROTHER. TO THE FAMILY AND FELLOW OFFICERS " LOOK TO THE HILLS OF THE LORD FOR COMFORT" WE ALL GRIEVE WITH YOU.

SCO PRESTON WILLIAMS
NJ JUVENILE JUSTICE COMM.

August 8, 2006

Scotty,

To a great father and cop who will be deeply missed. First I have to say I can't believe this is happening again to us at the Reading Police Department. I met Wetrzy when I came on this job almost five years ago. From the day I met him I knew we would become close friends. I will never forget our last conversation we had just 15 minutes before this horrible incident. It was about the softball game which we were suppose to have in seven hours. Just before you and Mick left you asked me "Do you want me to get you something from the store because you are going to be at this crime scene all night". I told you NO and I regret every minute of every day because if I would have said yes this wouldnt have happened on that night. We were all counting the days to August 18 for that road trip (bachelor party) we were going to take. We are definately going to miss you on that night just like we miss you now. I was looking for to "losing track of time". Those words Scotty used a lot. I am going to miss the phone calls at all hours of the day. At your 40th birthday party you said you would not make it to 50. Who knew you wouldn't. Just two years ago it was Mike and now it is you. We must all go on eventhough it is very hard to go into work every night.

To Trish, Jared, and Josh:
Your husband and father was a great man. It is not going to be easy for you guys but with your strong support system you will make it through these trying times. Everytime I look at the boys I see their Daddy in them. Trish stay strong for yourself and the boys they need you. My wife and I will be there for you when you need us.

Lastly Scotty you were a hero to us. Everything you did was done at 100 percent whether it was police work, being a father, or volunteering your time to coach your son's teams.

May you and Mike look down on us and keep us safe. You will always be in my heart. Until we meet again rest in peace my friend.

Officer Matthew Mish #618
Reading Police Department

Officer Matthew Mish #618
Reading Police Department

August 8, 2006

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

OFFICER WERTZ, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

THOSE CLOSE TO THIS HERO, PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ACROSS THIS LAND, GRIEVE WITH YOU. KEEP HIM IN YOUR HEART, AND PASS HIS STORY ALONG. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

August 8, 2006

My Sympathy and Prayers go out to the FAMILY,THE READING POLICE DEPARTMENT,FRIENDS,AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT,,,,No words can ever be spoken that can console anyone for this Tragic Loss,,I did not have the Honor of knowing Officer Wertz Personally,although I spent several years Stationed in,and working in The City of Reading ..However when a member of law enforcement Dies a part of Each and Everyone of US Also Dies,Officer Wertz YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE,BY" LAYING DOWN YOUR LIFE AS OTHERS HAVE DONE BEFORE YOU",,YOU PATROLLED THE STREETS OF READING,AND NOW YOU ARE PATROLLING THE STREETS OF HEAVEN,,YOU ARE WATCHING OVER AND PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY,FELLOW OFFICERS, AND FRIENDS,MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BROTHER--PATROL HEAVENS STREETS WITH PRIDE AND HONOR,YOU EARNED IT,,,,May YOUR FAMILY HAVE THE STRENGTH TO MAKE IT THROUGHT THIS TRAGIC TIME
Sincerey,
Retired Pa. State Narcotics Agent Frank DiMiceli
Pa. Office of Attorney General
Bureau Of Narcotics Investigations

Retired Pa State Narcotics Agent II Fran

August 8, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Wertz -- The sacrifice you made for your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Wertz -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

August 8, 2006

Rest in Peace Officer Wertz...my prayers go out to your family both at home and on the job..Thank you for your sacrifice.
Karen Perrucci
Sister of Ofc. Gary D. Pagano EOW 9/14/1982

August 8, 2006

Scott, Tricia, Jared, Josh and family

I was so devastated to hear of the events that took place early Sunday morning when I received the first of several a telephone calls that began at 0230 hrs. I still cannot believe this happened but this is the harsh reality of the job we do which often goes un-noticed. May your actions never be forgotten and may your memory live on; I will never forget you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I am there for them whenever they need. You are a friend and a brother officer and are deeply missed.

Some time ago, a brother officer of mine provided me with a quote, which I am not aware of the author but the quote made a great impact on me. The quote is as follows:

“Courage is more exhilarating than fear, and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”

I will miss you but never forget you. Rest in peace.

C.I. John Lackner Jr #384
Reading City Police Department

August 8, 2006

The RPD mourns yet another loss of a fine & dedicated officer who gave everything to protect & serve the City of Reading. Words cannot describe how sad I am that Scott is gone.....but he will never be forgotten. Although I didn't see Scott much since i came over to the Reading Police Academy, i can still picture his "sarcastic" smile. He had one plastered on his face everytime i'd see him. He just had that charm and personality that made everyone laugh. He was very well-liked and just a super, super guy - i don't know one person that had anything bad to say about him. Although our officers must continue serving & protecting every day, it will just not be the same with out him. Scott, you are a true hero and will always be remembered. Tricia, your boys and family are in our thoughts and prayers. God will watch over them and take care of them. R.I.P. ~ you will be sadly missed by all.

Rosa G. Avram
Wife of Det. Joel D. Avram, RPD

August 8, 2006

To the family, friends, and fellow LEO's of Officer Wertz,
I am so sorry for the loss of Officer Wertz. Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers, especially during this difficult time.

Mary Fisher

Mother, Deputy Kevin Sherwood
EOW 10/9/03

August 8, 2006

Our Dearest Scottie,

As the alert came over the radio in our ED that horrid night-fear, anger, hope and desperation was among us, for we had no idea what we would be faced with when those trauma doors opened. It was FEAR for your life, ANGER that someone could be so cruel; so evil. HOPE that it would all be okay, DESPERATE that time would be on our side...unfortunately father time was not our friend that dreadful night. That night-I cried for you, for your wife and for the boys. We all cried...We mourned your death. Today is different though. Today, I honor the life you lived and I celebrate your death, for I know you did not die in vain. I know your memory will bring great peace to all of us who knew you! Your wit, your smile, your dedication to everything you did and everyone you knew. As you walk through that valley fear NO EVIL for the Lord is waiting with open arms and of course...with softball in hand so go on Scottie...PLAY BALL!!

Rest in Peace my friend

Vaneeza

Vaneeza Gonzalez-Registered Nurse
The Reading Hospital and Medical Center

August 8, 2006

Scott...Im so sorry! You were so nice,funny,cool,everything. Everyone misses you!!

Aly Leisey
Friend

August 8, 2006

To the family of officer WERTZ I offer my sincere condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. To officer WERTZ, I can only say you are a true hero and will never be forgotten my brother.

Trooper
Pa State Police

August 8, 2006

Dedicated police officer, friend, athlete, and steward between the police and fire departments.
The City of Reading lost another great asset, youll always be remembered Scotty. We'll do what we can do for the loved ones left behind. We played softball with you, we'll play softball for you.
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Wertz family, the Reading Police Department, and Scott's many friends & colleagues.

FF Andrew Kutz #226
Reading Fire Department

August 8, 2006

Sir please know that your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. We will pray that each and every one of them will gain strength everyday.

Rest easy we have the watch from here.

Friends of Larry R Cox EOW 4/21/05
Chillicothe Ohio Police Department

August 8, 2006

WHEN I HEARD THIS ON THE NEWS,IT BROKE MY HEART,IT ALWAYS HURTS MORE WHEN YOU KNOW THE MAN PERSONALLY. SCOTT WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON,NEVER HAD A BAD WORD OR THOUGHT IN HIS HEAD. ALWAYS WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO JUST TALK FOR A MINUTE, EVEN IF HE WAS BUSY,JUST TO SMILE AND SAY HELLO.... GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY NOW SCOTT, THEY WILL HAVE ALL THE PRAYERS OF MANY PEOPLE TO HELP THEM GET THROUGH THIS. AND WE CAN ONLY HOPE AND PRAY YOUR LITTLE GUYS GROW TO BE A MIRROR REFLECTION OF THE FATHER THEY WILL GROW UP TO ADMIRE AND BE PROUD OF AS WE ALL ARE OF YOU... I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS DAY,THE LORD TOOK YOU TO HEAVEN ON MY BIRTHDAY....

ROSE NOVOTNY
FORMER CO-WORKER FROM BCP

August 7, 2006

A great police officer, a wonderful father, and an all around good guy. You always gave one-hundred and ten percent in all that you did, and we will not soon forget you. You and your family are in our hearts and in our thoughts. The shift is over now, lie down and rest. We love you Scott.

Katie Heere
Cousin

August 7, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you Scott and your family during this tragic time. Know the entire brotherhood mourns your sacrifice and your family's loss. We will forever remember the hero who ran towards danger that fatefull day. May God comfort you and yours.

Sgt. Jeff Jensen
Colorado Springs Police Dept
Brother of Detective Jared Jensen - Colorado Springs Police Dept, EOW 2-22-06

August 7, 2006

Scott words can never describe the loss suffered by Family, Friends and co-workers of the Reading Police Department now that you are not in our lives. Your quick wit and smile only to mention a few will be greatly missed but never forgotten. It will be hard without you but we’ll take it from here my brother. Help watch over us all Scott.

Rest in Peace my friend.

C.I. Michael Rowe #382
Reading Police Department

August 7, 2006

To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Scott A. Wertz, our department's thoughts and prayers are with you.

York Area Regional Police

August 7, 2006

rest in peace my brother officer.

POLICE OFFICER RENE SANCHEZ
BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, BOSTON MA.

August 7, 2006

RIP Brother Wertz, You payed the ultimate sacrifice for doing your job above and beyond the call of duty. To the Reading police dept, God bless you guys. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys and to the family of Scott Wertz.

Ronnie
RFD

August 7, 2006

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D, Retired

August 7, 2006

Rest in peace, brother.

Cpl. Tom Stauffer
Swatara Twp. Police (Harrisburg, PA)

August 7, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Ptlm. Wertz.
Rest in peace, my brother in blue. Although your tour of duty ended sooner than it should have, your sacrifice is not in vain, and will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Bryan E. Cummins
Millersville University Police (Lancaster County, PA)

August 7, 2006