Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wow - first time that I've ever written widow as my relationship. That was hard as hell!! But anyway - Hey hon. Just can't believe we will be spending Christmas without you! Just can't believe it! I want so bad to just skip right over the holidays and sometimes the rest of my life for that matter! But like always - I will carry on for your boys! And like you told me the other day - spoil them at Christmas and spend too much money like always!!! I tried to convince them to go away for Christmas - but they didn't want to. How do I begin to tell you to have a Merry Christmas when it is anything but that for us? I now know you are with Tommy, and Pop. I just pray you are happy. I know you said OK - but I want happiness for you. I don't know how to achieve that without you here but I will continue to try. As before, I promised one of your favorite Christmas songs to tell you how I feel and here it is:

I’ll have a blue Christmas without you
I’ll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me

And when the blue snowflakes start falling
That’s when those blue memories start calling
You’ll be doing alright with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue Christmas

You’ll be doing alright with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas

Well - Merry Christmas honey. I miss you so terribly much and can't wait until we meet again! I have to go do what I have been trying to avoid for so long. This just sucks! You would be proud that I acutally had the gifts wrapped a little ahead of time (ha-ha)! Well - gotta go be Santa for you!! Loving you and missing you always!

Love you forever!!

Trish

Trish Wertz
Loving Widow

December 24, 2006

Hi Trish,
I am very sorry I haven't called you all in awhile. Walter keeps telling me I need to, and I just haven't been able to do it. I am sitting at work right now, kind of feeling sorry for myself because I am here and not at home with my husband and my kids. Then I thought of you...what a jerk I am to think like that. I feel sure that you would give anything right now to be able to work your shift and go home to your husband. Christmas is supposed to be such a joyous and family oriented time. I truly don't know how you are getting through all of this. I get tears in my eyes every time I think about how you must feel. I want to wish you and the boys and your parents and Dusty a merry Christmas and again, if you need anything to please call us. Sorry Walter had to back out of the last offer to help you out. His shoulder is getting better slowly but surely so hopefully by spring he'll be almost back to his old self. Hang in there the best you can and know that we are thinking of you all and praying for you!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Walter and Kenda Balkiewicz and Family

Kenda Balkiewicz
Wife of Reading Policeman

December 24, 2006

Scott

Merry Christmas (Eve) - it sounds weird to say that cause really how merry is it gonna be? I hope you are doing ok up there....Im sure you are trying your best to get your family through this first of many Christmas' without you. I hope you know that all your friends are thinking of you this holiday...wishing it could be different.

The other day somebody asked me what my favorite holiday tradition was...although I havent been at the last two, my answer was your annual Chrismtas party. I looked forward to that every year - you just knew it was gonna be a GREAT time. (except for that one year that I had WAY too many Baja Luna and Baja Rosa and Trish had to drive me home). Then I started thinking about the funny times we had a your parties and this one memory stood out...I think Josh was about 1 1/2 - 2 yrs old....and I think it was Jim and Nancy who brought over a kareoke (spelling??) machine. Josh was in the middle of the kitchen standing on a chair screaming "Can you smellllllll what the rock is cookin!!!" into the microphone....we were all hysterical - which encouraged him to keep on doing it. After about the 6th time you were trying to get the mic away from him and he was having no parts of that. The look on Trish's face was priceless...it was just such a funny moment - a real WERTZ moment.

Well, just wanted you to know I was thinking about you this Christmas and like everyone else, wishing you were still here with us. I'll say some prayers for you and your family tonight at church....but the one miracle we all hope for just isnt going to come true. On a lighter note -if you could, make sure our Cowboys beat the heck out the Eagles....that would be a Christmas present!!

Trish and family - Scott and I have you in our prayers and you know if we can help with anything - call us. Thanks for the Christmas card - it amazes me how much the boys are just like their dad. We wish you the best it can be at this time...just know we are here!

"Happy" Holidays!
Cathy and Scott

Cathy Hertzog
Friend & Neighbor

December 24, 2006

hey scott, merry christmas.i don't know how to deal with what i am feeling. i just want the holidays to be over. i would give anything to have you back. everything is nothing without you here. we all miss you so much!

love you & miss you,

shelly

michele
sister

December 24, 2006

Scott,
I still can't bring myslf to write memories or thoughts but could not let Christmas pass without saying Merry Christmas. Love and miss you.

Deanna
friend

December 24, 2006

Scott.... As this time comes near for everyone to be happy and with their families it kills me to know that Trish and the boys are without you. But after talking to Trish I know that they may be without you physically but we know you are with them.
I struggled for days wanting to call Trish and just couldn't bring myself to...I didn't want to be the one to start crying and I just wasn't sure that I could get thru talking to her without doing it. There aren't words to ease her or the boys pain or agony they are going thru.
Trish just know that we (all of your friends) are here for you... like I told you on the phone (when I finally got up the nerve to call) if you need anything-- if you need someone to cry to scream to laugh with or if you just need to sit and say nothing WE ARE HERE !!!!!!!!!!
Scott you know you are always thought about .. there isn't a day that goes by that something doesn't make you come to mind.... Em finally got your badge # initials and a badge on her hockey helmet. And she wears it proudly & when people ask what it is.. she hesitates and just says its for my friend. That is hard for her.

Dustin and Barb and families.... you all are amazing the way you are standing by Trish and the boys and as a friend I thank you from the bottom on my heart for that.
I hope you all can have the best Christmas possible and know we are thinking about all of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Miss you Scott

Kelley

Kelley
friend

December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas Scott.
Give Damon a hug for me. I MISS YOU BOTH.
I'm sure you two are raising alittle you know what up there. If their ready to give you both up, we'll take you back.

Forever thinking of you....Lisa

Lisa Leisey
Friend

December 23, 2006

Trish and Family

We at the township fire department wish you and your family the best as it can be and pray that god takes hold of you all and begins to mend your hearts. You and your boys are true heros just as Scott IS! Even as the new year comes about we are all here for you and your whole family and ALWAYS will be. It is a true honor so serve and protect such a fine family in our community.

To Scott, thank you for touching so many people with your life. I never got to meet you but I was lucky enough to meet Trish at the Sinky fire company for wing night. You must be very proud of her and your boys. We will all see you again one day Scott and then I will love to finally meet you. God bless you Scott, I know that god has a GREAT place for you up there! RIP

The FireFighters
Spring Township Fire Department

December 23, 2006

My fiance and I attended the fundraiser for Scott on Tuesday night at the Sinking Spring Fire Company. As I was sitting with him and a fellow officer of the Pottstown PD, we were reminded of how precious life truly is. God Bless Scott and the entire Wertz family throughout this holiday season. How blessed we all are to have an angel such as Scott watching over all of us.
~"Heroes Live Forever"~

Fiance of Pottstown PD Officer

December 23, 2006

To Trish and Family
This song was written by Diamond Rio

Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And it’s like you haven’t been..
Gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me!

And with all my heart I’m sure;
Were closer than we ever were
I don’t have to hear or see you I’ve got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe! I believe!

That’s when you die your life goes on
It doesn’t end here when your gone!
Every soul is filled with light;
It never ends and if I’m right...
Our love can then even reach across eternity
I believe! I believe!

Forever you’re a part of me!
Forever you’re the heart of me!
And I will hold you even longer if I can.
The people who don’t see the most
Say that I believe in ghosts
And if that makes me crazy than I am
Cause I believe....

There are more than angels watching over me
I believe! I believe!

Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again……….
And I believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No words or songs can every replace what you feel. May God and all the angels in heaven wrap their arms around you and your family to give you strength, hope and peace for another year.

The Enslin Jr Family

The Enslin Family

December 23, 2006

Dear Trish ~

I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you endure this first holiday season without your wonderful husband. May you have a warm and blessed Christmas and may the New Year bring you hope, renewed faith and new beginnings.

Warmly ~
Carin E. Sollman
wife of Officer Jesse E. Sollman EOW 3/25/05

December 23, 2006

Trish, You and the boys along with Scott, are in my
thoughts every day. I know I can't say or do anything to
make this nightmare go away. However, as you read the 21
pages of reflections you can see that you are surrounded
by an army of friends, family and even strangers.

I would like to thank everyone that left a reflection this
year. And for those that visit only to read a reflection, I thank you because its obvious that you have Scott and his family in your thoughts.

Trish if you ever need anything, let Kelley know and I
will be there. I just can't help you in the kitchen.
After the fire, Scott told me I was never allowed in his
kitchen again.

To the Wertz and Schappell families,

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a (better) New Year..
Scott is with us, because "Heroes Live Forever"


Scott, good bye for now..

"Slinger"

Rick Genslinger
friend/former colleague

December 22, 2006

Scotty,

My friend, I just recieved a Christmas card in the mail from Trish and the boys, included was a picture of Chucky, You and I at your wedding having a ball like we always did when we were together. Scott, I miss you man. I never told you this but I want you to know that you were a brother to me, you were my family, I think you know that. I dreamed of us growing old and maybe living close to each other again to hang out and maybe take up golfing or something. Man I just have no words, I sit here and still do not comprehend losing you my friend, I dont think I will ever.
Scotty I just got promoted yesterday and in the middle of the ceremony I had a glimpse of you in my mind looking down at me with that so familiar but unique smile that you had buddy. I miss you. Frank

Frank Fernandez
Miami SWAT

December 21, 2006

Trish,

I was thinking of you and your family today and found this poem I wanted to share. It was written by Sandra K. Hester.

I wish I had the words to comfort you,
In all your pain and grief.

But I know there is nothing I can say or do,
to help you find relief.

Your numbness will soon subside,
and the pain and tears will be real.

Just remember no matter what,
It's ok to feel what you feel.

Each day may seem like a burden,
sometimes it will be hard to face.

But they will never stop loving you,
just because they're in a new and better place

They will live on in your hearts,
you will all have memories to share.

And when your time on earth is through,
with open arms, they will be waiting for you there.


Everyday I ask God to give you the strength to deal with the burden you are bearing. I haven't seen you since the shower but you are never far from my thoughts.

Take care,

Monica

Monica
Friend

December 17, 2006

I never met Officer Wertz but participated in some of the fundraisers for the family. I was in the motorcycle ride that was started because of the lemonade stand. I was so touched by it all and I think I cried the entire ride. I found this page weeks ago and decided it was time to leave a note to the family. I see Scott's name on so many cars and businesses, he must have been an incredible person to be loved this much. I feel your pain and loss in your words and just want to grab you and hug you and tell you something to make you feel just a tiny bit better, but I cannot think of one thing that would do that! I just want to do something to help out so I decided to leave a message to let you know that you are being thought of everyday by so many people who adored your husband. He lost his life doing what he loved which does not make it any better of course, but he is such a hero in so many people's eyes. I want to send my thoughts and prayers to the family during this holiday season. It can't possibly be a happy holiday for you, but I wish for God and Scott to guide you through it all with the strength you need for the children. And from what I had read from you I do know that Scott will be right by your side the entire time guiding you to get through it all too. Bless you and your family this holiday season. I also want to say what a Wonderful Mother you have!!

December 16, 2006

Trish, Jared, Josh, Dustin, Barb, and Nevin-
My heart goes out to all of you during this holiday season. I can't even begin to imagine how you guys feel. I hope and pray for you that you can get through this. Every day sucks for you guys without Scott here but I am sure the holidays have to be the worst. I think about you guys all the time and what you must be going through. I am sure that I am among the many that wish there was something that I could do. But, I know there is nothing that will bring Scott back or make you feel any better. Trish, you have to stay strong for your boys and I know you can do it. You are the world to them. You have a great support system in your parents and your brother. You and your boys are more important to them than anything. Dustin, I commend you for your strength and support of your sister and your nephews during this terrible time. Not everyone has a brother like you or an uncle like you. You truly are one of a kind. Take care of the three of them and look after them as best you can. Barb and Nevin, Trish and Dustin have 2 great parents in the both of you. Again, not everyone is that lucky. It takes a strong person to be able to handle what you guys were given to handle. There is no right or wrong way to do so, so do what you must to get through these holidays. When times are tough(as I'm sure is every day) just think of Jared and Josh and be as strong as you can for them. You are what they have left to hold on to. Look for signs from Scott every day. I've read all of your reflections and it seems like he sends signs quite often. He will always remember you and love all of you. God Bless you all and take care of yourselves. Try to have a merry christmas.
Tanya

Tanya Saul

December 16, 2006

Hey #2 son

I can't believe it has been over 4 miserable, horrible months since your death. We are all still trying to make sense of it all. There is a saying, only the good die young and how true it is in your case cause you were taken from us way too soon. The other saying is, things happen for a reason, I just wish someone could tell us all what that reason is so it wouldn't be so hard for us to deal with the situation.

The holidays are approaching rapidly. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays. I hope you have all three, cause they say you are at a better place. For everyone down here it will be Christmas, New Year, cause you will not be here with us to celebrate to make it a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Most of us don't feel like celebrating the holidays, but we have to do it for the kids, since they look forward to Christmas. Hopefully we can all get throuth them, even tho I know it will be tough.

I had a dream the other nite, first dream since your horrible death. My mind must have blocked the horrible incident out, not that you are not thought of cause you are thought of every waking moment of the day. There is always and there will always be things that will remind us of you. You will never be forgotten. Scott, it was so real as if you were right there. I woke up (to the nightmare_) and wanted to go right back to the dream, but you know me, once up and awake, there is no going back to sleep for me. I know now what Trish means in her reflections to you, about waking up to the nightmare.

Trish, I know this is not going to be easy for you, But I hope and pray you will get through the holidays with help from family and friends. You know we are all here for you.

Scott, I know you never really cared much for Country Music that much, but there is a song by Kenny Chesney that is so fitting since this horrible incident happened to you that it also fits how Trish feels. When I get to write all the words I will see that it gets on here for you.

Till later

You are loved and missed.

Barb
mother-in-law

December 15, 2006

Hey Scott,
I can't believe it's been over 4 months now.....Sorry I haven't left you a note since Thanksgiving....Not that I didn't want to because I stopped by here plenty of times but I just couldn't write anything...Too tough.....Since Thanksgiving, you not being here with the family has only gotten worse with Christmas coming up.
Knowing how much it bothers me with you not being here and having to see Trish and the boys struggling as much as they are breaks my heart! I wish there was something I could do to make her and the boys feel better but I can't so keep giving her strength cause boy does she need it! I'm not quite sure what we are doing for Christmas yet....We bounced around different ideas to try and make it tolerable but I don't think anything we come up with will be good cause you will be missing...I think we are all just trying to get through it! I'll talk to you soon. We miss you!
Love YA
Dustin

P/O Dustin Schappell
BPD Maryland & brother-in-law

December 14, 2006

OFFICER WERTZ

WAS A FRIEND AND FORMER CO-WORKER AT THE BERKS COUNTY PRISON. ''MAC DADDY'' AS HE WAS CALLED WAS ALWAYS FUN TO BE AROUND. I CAME TO READING FROM ATLANTA ABOUT A MONTH PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, WHICH TOOK THE LIFE OF A GOOD OFFICER. ME AND SCOTT HAD DINNER AT A RESTAURANT NEAR GLENSIDE AND WE SAT AND TALKED ABOUT THE GOOD OLE DAYS AT BCP WHERE WE WORKED TOGETHER FOR YEARS. THE NEWS OF HIS PASSING HIT HOME FOR ME BECAUSE AT THE TIME I WAS AN OFFICER WITH THE CITY OF CONYERS POLICE DEPT AND TO HERE THAT MY FRIEND HAD LOST HIS LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY WAS VERY HARD FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. BUT SCOTT HAD SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH FRIENDS LIKE CHUCKY LEVAN,SQUIGGY AND MAYER. SCOTT WILL BE MISSED BUT GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND HE WILL SUSTAINED HIS FAMILY.

REST IN PEACE SCOTT

TERRY CHANEY

TERRY CHANEY
FOMER CO-WORKER

December 12, 2006

Hey Wertzy,

I was just going through my address book to send out Christmas cards when I came across your pager #. I was sad when I saw it but quickly turned that frown into a smile thinking of all the stupid pranks we used to play on each other paging each other with fake #'s like Wernersville State hospital. LOL, those were fun times.

IJust really wish you were gonna be here for Christmas this year. No family should have to spend Christmas this way. I read your page almost daily. I find some kind of strange comfort in it. Just know you are missed more than you probably ever realized. Merry Christmas Scott! Miss you!

Shelly
Friend

December 12, 2006

Mrs. Wertz,
My heart breaks for you and your boys. I know your pain as my husband was recently also killed on duty. I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself and thought I'd try and send a good thought to someone else who is probably doing the same thing as I. For me, the days aren't as bad...but the nights are where it takes everything in you to make it. Just know that you are not alone and if you ever need to talk...please feel free to contact me.
Your husband is a hero and I will keep you and your boys in my prayers.

Jessica Petzold
Widow of Officer David Petzold, EOW 11-9-06

December 10, 2006

Hey Hon. What do I say that I haven’t already said over and over on here or to you. It has been 4 months and I still can’t believe it!! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about being with you now instead of “waiting”. But, I know that cannot be. Words just cannot express the heartache, loss, and emptiness I feel inside. Last night I felt and saw you in my dreams. Every dream you visit is so hard. So hard because I wake up and the nightmare is still there. I can’t wait for the nightmare to end!! But I love seeing you. I guess I thought by now I would feel a tiny bit better – but I don’t! Not at all! Things are not any easier! I feel like I am cursed!! Cursed to live a lifetime of heartache and pain because you are not here! My bad luck continues. But after all of this – I don’t know how things could get any worse - right?! John wrote this awesome poem which will be posted on here soon. I printed it out and read it the other night to the kids and my parents. I tried to be so strong and not cry when I read it, but I couldn’t help myself. It is SO powerful and perfect. Anyway, about a half-hour after I read it, Josh wrote a letter to you. Here again is exactly what he wrote:

Dad I Love you I wish I could be with you right now I miss you a lot moms not doing sow good mom would like to see you alive agan just one more single time just like avreybody like really mom, me, Jared, Nana, poppop, adusty, kendall, deaneas om!!! End

By Joshua and Mom son and wife
To Scott Wertz


He and Jared also miss you so, so much. The other night he forgot himself when he was crying about something and said, “daddy” in the middle of his crying (you know – like he used to). I had to leave the room. It just broke my heart! Jared wears your cologne a lot. I hope it helps him. It is killing me though!! I try to think of all the good times you wore it - but it really doesn't help!! As long as it helps him - that is all that matters!

I’ve decided my theme song for Christmas. It is one of your favorites. I’ll write it to you on Christmas Day and place it here, at your gravesite, and at the crime scene with flowers - like I usually do.

I’m not having our annual Christmas party this year. I just can’t do it - sorry. Too hard. Maybe next year? I also didn’t hang your icicle lights. You weren’t here to do it – so they weren’t hung. I don’t know if I will ever hang them again! It just sucks that you are not here!!

Gotta go. I’ll talk to you later – crying too much and the kids are around. I’m trying so hard to be strong for them. Please help me and us get through the next couple of weeks, and life, for that matter!!

Loving you and missing you always and forever!!

Lover forever,

Trish and Josh

Trish and Josh Wertz
Loving Wife and Son

December 10, 2006

God Bless You! God Bless Your Family!

Anonymous

DAS
Virginia Dept. of Corrections (Ret)

December 8, 2006

Hey Scott, It's been a while since I wrote you. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss seeing your smiling face. I'm sure you know this already, but just wanted to let you know that we finally moved out of the city. Now the only time I have to go into the city is to work. At least I don't have to live there anymore.

Trish, just wanted to let you know that you and the boys are in my prayers and I will be praying for you to get thru the Xmas holiday. Be Strong.

Kim

Kim Cichowicz
Friend

December 7, 2006

HEY SCOTT,
JUST CHECKING IN AGAIN TO SAY HI, AH WHAT TO SAY, MY TOUR ON MIDNIGHTS IS ALMOST OVER AND ILL BE GOING TO 3-11 WITH MY BROTHER. ITS GOING TO BE PRETTY COOL WORKING WITH HIM AND THE OTHERS GUYS. I GOT TO SAY THOUGH IM REALLY GOING TO MISS THE GUYS ON MIDS BECAUSE I LEARNED ALOT AND GAINED SOME REALLY GREAT FRIENDS, THEY WERE ALWAYS THERE TO LEND A HELPING HAND WHEN I NEEDED IT, THAT SHOULD PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE SINCE THATS SOMETHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE. I CANT WAIT TILL THE CITY HIRES MORE PEOPLE SO I WONT BE THE ROOKIE ANYMORE, I STILL REMEMBER WHEN YOU CALLED ME A ROOKIE IN TURNKEY WHEN I ASKED YOU THE CRIMES CODE NUMBER FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENESS, YOU JUST LAUGHED AND SAID ASK YOUR BROTHER AND WALKED OUT WITH THAT SMERK ON YOUR FACE. IT WAS FUNNY IN A SENCE BECAUSE I WAS ON THE RIGHT PAGE AND DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT AND I THINK YOU DID. WELL JUST WANTED TO SAY WHATS UP AND GIVE YOU A UPDATE. TILL THE NEXT TIME SCOTT ALWAYS MISSED AND LOVED BY EVERYONE AT RPD.

MRS. WERTZ CANT BEGIN TO THINK WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AND HOW YOU FEEL, YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS AND IN MY HEART.

OFF. ADAM LINDERMAN #655
READING POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 6, 2006