Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I pass your memorial everyday on patrol and never forget the price you paid while serving our great outfit. Although I never had the chance to shake your hand you are part of the tradition I live in everyday. I will not let your memorial go unattended nor will I let your service to the "Blue and Gold" be forgotten. I see your picture in our station everyday and I march in your name every year for many reasons. To your family, I am sure Trooper Hanratty is patrolling heaven with pride and may he guard the gates of heaven until we see one another again!

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

July 10, 2007

Tommy when you where Struck I was very young hardley ever knowing the story of your trajic aceident and the person so many people talked about you were just a name with out a face . you were the cousin that i lost when i was old enough to know your story it struck me with awe . i pass your mamorial every so often . and i have a different veiw . i never got to meet you but from the storys i have heard i know that if i ever got the chance im sure you would have been great . I have your Badge number written down and have set near my first responders card and every time im on a pedestrian struck call I look down at that number and remember the story and I say to my self what would you do trooper 4971 . the reason I keep the number so close was becuase i was struck by a veical also while on duty . so i remember you each and every time i get a call and every time i pass the mamorial and i salute you even in the back of an ambulence . one day i did it on a pest transport and the trooper sitting next to me ask me why did i salute I told him im saluting a fallen hero im saluting the guy who keeps me on this job im saluting my fallen cousin Trooper Tomas J Hanratty Badge Number 4971 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 fedelity and Thats a Hero worth remembering .

John Brennan III
young Cousin

June 7, 2007

Terry,

I read your reflection on my brother's website and I so much feel your pain. I too never want anyone to go through what we are all going through. No on but siblings can understand the loss that we felt and still feel. The love that we have for our siblings is like no other. We know all the secrets that no one else will ever know. It will never go away and as time goes on, it doesn't get an easier. When we have children and the holidays come, we wish they were there to share it with us. My son was born only two days after my brother's funeral. It was a good day but also very sad. I am going to Washington this year, as the past two years. I hope that I will see you there. If not, think about going to the siblings retreat. I have gone the past two years and plan to always go. I hope you and your family are doing well, and good luck with your new baby.

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III fo NJSP

May 6, 2007

Terry,

I wanted to say Thank You for the kind words you left on my brother NJ State Trooper Bertram Zimmerman’s website. I also want you to know how sorry I am that you had to lose someone who meant so much to you. I unfortunately know the pain you feel and what it’s like to wonder how you will get from one day to the next with out him. You are exactly right about having that empty feeling that just never seems to go away. I totally understand when you say how even with all the wonderful gifts of life how you long for your brother to be a part of it. Like you I am married with 2 children and I am due to have my third child a boy in July. I truly believe my brother sent me my little boy to help me through the days that just seem impossible. I know the pain and emptiness I feel with never go away but some how I feel like apart of my brother will come back to me when my son is born. I was lucky enough to have my brother around for the birth of my first 2 children but this time I am not so fortunate and as my due date gets near that is all I can think about. I know my brother watches over me & my little boy every day. Just like I know Tommy is watching over your wife & your new little one. I often wondered if I was the only one who felt the way I did but then I read your reflection and the posting that you recently left on your brothers website and realized I wasn’t. That there was someone out their who knew what it was like to lose a brother and the pain that goes along with realizing the person you grew up your whole life with is no longer their. Again I am sorry for your loss & I want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. I will pray that Bert & Tommy give our families the strength we need to get through each day.

Jamie Manos
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman

Jamie Manos
Sister of NJ State Trooper Bertram Zimmerman

May 2, 2007

The Hanratty Family:

Terry, Thank you so much for your kind words. My daughters and I know the pain that you and your family have been going though all these years. The New Jersey State Police are such a wonderful and caring brotherhood. It has been just a little over three years since Bert's tragic accident and this is the first time that I have been able to leave a reflection. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness . I am sure Tom and Bert are patrolling the roads of heaven!!!

Verna Zimmerman
Mother of Trooper Bert Zimmerman NJSP EOW 02/05/04

May 2, 2007

Hanratty Family,
Terry, I saw the reflection you recently left on Trooper Bert Zimmerman's page. My husband is a NJ State Trooper and was Bert's classmate. He served as the escort officer for Bert's widow, Denise, and his family during National Police Week when Bert's name was added to the wall. We have continued to go every year since and will be going again this year. I just wanted to let you know that the State Police have a ritual they do every year late in the evening of the candlelight vigil where they and others with them go back to the wall and have a moment of silence and do a silent salute in front of the names of many of the troopers on the wall. Your brother's is one of them. I wanted to let you know that your brother's memory and sacrifice are not forgotten. During this ritual, I am struck and moved by the still raw emotions of those who lost their loved ones even as long as 25 years ago. It is obvious that the hurt and pain never go away. But even more importantly, the pride for their loved ones grows more and more. If you ever go to Police Week, try to find Denise Zimmerman, Lisa Scales or the Lamonaco family. They are an amazing group of people who will welcome your family with open, loving and comforting arms. I wish you and your family peace and comfort.

Colleen Brandt

Proud Wife of a NJ State Trooper

May 1, 2007

The time has passed and it is still very hard to go on without you.If someone who needs help or just wants to talk call me your situation is never going to be easy .loosing someone will change your life and people dont understand that. Everyday is sad and it will never go away so reach out. At first i did every thing i could to make him proud.15 years later i hurt even more and at every parade i feel prouder tommy was my brother. I want to thank everyone who comes out that day. Thanks Tommy for being the guy you were and making me the man i am. I would give any thing just to play catch one more time. You had a gift with people and it shows every year i miss you. Terry Hanratty

Terry Hanratty
Brother

April 28, 2007

Tommy:

I can't believe it's been 15 years. I remember the call from Billy that night and I went to St. Gens before coming over to your house. I still carry your picture in my wallet from the graduation ceremony, I can honestly say I think of you almost every day. I wish you could meet my kids, someday you will. My wife and I visited the memorial in DC and saw your name there. We had so many great times growing up. Until we meet again.

friend
monmouth road

April 23, 2007

Like it was yesterday.

You are never gone as long as YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

You, my friend, are not forgotten.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

April 3, 2007

Thomas,

The times we had together were the best of my life.
I can speak for all that grew up with you by saying that a piece of our hearts left us that night. You were such a great role model for your bros. (and your friends). You would be proud of them. Your Mom is truly one of the sweetest women I ever spent time with. I'm confident that you and Pops are together now in heaven enjoying the best seat in the house at the big games and I thank you every night for watching over me like the angel you were on earth.

Thank you NJ State Troopers for honoring a true hero and always respecting a great family.

"Dr.KWI"

friend

December 13, 2006

I pass your memorial site twice a day and always say hello and thank you. Your contributions and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Bill

September 27, 2006

Trp. Hanratty:

I saw your mother the evening of your accident. I have never forgotten her. I attended to her in the family waiting room. I was a nurse at the trauma center. Interesting how the world turns. Years later I had the pleasure of meeting her again in person - this time we were able to chat. I was then a police officer in Newark. It was a bitter sweet moment; we spoke of you, and your family. She is truly a charming and delightful woman. I know you are not forgotten; more importantly you are loved and missed. God speed - know that we are all standing tall, and we still have "your back". True blue - Semper Fi.

Sergeant Rory Murphy
Newark, NJ, Police Department

July 3, 2006

Trooper Hanratty,
This year I took part in the Police Unity Tour and rode in your honor. For the entire 300 mile ride I wore a bracelt with following words printed on it: IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF TROOPER THOMAS HANRATTY - NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE. EOW 04-02-1992.

Tom
Police Officer

May 17, 2006

Tommy,

I can't believe that it has been fourteen years since that terrible accident on 78.

I still remember you as a childhood friend and later as a classmate at Kean.

You were always the quiet guy, but also the guy you could count on if help was needed.

I just wanted to let you know that you have not been forgotten.

May you rest in peace, my friend.

Friend
Elmora

April 1, 2006

Sir,

When people said they would remember you, trust me, they have. Every time I drive past your memorial on route 78 west, it is so obvious that you meant so much to so many. I always pause as I travel past. Your service honorable and highly respected by the citizens of NJ and those of us who also are part of the brotherhood. Thank you for your service. I did not know you but I wish I had the chance to meet you. Your fellow Troopers remember you for sure. Rest my friend, your in a better place. God Bless you and your family.

member NJ law enforcement
NJ

March 16, 2006

Tommy,

It has been 13 years and I think of you often. Many things have changed in those years, but one thing does not... Those who knew you have not forgotten you.

Trooper
NJSP Somerville Station 1992

April 2, 2005

Rest in peace Troop.

November 9, 2004

God's peace be with you, your family, and all LEO's serving on the thin blue line. My deepest gratitude to all of you for putting your life on the line every day. So very much appreciated. Sleep, Trooper, in heavenly peace.

Michigan Resident

October 4, 2004

Tpr. Hanratty:

I used you as an inspiration to achieve my goal of being a New Jersey State Trooper. I am now in the NJSP academy and 1 month from graduation. I pass by your memorial often and have stopped and payed homage on several occasions. I can relate to you because I am 24 years old and am already passionate about this job. You are an inspiration to all of us, thank you for what you have done.

Rct. J. Micewicz
New Jersey State Police

August 19, 2004

I drive past the scene often. I see your shrine and always shed a tear. God bless you brother, you are never forgoton.

Patrolman Matthew Benus
Saddle Brook, Bergen County

June 4, 2004

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 20, 2004

When you were tragically struck down on the highway, My husband Scott Gonzalez, was attending Union county police academy, He had been waiting to hear from the NJ state police, but due to a freeze on state hiring, he had thought that opportunity would never arise.That was his dream. When I heard of what had happened to you, I asked Scott, " are you sure this is what you want to do"? He replied, "absolutely" He attended your funeral, and was deeply moved by the ceremony. That was his first funeral for a state trooper. He later heard from the state police academy,and graduated in Jan 1993. Everytime thereafter,when he drove past your memorial on I-78, no matter what he was doing, he would pause and salute as he drove by. He was later shot and killed in Oct 1997. Your brother was very comforting to me, and although I haven't had any contact with your family, I pray they are all well. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I too pass by the memorial, and also offer my own salute to you.

Maureen Gonzalez/NJSP widow,97

April 13, 2004

Dear Tommy:

I was stationed in Sussex the day you were killed. Months later, I felt compelled to pay my respects at the memorial site on I-78.

Tommy, I don't cry easily. But when I saw some of the "Power Ranger" toys and other momentos left at your memorial, I cried like a baby.

Clearly, the items left were testament to your youth and vitality...what a shame you were cut down with so much more to give...it is everyone's tragic loss!

God bless you, and your family.

Anonymous

December 15, 2003

Tommy,

It has been 9 years. 9 long years. I think of you every day. You would be proud to know your brother is now a Trooper and doing just fine. We all stay in touch with your family. God Bless You!

Anonymous

I'VE RECENTLY PASSED THROUGH THE STRETCH OF I-78 AND SAW THE MEMORIAL THAT HAS BEEN LEFT FOR TRP. THOMAS HANRATTY.I AM A RESIDENT OF VIRGINIA AND HAVE LIVED IN A LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY SINCE I WAS BORN. THE BIGGEST FRIGHT FOR ME IS TO WAKE UP TO FIND THAT MY LOVED ONE HAS PAID THE BIGGEST DEBT FOR DOING SOMETHING HE LOVES SO VERY MUCH. I AM INSPIRED BY ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND KNOW WHAT RISKS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TAKE. I HOPE TO PURSUE THE CAREER IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERECE AS ALL OF YOU MAKE. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF TRP. HANRATTY AND MAY GOD BLESS THE REST OF THE NJSP WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY.
REST IN PEACE AND WATCH OVER THE REST OF US.

PASSER BY
VIRGINIA