Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Trish and the entire Wertz Family, My brother is a Police Officer and I am a 911 Dispatcher. I hope that I never get a call relating to my brother or a police officer that I work with. I can not imagine what your family and friends, the wonderful officers of the Reading Police Department and the dispatchers for the Reading Police Department are going through.
May God and His Angels guide you, your family, your friends and Scott's fellow Officers through this difficult time.
Roger
Roger Hostetter (Ephrata, PA )
[email protected]

Roger Hostetter
Lebanon County 911

August 17, 2006

It is always a tragedy to hear of a fellow officer making the ultimate sacrifice for their community and country. It is even more sobering, when you realize that you share the same department name, because you really take it to heart that it could always be one of your own.

On behalf of the City of Reading, Ohio Police Department, please accept my sincerest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues, of Officer Wertz. He served with dignity and pride, and will never be forgotten.

Respectfully,

Lt. Terry Zimmerman

Lt. Terry Zimmerman
Reading, Ohio Police Dept.

August 16, 2006

This poem helped my mom when she lost the love of her life. Now only hoping to help ease the pain we all feel for another TRUE HERO lost, we can only hope God has put them all on the front lines of heaven to watch over us all. Too many have given the ultimate sacrifice, to pray it never happens again is something we all do everyday. I didn't have the honor of knowing Scott, but I have no doubt he touched us all one way or another by giving everything to try to keep the streets of Reading safe.

Your watch has ended but you will live on forever in our hearts.

To Scott's family, friends, brothers & sisters in blue,
God Bless!

Miss Me -- But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little--but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me--but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me--But Let me Go!

Dispatcher 33
Berks Co 911

August 16, 2006

Pretty Ricky,

In no way can words express how much you touched all of our lives. I've known you for four short years. As a rookie cop, you taught me what the "job" was all about, and what "it" took to get the job done. You taught me how to have fun on the job, and how important is to laugh. You are a role model for our profession.

You're sacrifice will live on with all of us that are left behind. We will ever forget that devestating night, just as we will ever forget the way you lived your life. You are a dedicated cop, mentor, team mate, father and friend. You touched all of our lives, and you will be missed. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you.

May your actions that fateful night, give us the strength and perserverance to carry on and one day be able to make sense of this.

You are my hero Scott, I will never forget you. You're family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Keep an eye out for all of us from up above...

Officer Justin Uczynski #645
Reading Police Department

August 16, 2006

Oh Scotty.....I am still numb and confused, as we all are, over how this could happen. The pain of your loss will never go away. We are still grieving Mike Wise, but at least you two will both be together. They say the good die young, and there must be something to it, as you and Mike were the best we had to offer. Both of you always had big grins on your faces, always happy to greet everyone crossing your path. I will fondly remember all the capers we shared, how you always impressed me with your courage and fearlessness in chasing down suspects, never showing any fear. I want your sons Jared and Joshua to know that you are the bravest guy I know. To your wife Tricia, nothing can ease the pain, but to know Scott was so respected and loved by so many can help. Scott, my friend, I will miss you and honor your memory, until we meet again...

SGT. B.D. HARDING #187
READING POLICE DEPT.

August 16, 2006

Scott, I never met you but I have so much sorrow in my heart for what happened to you. I think about you and what happened every time I go into Reading. I can't seem to forget. You were a great person and a hero. I am so proud of the work you did fighting the crime in our city. There should be more people with half the dedication that you had. I think about your wife and how extreamly difficult this time is for her. I pray for her to have the strength to help her get through this. I pray for your children. They know their father is a hero. Please know that I so many people are proud of you. I think the service was beautiful and honorable. I will miss you. God bless you Scott!

Spring Township Resident

August 15, 2006

I JUST WANT TO SAY TO THE FAMILY THAT WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU I KNOW HOW IT IS TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVE ALOT AND IT MEANS SO MUCH I WAS JUST IN READING FOR MY GRANDFATHERS FUNERAL PASTOR LUIS RIVERA AND IT WAS SO HARD TO SEE HIM GO ONE DAY HE WAS OK THE NEXT DAY HE WHEN TO BE WITH THE LORD IM SO SORRY ABOUT THIS LOST BUT GOD HAS A SPESIAL PLACE FOR HEROS LIKE THEM STAY STRONG REMEMBER GOD IS YOUR STREGHT HE WILL ALWAY S BE THERE FOR YOU GUYS WE LOVE YOU I CRIED WHEN I READ ALL THIS BEATIFUL REFLECTIONS IT HURTS I GOT TO MEET HIM TOO I LIVE IN ORLANDO FLORIDA NOW BUT MY HEART GOS OUT FOR HIM FAMILY AND FRIENDS RIP GOD BLESS U ALL MAY THE LORD KEEP THE REST OF THE POLICE FORCE SAVED

SALLY TORRES AND MIGUEL MENDEZ
CIVILIAN FROM READING NOW IN FLORIDA

August 15, 2006

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Officer Wertz. As I sit back and reflect I remember growing up in Reading and all the great things the City had to offer. I only wish my recent memories of the City were as happy. Scott you had a monumental task in front of you and rose to the occassion. You confronted evil and paid the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the moral fibers that our community once had. I envy you, respect you, and want you to know that you will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace brother- Semper Fi

Detective Robertson
Colorado Springs Police Department/ATF Gun Unit

August 15, 2006

Any Officer that lays down their life for the good of those they swore to protect shall earn a special place in heaven, for they truly portray all that is good and decent in humanity.

To the family; although it may not provide much relief, Know that your husband/father was a HERO. Officer WERTZ's courage, sacrifice and sense of Duty in the face of danger had made the Badge of all Officer's shine a bit brighter.

You have my deepest sympathies.

Ptlm. John P. Brogan
Womelsdorf Police Dept

August 15, 2006

Hero's never die; they just take on new assingments.

GOD Bless you and your family.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

August 15, 2006

Scott,

I am still waiting for the shock of this tragedy to wear off, but I don't think it ever will; not for any of us. It's hard to say goodbye to a guy like you who's touched so many lives in a positive way. I knew you were part of that special breed from the very first time I met you 5 1/2 years ago. You always had that trademark smile on you face. I remember trips to Del's for Monday Night Football and wings, stopping in at "Broko's", and the occasional mistaken identity (you'll know exactly what I mean, Scotty). Every time I heard that "Bomb Squad Milly" barb I knew who was close by, and it always brought a smile to my face.
You've left us all with many great memories, Scott. What I will remember most is you dedication to work, family, and friends. I can't remember a time where you didn't give your all in any endeavor. It just wasn't in your blood to give any less than 100 percent. I am proud to have known and served with a guy like you, for it's not every day that a man of your caliber enters our world.
Rest in peace, Scott. May you and Mike keep a watchful eye on the rest of us. You will nevr be forgotten. Till our paths cross again, Brother.

Officer James W. Mileshosky #603
Reading Police Department

August 15, 2006

Scott, I hear your name and it doesn't seem real, then I see your picture on the news and then it hits me that your really gone. It's so unfair how you left us, but I know your looking down on us with that smile you always had. I will miss seeing that smile.

Kim Cichowicz
friend

August 15, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with PO Wertz's family and to his co workers at Reading PD. I attended the NE IATTI seminar this past Spring in Saratoga, NY as did PO Wertz.

Rest In Peace

This is not a a goodbye, but a temporary parting until we meet again.

Detective Patrick J. Donohue
New York City Police Department FAIS

August 15, 2006

Scotty, It's been over a week and I still can't believe your gone. I will never get a phone call with you singing and asking me the name of the song. You always had a smile on your face and could make anyone laugh. Now we are all so sad that you were taken from us so soon. You were such a good friend, co-worker, husband and father and now a true "hero". You will never be forgotten and I will miss you forever. Thank you for being my friend, it was a privilege knowing you. My prayers go out to Trish and the boys. We will take care of them, as you took care all of us while you were here. I will never forget the good times and I'm glad I have those memories. Good-bye my brother, my friend, my "HERO". Rest in Peace.

Officer Stacie Courtesis
Reading Police dept.

August 15, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

August 14, 2006

Scott
It has been several days since you were taken from us. I still cannot believe that this is not a horrible dream. I had the pleasure of meeting you back when we were working in South Heidelberg Twp. I remember how we would critize the Cowboys after a loss or the times we went to the Pike for wings. As time went on, we both moved onto other departments and I still remember how much you wanted the city job. That day came and I knew thats where you wanted to be. The years passed and we were lucky enough to pass each other at R Phils games or the courthouse. No matter what, you always had a smile on your face. You would kid me about working in the county and I would throw it right back about doing work in the city. I will never forget July 15th, the last day I saw and talked to you. I passed you on one of the twp roads, you threw your arms up at me and gave me that look. I will cherish our last conversation my friend. I pray for your family, your friends, and that lives that you touched. You gave 110% at home, at work, and the things you enjoyed. You are true hero to many, keep a watch over the men and women who form the thin blue line, we will never forget you.......until we meet again in a better place. Rob

Patrolman Robert Johnson Jr.
Spring Twp Police Dept

August 14, 2006

Scotty,
My brother, my friend, my hero. It has been a week since you were taken away from all of us, I will miss you forever Scotty. The pain that we all feel just wont go away my friend. Your brother,

Frank

Frank Fernandez
Miami SWAT

August 14, 2006

My condolences to the family of Officer Wertz. I just happened to be in D.C. at the time of the funeral or else I would have been there. Again, my prayers and condolences to the family and the Reading PD.

Officer S Johnson
California Dept of Corrections & Rehabilitation

August 14, 2006

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Scott Wertz, and the Reading P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Wertz, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

August 14, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wertz family and the RPD. May god be with you in your difficult times.

Deputy Dale Winchester
Berks Co Sheriff U.S Marshall Fugitive Task Force

August 14, 2006

God Bless you and your family.....GOD will watch over them........WE love you.

August 13, 2006

Thank you for your service to mankind, a greater accomplishment there is not. Only the best can be of service to others. I didn't know you but somehow I know we are alike in many ways. Everything I have seen heard or read about you has been positive and good, you have much to look forward to in Gods after life, not that you seem like the type that was looking for a reward, but I do hope you get one anyway. I will place your picture inside of my hat and whenever I am on duty and you will still ride along, at least in spirit if nothing else. Thank you my brother.

Sgt. John Kotchkowski
Sons of different mothers

August 13, 2006

To the family of Officer Wertz ,I'm very sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are with you .

JCL
Reading resident

August 13, 2006

We extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to the family and friends of PO Wertz.Though we never were fortunate enough to serve with him,his loss is felt by us all.Rest easy brother,we'll take it from here.YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

PO Scott Harris #381
Cicero PD,Cicero,Il,Gang Crimes unit

August 13, 2006

Scott, To a wonderful friend, husband and father. Mike and I were literally leaving for our family vacation on 8-6. When a mutual friend called to tell us the news. That put a damper on our weeks vacation, knowing that we won't be able to attend any of the services they had for you. But you were in our thoughts and prayers and especially our hearts.
I will miss seeing you on duty walking around the concourse at the Sovereign Center and giving me that look you always give. (with the eyebrow up) You will truely be missed.
Rest in peace.

Kim Cichowicz
Friend

August 13, 2006