Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mrs Wertz. I have checked this page everyday to see all the great things that everyone has to say about Scott. I just can not tell you how much I feel for you and your whole family and all your and Scott's friends. I have not ever had the honor to meet either you or Scott but feel as if I am getting to know you both well. I am so happy to hear how well your sons are doing and am even proud myself of them and have not even meant them. It is an honor to have your family in our community and we all are here for your family. Keep doing well and I will always pray for you and your family. God bless

Fire Fighter
Spring Twp

October 26, 2006

Hey Scott
Well here I am again. It is almost 3 months since you were taken from us and it seems like it was just yesterday. Your death is the worst thing that I had to have ever gone through. Some days are good some days are not. I just wish I could just see you come walking through the door or get a phone call, but I know it is never going to ever happen again and I just have to learn to accept it which is really hard to do. I do miss our little phone calls or talks about you know who and what. I could use a good laugh and to hear your comments on a couple of things.

The boys are doing great and you would be so proud of them Jared was one of the students that was named "Student of the quarter. He thought it was no big deal, but we told him it was and how proud everyone was of him and how proud he made you.

Josh had a real good game last wee. He had 2 interceptions. It is just so sad that you are not here to see all the things your boys are achieving.

Trish is doing as good as can be expected under the circumstances and with what she has to deal with. Your death is just so hard to swallow. I just don't know how she does it day after day. It is so hard for me some days when I let myself think about you or see a picture of you. She has so many many memories and things in her life that you guys did as reminders to her. It is so heart breaking that she has to bear so much pain and heartache.(I know you never meant to have her hurt like this, but this was none of your doings, just some scum bags) I just wish there was something I could do to make it go away and make it easier for her to bear. Hope it is not too much to ask, but just keep giving everyone the strength they need to get by. I hope that one day things will get easier for her and the boys and everyone else who's lives you have touched. Believe me, there are so many and I know they are suffering too.

So many people have done such wonderful things for her and the boys and continue to still keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

Most everyone, except for a few are just wonderful, helpful and supportive.

We love you and you will always be in our hearts

Barb
Mother-in-law

Barb
mother-in-law

October 25, 2006

Hey Scott....

Just wanted to tell yout that we have been thinking about you. Last nite was the home opener at the royals and I noticed Jim looking for you ~~ it was difficult I know he and Rick stood and talked for a long time and he was so sad when he came back to sit down.
Trish and I went shopping the other day ~~ we had alot of fun but it was hard... she carries the bag with your picture on it and I found myself just staring at your smile and trying so hard to not cry. I had to keep looking away because it was easier.
Trish and I laughed because this huge downpour came and we knew that it was you because you were trying to tell her she didn't need to buy so many purses...
Scott you would be so proud of her, she is an amazing woman. I have no idea how she does it everyday !!!!
Now that it's cold out I'm not seeing the orange and black butterflies but I know you are still here with us...
Until next time.....
We miss you

Kelley

Kelley Witman
friend

October 22, 2006

Hey hon. I miss you sooooooo much. I’ve been having such a hard time lately facing reality. I just still cannot believe this nightmare. I just plug along each day but each day doesn’t get better. Everything reminds me of you! Every day I long for you to come through the door, but I know that will never happen again. I tortured myself the other day and called your cell phone just to hear your voice on voicemail. I just needed to hear your voice. I long to hear your voice so much - everyday. I spoke to a co-worker of mine the other day who recently lost his daughter and he described so perfectly how I feel lately. He said that the boys and I have been robbed. I never thought about it that way because I still can’t exactly put into words the way I feel besides to tell people that it just sucks. But boy do those words sum it up! I especially hurt so bad for the boys. They miss you so much. You would be so proud of them. They are so you! Jared is growing up so fast and it just sucks so much that you are not here for it. He got outstanding student of the quarter at school this quarter! He is doing really well. And just like you, doesn’t study much and still does good! Josh had two interceptions today! He now has bragging rights over Jared! Tonight was parents/homecoming night for Jared. It also sucked that I had to stand on that field alone. It was so hard. I try so hard to stay strong. Everyone keeps telling me you would be so proud. I do it for you and the boys!! I know you are proud of the boys and I know you miss us just as much as we miss you. I try to take comfort in the fact that you are with your Pop, Nanny, Mom, Tommy, and Mike but it is just so hard. I just don’t know how I will ever go on without you. I love you sooooooo much and we all miss you sooooooo much!! Until next time . . .

Love forever,

Trish

Tricia Wertz
Loving Wife

October 22, 2006

Hey Scott -

Just wanted to stop by, say hi and let you know Im still thinking about you...not to say that I never thought about you much before, but now not a day goes by that I dont. I remember the last time I saw you - at Jareds baseball practice and I didnt even realize it was you - I was in Brittas backyard with the boys and when I looked over at the field I was greeted with that famous smile and a big wave....I wish I had known that was going to be the last time.

Im still so angered by this whole thing and the fact that "he" is claiming to be innocent angers me even more! Ive read about your prelim and it brought me to tears reading about your last moments - I cant imagine what it was like for Trish and your families to HEAR it. I often think about what your last thoughts going through your head were and all the "if onlys". Ive stopped and visited with Trish a few times and Im amazed at how she plugs along each day trying to get through...I dont know how or if I could do it if I were in her shoes - she has so much strength!

I cant tell you how many times I swear I have seen you - you have way too many look-alikes...even though I know its not you, I still do a "double-take"....almost just wishing this whole thing is a dream; but its not - its a nightmare!

This never should have happened...you were so full of life and didnt waste any of your time while you were here. You were a great friend and I never really thanked you for standing up for me with that whole Mikey H thing - it cost you your friendship and now he has to live with that...but I appreciate what you did for me!

Scott and I are leaving for a vacation in Florida tomorrow and since they have nice warm weather down there, it would be nice if you made one of those famous butterfly sightings which I havent seen yet!

Just wanted you to know that you are still missed and thought about often....keep looking over all of us and helping us find the strength to go on without you. You will always be a special part of ALOT of peoples lives and missed FOREVER!!

Cathleeeeeen

Cathy Hertzog
friend

October 20, 2006

Scott,
This coming Saturday OCT.21th is opening night for the Reading Royals, I always looked forward to this night for the last five years. This is also where we seen and talked to each other the most in the last few years.
It was always great to see you in that Reading Police uniform, it was something you always wanted to do
( well, what we both wanted to do ). We always had our little meetings outside section 109, talking about the old days at the jail and the good times we had at your old house on 12th Street. It's also the place where a HERO patrolled the hallways to make it safe for family's to bring in their children to see a great hockey game.
However, this is the same place where they had your funeral and the same place where I gave you a salute and said good bye. ( Scott, I'm going to miss our little meetings outside section 109 ).

good bye for now,

Slinger....

Rick Genslinger
friend/former colleague

October 17, 2006

Scott,

First, I want to thank you for helping me pass my motorcycle safety course. (Even though very few people support my new hobby.) The butterfly hovering around me on the course made me smile and feel less nervous.

Second, I want to let you know that in the midst of the tragedy of your death, I have found great comfort in your family. Trish is a rock and I know you're proud. She and I have dealt with our losses in a similar fashion and it's amazing to talk to her to find out she's thinking and feeling a lot of the same things I felt when Mike died. Your boys are wonderful. They are so good with Kendall and are incredibly nice to her--even though she's a girl, is a perpetual princess and is only four. I've heard her try to talk Josh into playing dressup but he hasn't caved yet. :) Don't worry, I'll make sure she lets him dress as a prince instead of making him a princess.

Through all of this, I wish I would have known you better. I have a feeling that if Mike wouldn't have been such a homebody we would have crossed paths with you and your family on a regular basis.

You and Mike take care of each other up there and smile down upon us when we need you most.

Denise Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II

October 13, 2006

Wow, Scott! I didn't actually know you, but I can see who you are by reading all these great reflections. You really impacted a lot of people in a great way. Your wife is a treasure, and you've had some great friends! I do know you, though, because I've been doing your job a long time. Sometimes, I think it's a wonder that more of us haven't been taken by one of these low-lifes. But you know what? I can't give up the job, and you wouldn't have either. We know what it's about, and what can happen. We're ready for it. For you other officers reading this....never give up, and never give in! We really do make a difference in this world, one job at a time. You take care of your neighborhood, and I'll take care of mine, and the world will be a better place. Rest in peace, Officer Wertz. We salute you.

Patrolman
Upper Moreland Twp. Police, PA

October 13, 2006

i remember when u and chris came too my house for a problem with a neighbor.scott scott right now i am going too school for crimmial justic not to be a cop. my 3 year old daughter always want too go visit where u are and one time we did put red,white and blue flowers down for u. it is hard that everytime we go by where it happen at the i get a chill. on every 6th of the month that we think of u and light a candle in your name. scott u are missed by everyone and this is so very true.i will never forget that night when it was on the news.my mom was in the er when it come on the tv. i was upset and mad. scott my daughters says that u are in heaven with barie west torres. we miss u.

shelly reyes( chris coortzo sister)
a friend

October 13, 2006

Hi Wertzy! Everytime I hear a song by Nickelback, I fight back the tears. I actually heard "Mrs. Jones" the other day, and that was just as tough. To think the last time I heard that it was you singing, KARAOKE style.
And of course, you know I had to remind you of the EAGLES win over those COWGIRLZ!
Really missing those phone calls and you puttin' Matt in his place!

Brooke Mish
Friend/Officer's wife

October 13, 2006

Scott, Just wanted to let you know that there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you or go on this web site and read all the things people have to say about you. What can I say that wasn't already said. You are greatly missed by everyone.

Your Friend
Kim

Kim Cichowicz
Friend

October 13, 2006

Scott,

It's still so hard to believe that you are gone.

I tried to write since the prelim and for the past hour and deleted everything.

I just want to say.....
The Prelim. haunts me. The details were horrible. Waking up every night at 3am must mean something but what?
Seeing my daughter write to you was almost too much to bear AND seeing friends write while on vacation shows how many lives you have touched. I hope everyone in "HIS FAMILY" sees how much everyone is hurting.

MISS THAT SMILE AND THAT LAUGH.

Lisa

Lisa Leisey
Friend

October 12, 2006

Just needed to let you know I was thinking about you like I do everyday all day!! Just thought you might need to hear that! Words just cannot express how much I love you and miss you. I get on here everyday. Sometimes 3 or 4 times a day just to see what wonderful tributes people leave for you. Of course I cry. But I try to be strong all day and when I get on this at night I can kind of let it out. I also get on here to just feel closer to you. I could write on here every darn day but obviously I don’t. I could go on and on everyday about how much I miss you and love you. But, I know you already know that and I hope everyone else does too!! The boys are doing great in school and football! I know you are proud!! We are all trying to hang in there. It's just really tough. I am so thankful for everyone and everything people do, have done, and continue to do. You just wouldn't believe it. It is so comforting. Well, until next time . . .

Love forever,

Trish

Trish
Loving Wife

October 11, 2006

Scott,
Just saying hello from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and yes, I am reading your reflections from down here. I'm down for a week for vacation with family and friends. Most of the people don't know you but I'm telling them all the funny stories about you ( some stories from your old house on 12th Sreet ). Scott I never see these butterflies that your family and friends are seeing until I walked down to the beach to " tip a few " for you. I sat down on a bench for a few minutes and then I looked to my left to find a orange butterfly on the bench looking at me.

good bye for now Scott,

Slinger.....

Rick Genslinger
friend/former colleague

October 11, 2006

Scott,
This morning was the formal arraignment for CR....Today is the first day that I would allow myself to think about CR and how much anger I have toward him for what he did to our family. I can say that if looks could kill.....he would have been 6 feet closer to hell when he actually had the nerve to finally look back at our family.....something he couldn't or wouldn't do at the prelim. I will say that we will take the high road so as not to lower our standard that you lived by and we try to every day, trying to make this world a better place, then by letting such a piece of trash who shouldn't have been out on the streets to begin with bring us down and demean everything you stood for.
It is still unreal for our families that you are gone and it is a daily struggle just to try to get through. Some days are not as bad as others but it is still a struggle. Everyone is still at a loss and hurts by your untimely passing. I just wanted to stop by, say hello and vent alittle. You are alive and well in all who love you and care for you and you will always be in our hearts. Keep giving us the strength to carry on and showing us the signs that you are with us and watching over us. Talk to you soon.... Love and miss you lots,

Dustin
BPD, Maryland & Brother-in-law

October 10, 2006

~~~To those I Love and Those Who Love Me~~~

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while if indeed you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

October 10, 2006

scott, today is 2 months. i still can't believe this is true. i still come here everyday, i don't know what i think it is going to do for me. somehow, i guess it makes it real, for the moment.i like to read all of the wonderful things everyone say about you. i have been doing my best to stay strong, and go on with our lives. it is hard, because i wake up everyday and the first thing that i think of is you being gone. since that night, i feel like my heart has been ripped away. he took you away from our family, and that is hard to deal with. i relive this tragedy over in my mind everyday. i bring you flowers every week, and i will continue to, because you are loved & everyone should know it. i know you hear me, because the nights i am really upset you come to me in my dreams. you were always making sure i was ok, and i know that is your way of letting me know that you are listening. with all of the emotions that i go through day to day, you make me laugh, you make me cry, but most of all you make me proud to be your sister. good night scott, i will see you tomorrow.

love you,
shelly

michele
sister

October 7, 2006

Scott,
It is now 2 months since you were taken from us and I can say that it hasn't gotten any easier. We are still at a loss trying to make sense of all this. There is still so much hurt and pain to deal with. One day at a time seems to be the best way right now.
The prelim was tough to sit through. Your partner did a good job on the stand. It was tough to listen to the details of your last moments. Those images that were described will forever be seared into our minds and that is tough to accept. We can only hope that the appropriate justice will be served swiftly.
Trish continues to amaze me with her strength and class as she continues to come to grips with this whole thing. Keep sending her strength and signs as she needs them. We all need them!!
I never really took notice of the butterflies until all this but it is very comforting to look around at the oddest moments through out the course of a day and out of nowhere when nothing else is around......a monarch flies by and dances around. I find myself looking for them all the time now.....It helps knowing your watching over us......
Chuck came up last weekend to see Trish and the kids....It was tough all around. We went to Jared's game Sunday. He played a great game and had a fumble recovery, interception and made several good open field tackles. He is doing well, but I know he misses you terribly and is hurting....He is trying to be so big and strong for Trish but I worry about him because he keeps alot of his feelings in and doesn't say much. Josh is doing ok to but you can see that he is hurting and misses his Daddy too.
Mom and Dad are plugging away trying to help out Trish around the house and doing projects to keep busy.....It helps keep our mind off things by staying busy.....but you are never really out of our thoughts.....I'll talk to you soon.....Missing you more and more.....

Dustin
BPD, Maryland & Brother-in-law

October 6, 2006

As the wife of a fellow officer, I do not pretend to know the pain you are feeling Mrs. Wertz. I cannot even imagine what your family is experienceing. You are living every officers wifes worse nightmare. Everynight when my husband goes out the door in that uniform, I say the same prayer..."God he is in your hands now, please hold him and protect him". I have said this prayer from the day he was sworn in as a Reading Police Officer 16 years ago. I added Mrs. Wise and her family 2 years ago to that prayer, and now you and your boys. I pray everynight for you and your boys, that God gives you the strength to go on and live life the way Scott would want you to. He was a great man. A friend to everyone. Most of all he was a very proud father and husband. He spoke of you and the boys often. Our hearts and Prayers go out to you and your family.

Wife of a Rdg Police Officer

October 5, 2006

As the wife of a fellow officer, I do not pretend to know the pain you are feeling Mrs. Wertz. I cannot even imagine what your family is experienceing. You are living every officers wifes worse nightmare. Everynight when my husband goes out the door in that uniform, I say the same prayer..."God he is in your hands now, please hold him and protect him". I have said this prayer from the day he was sworn in as a Reading Police Officer 16 years ago. I added Mrs. Wise and her family 2 years ago to that prayer, and now you and your boys. I pray everynight for you and your boys, that God gives you the strength to go on and live life the way Scott would want you to. He was a great man. A friend to everyone. Most of all he was a very proud father and husband. He spoke of you and the boys often. Our hearts and Prayers go out to you and your family.

Wife of a Rdg Police Officer

October 5, 2006

Hi Scott:

Our #2 son. It is almost 2 months since you were tragedly taken from us. It has been a while since I was here and I am sorry for that. It is so hard to read all the wonderful reflections that people have to say about you. You must can't imagine how much you are loved and missed so much by everyone, even those who have never met you and all the things that were done in your memory. You will never be forgotten. We will make sure your name lives on forever. We love you with all our broken and shattered hearts.

Everyone, family,brothers/sisters (sorry I forgot sisters the lst time I wrote,) all you friends and most of your neighbors are still trying to make sense of this horrible tragedy. I still can't or don't want to believe that it is true, but I guess I have to. I do miss our phone calls, when you would call up and say "where's the boss and I would tell you you are talking to the boss, or when I would call your house and you would answer and I would say "what are you doing? and you would always reply "talking to you." Boy do I miss those phone calls. I would give anything in the world if I could only hear that one more time.

Jared is taking over for you on Sunday's when the football games are on TV. He yells, gets up and jumps around, throws his hands in the air, says things like, you got to be kidding, that was a touchdown, or he was in thre. He had a great teacher and hero (and that was you),

Jared had a real good game on Sunday. A couple of good tackles, an interception, a punt return, his game was just super. He really needed that game. It made him feel so good and his moral was really up. MVP for him. It was so good to see the old Jared back. I worry about him at times, cause it seems that he keeps everything bottled up. I know you saw his teriffic game (from above).

It just breaks my heart to know that you can't be here (not by your choice) to see their complishments today or forever. You would and will really be proud of your boys. They will never let you down. They will always make you proud of them. There are too many people who care and will see that they will take the right path in life.

Tricia is trying to do a good job of hanging in there. I know it is not easy for her. As I said before, she has lost her lover, friend and soul mate. I really truly admire her courage, bravery and strength. She has to be here for you and the boys. Keep giving her the strength she needs to get through the days and nights. We can all be here for her, but no one will ever take your place.

We love you and may you rest in peace.

Schappell Family
Mother-in-law

October 5, 2006

So many people have written such great things about a truly wonderful husband, father, brother, friend and co-worker. This is a very hard thing for many people to handle and understand. Every day I think about Trish and your handsome sons. We met for the first time when Eric and I sat with you at Mark's wedding. I was pregnant at the time and I will never forget you telling me that I was going to have a girl. Trish looked at me and told me you were always right. That you have a way with things like that! You did not stop there though, you continued on to say that we should not continue to try for a boy as we would only be having girls. Well...... Trish you were right. I had a girl and then was BLESSED with another girl to give us a total of five girls!! I often joked that he jinxed us. I also remember that Trish wanted your second son to be a surprise to her but you could not wait. You were good and kept the secret from her after the ultrasound until she delivered... even when she begged you to tell her! Many, many, many lives have been touched by you and miss you and think of you and your family daily. I pray that this grief lifts slightly off of Trish's heart.

Lisa Driesbach
friend/Eric's wife

October 4, 2006

To: Officer Wertz and Family
Being a cristian for many years I have seen many times in my life when I have asked myself, why did God choose to let this happen? I always have to remind myself that Gods plan is much bigger than our own. My heart goes out to the family in this traggic time. I only hope that you Mrs. Wertz and your children will be able to transision into this knowing that God is there for you and if you let him he will help ease the pain and sorrow you must feel. Your husband is truely someone that myself and anyone who is going into this field of work can look up to. He was willing to pay the ultimate price to help others and for this he will always be a hero. You and your children can be proud of him and trust that some day you will see him again in heaven. I want to thank Officer Wertz for his dedication to society and his career as an Policeman. The Wertz family will definatly be in my prayers. God be with you.

Cadet/Trooper
West Virginia State Police

October 4, 2006

Scott,
I always somehow come across this reflection page and i hate it because i always end up reading it and i always end up crying. Its hard for me to think about you, i cannot begin to imagine how hard it is for all your close friends and family. I remember a lot about you, especially when me and jared used to play together almost everyday in our back yards. I think i wanna say sorry. but i dont know why. i guess its because its not fair at all. and im sorry for you. i really didnt want to write this because i didnt want others to read it, but then again i really do wanna say this, incase you dont already know how i feel and i want you to. I love wearing the shirts or bracelets or having the stickers and people asking how i knew you because i feel lucky to have known you as much as i did. its really weird and i've said this to people, but i see those orange and black butterflys almost every other day, and i remember when i first saw it, but i didnt think much of it until i read somewhere on this page about it. then i notice i see them everyday and think of you.
<3

AL.
Friend =]

October 4, 2006

Scott, It has been almost two months since that terrible night and I still have a hard time beieving you are gone. Ms. Green and I were talking about you a couple weeks ago and we were both laughing about how you used to bust our chops about smoking. She still expects to see you open the door to the smoking room and give her a hard time. I still expect to hear "Smokey" when I am out back and you are on your way home. God must have had a reason for calling you back home but I'll be damned if I can figure it out. I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and I pray for you and your family often. I also wanted to thank you for all you did to make Reading a better place and to thank you for being a good friend. I miss you and I hope you are resting peacefully. Keep an eye on all of us down here, some days we could use the extra help.

Monica
Reading PD Dispatch

October 3, 2006