Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Never does an April 2nd go by without me thinking of Tommy. It is really weighing on my mind today...to think its been 20 years. You were a great young Trooper with so much still to do and a great future ahead of you in the SP. Miss you Tom, but I know that you are in a better place and as happy as you always were.

S. Zayschly #4262 (Ret.)
NJSP

April 2, 2012

On a sad day, I choose to remember some of the fun times we all shared. We were so young. I remember what great shape you were in. Heck, we were all in great shape back then. I remember your laugh, it's still in my head. Steve made you crack up all the time. The four of us had so much fun in your last few years here. Fireworks, the camper...I look forward to hearing that laugh again someday....

CN
Friend

April 2, 2012

Thomas,

I know you thought I was a good man. When people were kicking me when I was down even as my Dad was dying I missed having you to pick me up. I lost my faith in people but know you always had my back and will when we are all before god. I miss you and can't wait to laugh at all with you.

DR
Friend

January 16, 2012

I remember you Tom. Went to High School with you and lived around the corner from you in Elizabeth. Our neighborhood was the "best" to grow up in. Elmora! From the Elmora youth league (softball and baseball) to the tight knit friends and neighbors we all had. It crushed me then to hear of your passing, for your Fiancee, your mom & dad and brothers...and it crushes me now again as i view this facebook finding of you by accidently typing up Trooper to find something else. I see your memorial on Rt 78 all the time, and a prayer is always sent your way. You're in a place we all will be some day, you just saw it sooner. And once we get there we'll wonder why we had to live down here for so long. Paradise is where your at. God Bless.

Colleen C.
a neighbor

November 22, 2011

Going through my wallet today, I came across your NJSP picture you gave me in front of the house. It's the only picture I have of you, but you handed it to me and I have kept it in my wallet since that day, it's still in good shape. My dad remembers seeing you that day as well and was as happy for you as I ever saw him. An Elmora boy who did the hard work. It seems like yesterday. So much has changed since then but I never forget the best years of my youth with the gang from Elmora.

For the first time, I went to visit you this past spring on a beautiful sunny day.
I never really wanted to go before. Next April will be 20 years and I can't believe it.

Until we meet again.

A Friend
childhood friend

November 10, 2011

Today and everyday you are remembered as one of our hero's and you will never be forgotten.

NJSPSOTT

April 2, 2011

It's been almost 19 years since you were taken to patrol heaven's gates. Know that you are not forgotten. So very many passersby salute you at the memorial site on Route 78 West. Some of us don't even know you, but know that you gave the ultimate sacrifice.

My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends, Trooper Tom. New Jerseyans thank you for your service and sacrifice.

It may be 19 years, but you are saluted everyday by so very many. Your family is justifiably proud of you.

A NJ Officer's Wife

Anonymous

February 3, 2011

Tommy I think of you often and what a hero you are. You are very missed. I pray for you and your family.
Miss you on the road and for dinner when we worked 3-11.
Reast in Peace Brother

Anonymous

January 2, 2011

Remembering you today. Thankyou for your service, you are a hero who we all can look up too. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

December 27, 2010

There is not a trip east or west on I-78 when I past Trooper Hanratty's memorial that I do not think of the trooper who gave his life in his duties for others.

Sometimes I salute. This maybe silly, but this is how I feel about what he gave.

I know there are other Troopers that also gave their lives in the service of New Jersey. Trooper Thomas J. Hanratty is a symbol to me for all of them.

God rest in peace.

Russ Fairchild, Citizen
Fellow New Jerseyean

November 19, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 2, 2010

It's nearly 18 years since that terrible April 2, 1992, the day we lost Trooper T; the day many of us lost part of ourselves. Why would it happen to such a fine young man who dedicated his life to making a difference for the better for others? We'll never know, but God certainly had other plans for Tommy.

When we travel on Route 78 west, just past Milepost 46.9, we see a memorial to Tommy. When we pass The Trooper Thomas J. Hanratty Memorial Complex at the Elizabeth-Roselle Park border where the Elmora Youth Baseball League plays, we think of Tommy. This year at the 14th Annual Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade where a division will again be named after him, we honor Tommy.

He's someone worth honoring every day. Tommy lived his life by the motto of the New Jersey State Police....Honor, Duty and Fidelity. He touched so many lifes in a positive way, and we are better for it.

One of the best testaments to Tommy comes from a previous post from our cousin John Brennan III, who wrote, "I never knew him but I know he must have been great and he loved his job and his family and he died in the line of duty for honor and fidelity and thats a Hero worth remembering."

He may be gone in one sense, but he is always with us in spirit and he will never ever be forgotten.


Tony Brennan

Tony Brennan
Cousin

March 23, 2010

Thomas,

You were my link to many. I know fun left me that night and will never come back. Frustration that I can't do anything to help all that hurt. You would have been the best man for many and it's hard not to think of you when a milestone in life is reached on my end. I miss you and all that we used to do. So many stories between us that we never had a chance to laugh about, reflect on. I hate the fact that it hurts too much to see people who we grew up with and loved because of the memories it brings of us. So alone since that day are many but I feel you with myself and have dreams that are almost real. I look forward to your strong hand pulling me to you with the laugh that is missed but always in my head.

I try to find a reason and keep my faith but it gets tougher as the years go by. I'll find the answers with you at my side. I know you are doing good deeds in heaven and I will keep talking to you when things are just too tough down here for all who loved you.
You've already delivered a few miracles in my life- I Thank you for that my childhood friend, and will pray for you and the family everyday until we meet again.

I'm sorry for trying to block out so much since that night, certain music and song are hard to listen to- Maybe I'm being selfish, but it just hurts too much realizing how much has been lost for so many who loved you and how better life would be for all in our small world if you were still here.

Thank You NJ State Troopers for honoring the Hanratty name.

Steve

Steve

March 17, 2010

If we only had more time, you were a good man....... Tim

Trooper Hanratty
NJSP

September 18, 2009

Everytime I pass the Memorial I say a prayer for you, you are in all our hearts and are greatly missed

Det.Joseph Gramiak
Elizabeth police dept.

July 28, 2009

Rarely a day goes by after all these years that I don't think of Tommy. He lived across the street from me growing up and was a good friend of my little brother Bob. He was such a nice kid. Whenever there was trouble on the street Tommy would shrug his shoulders and laugh it off.

We played the wiffle ball world series in my driveway (naturally Tommy hit a grand slam). I remember being pulled over on RT 287 and a big burly state trooper asking me for my credentials. While I was reaching for my license he said "who are you". I remember being scared until I told him my name and he broke into one of his famous smiles saying "do you remember me". I didn't at first but when he told me his name I almost cried. I hadn't seen him in more than 10 yrs and he grew from a litle boy into the gentle giant he will always be. We touched base on our families and he let me go. A few months later he passed away. I hope his Mom, Timmy, and Terry will remember me and all the great times from Bailey Ave. Tom, you were, are, and always will be a special person.

Affectionatley,

John Hartman

John Hartman
Childhood Friend

June 25, 2009

Tom:

I grew up across the street from you and your bothers Timmy nad Terry. We had a good time BBQ"ing potato chips and playing the world series of wiffle ball. you were always the stron silent type but never waivered from your great character. I knew your whole family and we shared some special moments growing up.

I rmeber I was pulled over on RT 287 by a burley hansome trooper who said "what's your name" I was scared but he said "Do you rmember me" It was you of couse who I hadn't seen in over 15 years yet you remembered me and my family. It was so special I came out of my car and hugged you

John Hartman
Childhood friend

June 24, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 2, 2009

To the Hanratty Family,
I recently drove past the road side memorail on Route 78 and wanted you to know that the sacrifice that Tom made will never be forgotten. It is a beautiful memorial. While nothing can ever take away the pain from that tragic day, I hope there is some solice in knowing that he died doing a job that he loved, wearing the blue and gold and serving the citizens of our state. He will never be forgotten

Colleen Brandt
Proud Wife of a NJ State Trooper

January 29, 2009

Trooper Hanratty,

Although I was never able to meet you I just wanted to honor your memory by sharing with you the story of how your legacy has impacted my life. A couple of years ago I had the honor of playing football for your brother. He helped me to mature and taught me so many invaluable lessons about what it is to be a man. Coach helped me learn so much, not only about the game of football, but more importantly about life. He taught me about how nothing in life is ever given to you and that you have to cherish and make the most of every second we have on this earth. I owe so much to your brother and am eternally grateful to your memory. Coach shared with me the impact that you had on his life and I am blessed to receive the teachings from him that you once showed your little brother. It is remarkable to see how your spirit still lives through so many people. Thank you so much for your selfless dedication to protecting our way of life in this country.

May God bless your soul and the Hanratty family.

Friend

October 29, 2008

Tommy, it has been 16 years since you went home to Christ, and I never forget all the years we spent growing up in Elizabeth. It seems like yesterday that we were running around Elmora on our bikes, playing baseball in the Elmora League and at #12, rifling your father's cabs, or getting money from your mom to go to Kampy's.I couldn't even to begin to write about all the things we did together growing up. I am now 41, and they are etched in my mind as strong memories which I am fortunate enough to share with anyone when they bring up your name. We were friends. You can be very proud of your family, and how they keep your memory alive with the NJSP. I can't think of anyone from the neighborhood who could ever forget you, you never would hurt anybody. Your brothers have grown up to be fine, good, honest men with families. I have no doubt you had something to do with that. I developed a very strong bond with your family over the years, particularly your Dad and Terry. Tell your dad I said, "hello." I will always be here for them. I have a little boy, Dylan, and he reminds me a lot of us when we were 7. Many things in life have changed over the years, but one thing remains constant; the memories and love of the people who are truly remarkable that come into your life...May Almighty God Bless You, my friend.

Lt. Nick Norton
Westfield, NJ PD/boyhood friend

May 18, 2008

TROOPER HANRATTY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

April 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 2008

R.I.P. Trooper Hanratty.

Patrol Officer
Houston, TX

February 12, 2008

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 12, 2007