Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have attended numerous funerals for Fallen Police Officers, they are always difficult. As fellow officers know, you fell like someone punched you in the gut. Soon after you arrive you usually fell the pride as you see brother Police Officers from all over the area comming as they always do, to show support. You usually just give a passing hello the the officers you don't know and hang out with the ones you do know. Yesterday August 16, 2006, was not the case. There was a different feel in the air. A sad family laid to rest a young man taken from earth way to early, a husband, son, father. On August 16, 2006 you could feel the spirit of a young man grab your soul, and give those of us that sometimes fell we are alone, a sense of pride. You saw it in the eyes of the officers in attendance, there was aspirit that re-charged all of us that day. A salute to a fallen brother felt different that day. Maybe that is why God decided to take him home,his spirit was needed as a mold for those who have no direction, no spirit, no pride. To Officer Scott A. Wertz we salute you. To the Officers of The Reading Police it was an Honor for us to help you salute a fine young man. His spirit is there for all of us to lean on.

HEROS NEVER DIE....PROTECT HIM LORD FOR HE PROTECTED US.

Det. Ralph Romano
City of Allentown Police Department Honor Guard

August 11, 2006

"We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Brothers, For he today that sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother."
Rest Brother, We'll take it from here.

Chief Michael Painter
Hamburg Police Dept.

August 11, 2006

Scott,
I was devistated to hear about this horrible incident. I think about you every day now and just regret being too busy to stop and talk with you when I saw you in Mohnton playing ball the other week. Instead we just exchanged a waive and moved on. I will miss you dearly! Evertime I would see an officer in the city, I always looked for you. I find myself still looking, but know I will never see you again. My thoughts and prayers are with Trish and the boys. I can't imagine how difficult this is for them. I will always remember the fun times eating wings at the Pike with you, John and Rob. Those memories will stay with me forever.

Shelly
Friend

August 11, 2006

Scott, it seems like only yesterday that you were in our office and we were busting on Ramon about his softball abilities. I still cannot believe it, reality hit home as I attended your funeral with my department. Reading PD will be at a loss without you but they will continue on as you look down on them. My deepest sympathy to Tricia, your children and extended family.

Detective James Pollock Jr
Muhlenberg Township Police Dept.

August 11, 2006

Scott,

I can't believe this has happened. You will be missed by so many. I'm sure you have the whole of heaven laughing with your stories. Thank you for all you did to keep Reading and the people who live here safe. Fly with the angels my friend. ~~~~~

Monica

Monica Heltzinger
Reading PD Dispatch

August 11, 2006

God Knows
You have my deepest sympathy,
but it really doesn't help.
Your grief goes beyond what words can express.

There's nothing anyone can say,
and nothing we can do to heal your broken heart
or take away your pain.

Let God take you in His arms and cover you with His love.
He knows the depth of your grief
and only He can give you peace.
He knows it will take time for your heart to heal,
and your loved one has a place that no one else can fill.

If there's any comfort let it be in this,
your loved one is with Jesus,
in a home that's filled with bliss.
There are no tears in Heaven, no more heartache and no pain,
only love and happiness for all eternity.

We must go on living and do the best we can,
then when Jesus calls our name
we will be with him again.

Remember this:
There is sacredness in tears.
They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.
They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues.
They are the messengers of overwhelming grief,
of deep contrition, and of
UNSPEAKABLE LOVE.

Our thoughts and prayers go to you, your sons, and fellow police officers. May God Bless you and "hold you in the palm of His hand."
The Enslin Jr, Family
Tom, Cris, Emmitt & Olivia
Residents of Muhlenberg

The Enslin Jr Family

August 11, 2006

I hope that god watches over the wertz's family and his angelwalks down the street and protects others/cops too.

Alisa
my uncle knew him

August 11, 2006

Officer Wertz, we never know what a ‘fight call’ might end up being. Sometimes it’s just two guys goofing around. Sometimes it’s people with a grudge that calm down as soon as the cops arrive. Sometimes it’s your worst nightmare. Law Enforcement has lost a dedicated crusader. The City of Reading has lost a devoted employee and protector. Your wife and sons have lost so much more than anyone else. They will feel you with them forever and the Reading Police Department will forever feel you watching over it.

God Bless and Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 11, 2006

Who in their right mind chases a man with a gun.....we do. Who in their right mind loves a job where you might not come home alive at the end of the day.....we do. Who in their right mind, if killed on the job would have no regrets.....we would. Why??????

Only your fellow brothers and sisters understand why you did what you did Scott. For those who don't understand, keep in mind the powerful words of Sgt. Mark Talbot of Reading P.D., and thank Scott not for what he did on August 6, 2006, but for what he did for you day after day after day after day, without ever wanting even a thank you in return.

I understand Scott why we do what we do, and I am eternally grateful to be your brother forever. Rest in peace knowing we will continue the fight in your honor and in the honor of other fellow fallen brothers and sisters, including Michael Wise II, and we have you in our hearts forever.

OFFICER SEAN C SHOWALTER
NORTHERN BERKS REGIONAL P.D. (PA)

August 11, 2006

Scotty,
One day you were here, and the next day you were taken away from us......it makes no sense to me. How could something so tragic happen to such a good man, father, husband, and officer? I will never comprehend it. You are such a beautiful person Scott~inside & out. You have touched many lives, whether it was in a big or small way, whether you knew the person or not. Your great sense of humor was enough to make someone's day. Your big smile & presence just lit up a room every time you walked in it. I just saw you 3 months ago in the office with Malcolm, and you had that same look (smile & lifted eyebrows) on your face as you always did. You even made me laught that day, and that was nothing new! That was you Scott~making people laugh was your thing. You were just an all-around fun, charming & just a good, good man. You will never be forgotten for your sacrifice and good deeds; for what you did for the City of Rdg and for what you did for the police dept. You were always a hero and died a hero. It is just not the same without you right now. It's undescribable and I hope we never have to go thru this again. Two times is 2x too many.
Tricia, I did not know you or the boys before Tues. night, but i feel like i've known you for a lifetime. You teach with an old neighbor of mine that i grew up with, and she just really spoke highly of you and the boys. Please know that I am thinking of you and the boys constantly and i hope you find the strength & courage you need to get thru this. Time will heal the pain. You have been left with many loving & caring family members & friends that will take care of you guys. Scott will be looking down on you guys. He is in a better place and the Lord will take care of him. We will take it from here.
Scotty, you are gone but will NEVER be forgotten, my friend. Until we meet again, R.I.P.
we love you & miss you dearly.

Civilian
City of Reading~RPA

August 11, 2006

As a wife, a husband on active duty, I do know the feeling of getting that dreadful phone call. I do hope and pray for this very special family in deep and dreadful grief. May God be with all, each and everyday, as I know that Scott, will be. He gave his life for his family as well as his community and one indivdual, took that special man to be with his Lord. He will forever be by his wife as well as his boys' lives and I pray for you all everyday that you may be with him one special day. May God Bless You All.

Kennedy Family
Active Duty Family Member

August 11, 2006

Rest in peace my brother and may God bless you and your family. You are a Hero!

Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol.

August 11, 2006

Rest in peace brother!
May god bless you and your family..

A PART OF AMERICA DIED

somebody killed a policeman today, and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
with his counsel demanding his rights,
while a widowed Mother must work for her kids
and spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
just as if he’d gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won’t fly at half-mast,
to his name, they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today.
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie’s side.
He answered the call and gave us his all,
and a part of America died.

Deputy Armando Valdez
El Paso County TX Sheriffs Office

August 11, 2006

I am so sorry to all of Officer Wertz family loved ones, and brothers and sisters who wear the badge of law enforcement. I know that words are empty at this time of your deepest grief, but remember God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family to help you through this time of pain.
"A Letter From Heaven"
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just enternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you!
God Bless You All

Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
The Canon City Internet Radio (The Chauffeur Internet Radio)

August 10, 2006

Money, it's been four days ...still seems like Sunday. Miss your quick comments and easy laugh. Rest easy, we'll take care of your family and things here. I'm honored to have known and served with you. 'Till we meet again, God speed Brother.

Phil
R.P.D.

August 10, 2006

Thank you to Officer Wertz, for so selflessly serving to protect us. Thank you to the Wertz family, for knowing the danger each time he walked out the door, and still stnding strong behind him. You and your family have stood strong, brave and proud. May the Lord protect and comfort you. May those close to you hold strong in their support. May you always feel Scott's protection and love forever. Thank you, and God Bless.

A Muhlenberg Resident

August 10, 2006

There are no words to express how I have felt since I got the news early Sunday that Scott was killed in the line of duty. To say that this is devastating is an understatement. After spending time with the Wertz and Schappell families over the last few days, I want to let them know that I am still here today and always. It doesn't end with the funeral. I know what it's like and I know how painful Scott's death is. We are now one family and we can lean on each other. Tricia, you are my newest sister in pain and I will do everything I can to help you and the boys get through this. Scott, I trust that you and Mike will have a good time together and are looking down on us all. God bless.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Officer Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

August 10, 2006

Scott,
I've known you for many years and played ball with you in that time. I was sadden when I found out about what happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. RIP Brother

J. Witman Firefighter/EMT
Friend

August 10, 2006

Rest in peace brother and may God bless you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. You will not be forgotten.

Ptl. Harryn #644
Bethlehem Township PD

August 10, 2006

Dear brother..your sacrifice will not be forgotten. God bless you and your family.

P/O S.E. Pennsylvania

August 10, 2006

Scottie (MacDaddy),
We will always remember your smiling face and zest for life. You brought the fun to a party! You were a great correctional officer and policeman. We will miss you deeply. As much as we are saddened that you are gone, we choose to celebrate your life.
Tricia and boys: May God be with you always!

Duncan and Ginny Rumsey
Friends

August 10, 2006

To the Wertz Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you today and always. As part of the Reading community I sincerely feel sad because they're people out there who don't appreciate our city and don't appreciate our RPD. May Officer Wertz REST IN PEACE! We the city of Reading have a special angel still watching over us....Mrs. Wertz and boys- your family will always be in our prayers. May God bless you always!

RAMOS FAMILY

August 10, 2006

Dear mrs Wertz,

I am the neighbor and friend of Denise Wise.. She called me the night her husband was taken away from her. I will never forget her face as she left her happy home that night.. The rest of the evening spun so out of control.. Her happy home changed forever.

I want you to know that having her on your side as a friend is the best thing for you. I wish the two of you would not have had to met this way, but I think together the two of you can make it..

I am so sorry for your lose and think of you and your sons often.
Denise tells me your husband was a very nice man.. I think he is special just because of the line of work he did.
And he is a HERO!!
If you need Denise EVER any time of the day all she has to do is call me and I can be there for Kendall in a minute!!
My God bless you and your sons!!
Marsha VanOverbeke
Neighbor of Mike and Denise Wise

Marsha VanO

August 10, 2006

"A Part of America Died"


Somebody killed a policeman today,
and part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call,
of himself gave his all,
And A Part of America Died.

civilian

August 10, 2006

May God give strength to the Wertz Family at this sad time.

Lois E. Bordner
Resident of Muhlenberg Township

August 10, 2006