Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Scott, we (a Retired Sgt. and a Lt. from the Reading PD) thank you for all the great memories and your dedication to us, your fellow officers and the City of Reading. You were always there when we called. It didn't matter when or where we would call. You would always report to the Vice Office immediately and assist us with any task we requested. We knew that the task or position you were assigned on that particular day would be handled perfectly and whatever occurred we could count on you to handle the situation correctly. Your dedication to your profession and your fellow officers was always exemplary and commendable. You always knew how to break the tension prior to a "raid" by arriving in the Vice Office with a shirt or hat that displayed the "Dallas Cowboys" logo. You would report to the Vice Office, which was always filled with hard core Philadelphia Eagles fans and flaunt your support for the "Cowboys". We would all hoot and holler and then get back to the task at hand. The good times we shared will always be remembered.

Retired Sgt. and Retired Lieutenant
Retired-Reading PD

August 13, 2006

It now has been one week since this horrible tragedy occurred, and I still can't believe this actually happened again. I did not know Scott Wertz on a personal basis, but I still feel the pain of losing a Brother. To the wife and family of Officer Wertz - My deepest sympathy for you, and God bless you.

Robert Leh
Berks County Sheriff's Dept.

August 13, 2006

Scott,
It has been a week since you were so violently taken from us. It has been a very difficult week. I heard about your death as I was getting ready to go to work and I could not believe it. I thought about the last time I saw you at Casa Grande with Trish. I also thought about all the good times we had in high school and jr. high school. The days in the lunch room exchanging insults with you and the other guys at the lunch table. Who would have thought back then that we would both end up being police officers? I know how much you loved the job. I often asked you why you didn't leave the city to come out to work with us in Spring Township and you always told me how much you loved working in Reading. I know your in heaven now watching over us and we will continue to fight the good fight. We will not let the bad guys win. You made the ultimate sacrafice. I will continue to do this job, and god will retire someday, but there will always be a hollow feeling in my heart whenever I put on my uniform. I will miss you old friend. Rest in peace.
Your friend,
Barry

Partrolman Barry Marchut
Spring Township Police Dept.

August 13, 2006

I never really got to meet you but you were, indeed, a very special person. I'm proud to know that someone like you was there to protect the citizens of Reading. There should be so many more like you. You talked and spent time with a cousin of mine, well my husband's, but no matter who it was, you tried to make him a better person. My brother was a cop and from what I've heard, you remind so much of him. So willing to help, so willing to give a hand and so willing to accept people no matter what. You helped so many people, I cannot believe that you are gone. Just know that you did so much for so many people and we all, as a community, love and miss you so much!! May your soul rest in peace knowing you gave your life for your work!! To your wife and family, my heart goes out to them. Lean on the people you have around you and they will help to get you through this tragic time. This entire community loves you all dearly!!

Christine Dorta

August 13, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Wertz; may he rest in peace and always be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

August 12, 2006

Scottie, I guess all I have are the memories. We used to meet for wings when you got done 2 nd shift at the prison,When we fixed up your first house on 12th street.You used to tell me "You don't know how many friends you have until you buy a pick up truck" When I got rid of mine you bought one. We used to call it the "Melon Truck" because it was bright orange. Whether it was softball,basketball or when you would sit outside my house and shine the spotlight in the window until I came out, or even pull me over(how embarrasing) I was very lucky to be able to call you a close friend. You only have so many close friends in life.....I just lost one. May you rest in peace MacDaddy

Mike Cichowicz
Friend

August 12, 2006

Scotty,
No more phone messages that say, "Yo FTO" or "where you at Partner" or "Drinkin..... Drinkin.... Drinkin....". Although, your gone from this heartless place, you still manage to bring a smile to my face when I think of things like this. We've spent alot of time together doing this job and goofin off. I Learned alot from you and you always listed to me when I had a bitch.
Even though all the people you touched here on earth weren't ready, God said that your work is done now... and brought you home.
You did everything with gusto. You worked hard, played hard, and man, could you eat.
I sit and think now, "what would Scotty think", "What Would Scotty do?" All I know is, it would be with everything you got and it would come streight from the heart.
Thanks for All you've done, and continue to do, through the lessons to taught us all. I'm proud to have known you and proud to have been your partner and freind.

Until we partner up again.....

Love Craig

Ptlm Craig L. Hevalow
Reading Police Dept.

August 12, 2006

Scottie, I couldn't believe it when I got the call. My good friend on and off the softball field.Whenever I had a problem I knew who to call. I'm happy I got to call you a friend for almost 20 years. Rest in peace my brother.

Trish, Me and my family have you and the boys in our prayers.

MIKE CICHOWICZ
FRIEND

August 12, 2006

Scotty,
There aren't enough words to describe the loss we are feeling since you were taken from us. I know our grief cannot compare with what Trish and the boys are going thru. You always had a smile or better yet a "smart ass" comment to make. But that is what we all of your friends loved about you the most.
We will miss seeing you walking the concourse at the Royals games... .who's going to give Jim a hard time now?
Know that we will continue to keep Trish and the boys in our hearts and prayers. And know that you will ALWAYS be in our hearts.... forever and forever.
We miss you every day... Keep smiling down on us
We Love you Scotty !!!!!!
Jim, Kelley and Emiley Witman

Friends

August 12, 2006

Thank you for your courage and bravery, heros are never forgotten...

911 dispatcher
berks county Pa

August 12, 2006

Mrs. Wertz and family,
Words can never say enough to express how sorry I am for the loss of your husband/father. I did not know your husband/father but have heard and read great things about him. Knowing what a terific guy he was and the positive role model he was for the boys on his baseball team and in the neighborhood. How he loved his job and tried to clean the city up and of hearing what a terrific police officer he was.
The entire county mourns the loss of a true hero. Your husband/father had a tremendous positive impact on so many peoples lives. If I had a magic wand, I would make it all go away so it would have never happened and he would still be here today. But God had a greater plan in mind. Scott's work on Earth is done and he has become a guardian angel now. He will always be watching over you to protect and guide you.
Please know that if you ever need anything, the residents of Spring Township and the Wilson Community will be there for you, all you need to do is ask. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May you somehow find the strength and courage to carry on.

Spring Township Resident
Berks County, PA

August 12, 2006

Your love and dedication will always be remebered. Go forth and receive your rewards in heaven. Until we meet at the gates...

Trooper
Kansas Highway Patrol

August 12, 2006

May God bless you, your family, your friends and all the members of the Reading Police Department. Your dedication to duty and honor is appreciated by all.

Palm Beach County (FL) Sheriff's Office

August 12, 2006

Scott & I became friends about three years ago. I met him while he was on duty. Every time I saw him off duty he would talk about his job & always mentioned what time he had to be at work the next day. He definetely liked what he was doing. Many times people that didn't know him asked him what he did for a living, he told them he was a "trash man" & it was his job to clean up the trash on the city streets. Most people didn't think twice about his answer,they just went about their business not knowing what a good,hardworking & dedicated person they were talking to.

Scott died while trying to keep the city free of the "trash",so the rest of us could live feeling a little safer each day.

Scott I will miss you.

RIP my brother.

Charlie Secoges,Jr
Friend

August 12, 2006

God Bless the love and inspiration of a warrior, Officer Scott Wertz..... and all those before, those now, and the ones He will call.....

God Speed to you Officer Wertz and the entire Wertz family...may He assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and the lost, and the solemn pride that is yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Every time I pray I ask him to bless you and protect you, for you and your family's unyielding commitment to justice, which will always be remembered each time any of us look at the stripes of red in that piece of cloth we call the American flag, and which will be forever protected by the warriors who continue the fight against evil, which Scott so valiantly fought.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul...you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers……………A Brother Officer we shall always remember.

Officer Hlavac

August 12, 2006

Scotty:

It's been almost a week since we lost you, and it's still hard to believe you are gone. It was an honor to work with you and become your friend at Berks County Prison, and then continue that friendship through the radio station. The community has suffered a huge loss. Every time we played "Hero" at the radio station, and said it was your theme song, it was a truthful statement that cannot be denied. You have been a hero to many in the community and have become the ultimate hero in giving your life protecting the citizens of Reading. My thoughts and prayers will always be with Trish, Jared and Joshua and the rest of your family. We can smile knowing that every time we play "Hero" in the future, you'll be looking down on us with that familiar Scott Wertz smile.

Brother, you will be missed.

Chuck Corbin
Rock Hits Y102

August 12, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Reading Police Department.

Fallen but never forgotten

Officer Bryan Laurie
Haltom City Police Texas

August 12, 2006

Scott,
We all prayed this day would never happen to our Dept. again, yet here we are mouring for you. You were one of the good guys Scott always a smile always a story to tell. How I wish that night never happened, how I wish it would start over and end a diffrent way. I will never forget that dreadfull night it will be with me forever. It's now time for you and Mike to watch over your brothers and sisters to help keep them safe. God speed .........

Trish,
I only met you a few times. I can't tell you how sorry I am I didn't get to know you better. With time and help from family and good friends you and the kids will get thru this somehow. I am sure Scott is looking down from above keeping watch over you and the boys telling stories to those that have gone before him making them all laugh.

Brenda Osorio
Reading Police Dispatcher

August 12, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wertz family,the Reading Police Department and the community. What a terrible loss, may you find the strength to stay strong. God Speed.

S.O.S., j. Diehl
FBOP

August 11, 2006

First of all I want to thank John and Lisa Leisey for introducing me to you Scott.

Lisa and I are sitting here remembering all the fun times with you. Sitting on Fredrick Blvd....."Not a Party" we told John.......it was a "get together"......thanks to you, my wife has never touch a beer since......
(RED DOG....WOLF...WOLF)....Miss you Scotty.....glad I had the opportunity to play with you this year....Rest in Peace my friend....miss you... My prayers are with you Trish and family...Keith #3

Keith Lightcap
Friend

August 11, 2006

Scotty was a great father,cop and friend.I knew him for close to 15 years and he always would greet me with his smurk and a comment,which was always in jest.We played softball on the same team for 4 years and against each other for many other.His senseless murder has hurt me and my wife very deeply.
He will be missed by all!
RIP MY BROTHER JIMMY STOUDT

Jim Stoudt, Firefighter
Reading Fire,Friend

August 11, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Scott Wertz and his fellow officers with the Reading Police Department:

I wanted to express my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Scott was killed in the line of duty. I hope that you are comforted by the support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. There are many people who will help you on the painful journey ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Although I never had the privilege of meeting Scott, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Scott was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Scott gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 6, 2006.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 11, 2006

WOW,WHAT CAN I SAY.I CAN HONESTY SAY THAT AUGUST 6,2006 IS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE. THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT CANT EXPRESS WHAT I FEEL AS A FOLLOW LONG TIME FRIEND. JUST SITTING BACK REMBERING THE HOT DAYS AT THE COUNTY PRISON AND THE TIMES WE FOUGHT AS A TEAM AGANIST THE VERY SAME PEOPLE WE PUT BEHIND BARS. YET YOU TOOK THE TIME TO CARE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF READING,PA NOT THINKING ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF IT. I'M SADDLEY "MISSING" YOU EVERY DAY ,I WILL THINK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY EVERYTIME I PUT THAT UNIFROM ON. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I KNOW THAT WE WILL ALL BE ONE FAMILY NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY ,FROM THE CAMARO DAYS TO THE JEEP DAYS, FROM THE INNER CITY TO THE OUTTER CITY. YOU ARE A GREAT HUSBAND TO YOUR WIFE,AND A LOVING FATHER TO YOUR KIDS. BE STRONG MY FRIEND, WE WILL LOVE YOU FOR EVER AND MISS DEARLY.
"AS THE SAYING GOES, "TOGETHER WE FALL UNIT WE STAND"
TRICIA YOU HAVE BEEN SO STRONG THESE FEW DAYS,BUT REMENBER THAT WE WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR FAMILY.

WITH ALL MY LOVE "A SAD FRIEND AND COWOKER.

joe // a patrolman
friend //coworker

August 11, 2006

Officer Wertz, I have not stopped praying for peace for your wife and children since Sunday morning when I arrived at work and learned the news.
God bless you, you are a hero and I will never forget your sacrifice. We have it from here Brother.

Lieutenant
Pennsylvania

August 11, 2006

My heart goes out to the Wertz family,and to every officer that puts their lives on the line for us daily.We must all come together as civilians,and encourage one another to keep Reading safe and help when we need too.God bless all of you.
Resident of Exeter Township

August 11, 2006