Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Dad, How are you doing? We had a beautiful weekend. It is about 80 or so. Yesterday myself, mommy, a trooper, and a Guy I meet at work who is a Branchburg cop and his girlfriends,Kim and her daughter Abby all went and cleaned the memorial. It looks great. It was a sad day that turned in to alot of laughts and stories. With the help of all of them it looks AMAZING and I am sure you love it. DC is right around the corner. Again Aunt Debbie will be going with us and she is truly a bast. She makes me laugh so hard as well as other and I am sure she will bring the pink hat. Things are really good here.Mommy is doing well and I am sure you hear I should be getting a phone call in a few weeks..( I know you know what I am talking about,) But until then keep they prayers coming my way please. I will make the wall look great for you as I try to every year in DC. I am going to run for now Dad. I love you and I will talk to you soon.. Keep watchig over us and the state you proudly served.. xoxoxoxo

Love your little girl
Sarah

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter

April 26, 2009

Hi Daddy,
I am sorry that I have not been on here in sometime. I have been alittle busy but never to busy to stop for a secnd and say hello to you. Time is flying I am now 28. I am getting old here Daddy. LOL!! I had a good birthday, Mommy, Aunt Debbie and I went to a fundraiser diner for Trooper Zimmerman. It was really nice and a great turn out. I joined the gym as a gift to myself for my Bday. I have been doing really good. Suprised myself.. I get up at 5am and go. I know Dad 5am but with 2 jobs if I dont do it first thing I wont go at all. Just gives me alittle down time in the moring before I start my day. DC is coming up soon. Feel like we were just there. Time is flying. I enjoy to go, it is nice to see everyone and to put stuff up on your wall. I just made Mommy and I these great chicken taco's ,, so good, I am becoming a little cook.. ok not really!!. I hope you are doing well up there and know I miss you and love you soo much. I have been talking to you and God alot these last few weeks. I just like to turn to you in good time not just bad. You are doing a great job at bring the smiles to my face, and letting me know I will be ok. I just tell myself that when I feel life is bad, that somone always has it worst then I do, and I should be happy with what I have and the best is still coming,, I am going to run for now but dont worry I will be back soon to talk to you until then I love you and miss you and will talk to you later tonight,, xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxox
Love always
Your little Girl,
Sunny Sarah

Sarah Lamonaco
PROUD DAUGHTER

March 3, 2009

Just was watching the discovery channel today "the FBI files" and notice it was about you, after watching it I looked you up on the odmp page after reading alot of your reflections i felt like got to know who you was and your wife and daughter and what you stood for thanks for all you did! My brother in law Brian Evans died in the line of duty on december 26,2007.He also left behind a wife and at the time 10 year old daughter. We went to dc in May of last year it was very emotion week but very nice with all the support of all the law enforcment there and the c.o.p.s. families. Again thanks for all you did. Hope to meet your wife and daughter someday at police week in DC. YOU'LL NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!

Larry M. Shears
C.O.P.S. family ,OHIO

February 13, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEETHEART,
WOW YOU ARE 60 TODAY, LOOKING GOOD SWEETHEART, FUNNY THING IS I'M RIGHT BEHIND YOU AND I'M NOT DEALING WITH THAT NUMBER.

RIGHT AFTER WORK I WILL GO TO THE CEMENTARY AND THE THE SITE, I WILL SEE YOU THERE OKAY. I KNOW WE ALWAYS USE TO GO OUT TO DINNER FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, BUT AS IN ANYTHING THINGS HAVE CHANGED. YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT ZACHEY'S IS GONE AND SARAH WORKS TILL 7:30ISH. BUT I THINK WE ARE BOTH MEETING YOU AT THE SITE TONIGHT TO HAVE A DRINK WITH YOU.
CAN I TELL YOU HOW MUCH I STILL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU. WHENEVER I GET DOWN, AND IT'S OFTEN, I THINK OF WHAT WE HAD AND ALL THE LOVE AND LAUGHTER AND EXCITEMENT FOR LIFE ITSELF, THAT I REFLECT ON OUR TIMES AND I JUST SMILE. YOU HAVE GIVEN ME PURPOSE TO CONTINUE ON. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND ANYDAY I'M READY, BUT FOR NOW SARAH NEEDS ME.
WE HAD A FUNERAL ON MONDAY FOR ONE OF HER CLOSE CLASS FRIENDS WHO DIED OF CANCER AT THE AGE OF 27. IT WAS SO HARD FOR HER, SHE WAS JUST SO SAD AND I FEEL BAD FOR HER LOSS AS WELL AS THE FAMILY.
LIFE SOMETIMES IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED AND THEN WE HAVE AN EYE OPENER. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR 2009 TO BE PROSPEROUS AND BETTER THAN 2008 AND I DO HOPE SO.
WELL MY LOVE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY AND HOPE ALL THE ANGELS BLESS YOU WITH A PEACEFUL AND JOYOUS BIRTHDAY AS WE WILL DOWN HER. UNTIL I TALK TO YOU AGAIN, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND HOLD YOU SO CLOSE TO MY HEART.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY
YOUR ONLY LOVE, MY ONLY LOVE
DONNA

DONNA YOUR LOVING WIFE

January 21, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DADDY...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,,,, I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU,, HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY.

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter

January 21, 2009

Trooper Lamonaco,

I have heard and read so much about you, I feel as if I have known you for years. I first met Donna and Sarah during Police Week of 2003, while honoring a good friend and co-worker.Here I was, a total stranger yet they reached out to me when I needed so terribly to be comforted.For their compassion shown to me that night,I made a promise to Donna I would always honor and remember you by going to the Police Memorial on December 21st for her. Your altimate sacrifice saddens me deeply,though at the same time I know because of it the friendship I have formed with Donna and Sarah is one I will always treasure and I am so very fortunate to have them both in my life. On the 27th anniversary of your assignment to be Eternally on Watch, my plans to be at the Memorial to remember you changed somewhat. I had the honor and privilege of being with Donna and Sarah to comfort them as we traveled to your signs, site and the cemetery.Remembering you with them touched my heary deeply and was such a moving experience, one I will never forget, just as I will never forget the sacrifice you and so many other HEROES have made. Rest assured as you watch over Donna, Laura, Michael and Sarah from Heaven, I will watch over them from here and be there for them always.

Cpl. Teresa Laubach
Prince George's County Maryland Sheriff's Office, Retired

January 3, 2009

Dear Trooper Lamonaco,

I was 14 years old on December 21, 1981 and now today as I write this to you I'm 41 years old. You were once an inspiration to a young boy who had a dream that never came to be. I almost made it, it would have been the 112th. I'm sorry that I have let you down. I want to let you know that I pray for your wife and children and wish them peace.Please say hello to my Father and tell him that I miss him.He's been with you for 11 years.

God Bless You,

Paul

Paul
A friend

December 30, 2008

Trooper,

It's hard to believe it's been 27 years since you were cut down by those cowards, along that lonely stretch of Rt 80. Today was cold with snow blanketing the ground - much like it was that fateful day.
I never drive that section of the highway, that now bears your name, without remembering the sacrafice you made.

To Donna & the rest of the Lamonaco family, I'm sure the years haven't made it much easier to face this day, but remain strong knowing that there's a special place in heaven for those that do God's work.

God Bless

a brother officer from NJ

December 21, 2008

Donna and Sara,

I just wanted to let the two of you know that both Gary (Girt) and I were thinking of you and Phil today. The two of you are such truly special people and we are so grateful to have you in our lives, although it was at such a high price for if it were not for the sacrifices that Phil and Bert made we likely would never have met. While I did not know Phil personally, I know the type of person he must have been to have had you for his family. While he will always be remembered for the Trooper that he was and the ultimate sacrifice that he made, the family that he left behind and the way that you have honored his name and memory are his true legacy. We love you both.

Gary and Colleen Brandt

Colleen Brandt
Proud Wife of New Jersey State Trooper

December 21, 2008

Donna & Sarah and family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you today, I hope you have had a safe and healthy year and I hope you know, even 27 years later, we still remember and care and I wish I could be there for to hug each one of you today and tell you I much we care and remeber. I read all the entries here several times a month. Be healthy and stay safe.

Howard Cooke,Jr.
Maine COPS & Maine DPS (retired)

Howard Cooke
Maine DPS (retired)

December 21, 2008

HI HONEY
WELL TODAY IS THE DAY,HERE WE GO, 27 YEARS LATER AND IT'S STILL SO REAL AND FRESH AND HARD FOR ALL OF US. MISSING YOU IS WHAT IS SO DIFFICULT. WONDERING WHAT "WE" WOULD BE DOING TODAY, BUT.....I JUST LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND THINK OF ALL OUR GREAT MEMORIES AND THE JOY YOU HAVE WITH THE KIDS THIS TIME OF THEY YEAR. THAT'S WHAT I WILL HOLD ONTO TODAY AS WE CAUTIOUSLY MAKE OUR TRIP TO YOUR SIGNS, SITE AND CEMETARY. I LEAVE MY LOVE AND GLADNESS FOR WHAT WE HAD FOR SIX SHORT YEARS, AND REFLECT ON THE SPECIAL PERSON YOU WERE TO ME AND YOUR FAMILY.

SO MANY THINK YOU TODAY ITS REALLY TOUCHING. PLEASE KNOW MY HEART IS FILLED WITH YOUR LOVE AND I HOLD MY HEAD HIGH AND STRONG AND YOUR LOVE FOR ME WILL ONCE AGAIN GET ME THROUGH THIS DAY.

MY FRIEND TERESA FROM MARYLAND IS HERE AND WILL COMFORT US THROUGH OUR TRAVEL TO RT 80. THE LONILENESS IS DIFFICULTY BUT I WILL KEEP OUR LOVE WARM IN MY HEART TODAY JUST KNOW HOW MUCH I TRUELY LOVE YOU.

MY UNCLE WES HAS NOW JOINED YOU AND MOM AND AS SAD AS IT WAS, ANOTHER ANGEL HAS JOINED YOUR HEAVEN.

MY TEARS WILL FALL, BUT MY HEART WILL BEAT STRONG WITH OUR LOVE......FOREVER
YOUR PATUCH
MERRY CHRISTMAS MY BABY I LOVE YOU

DONNA LAMONACO
WIFE OF PHILIP LAMONACO

December 21, 2008

Hi Daddy,
Here we are again. Another year. It has been 27 years. It is strange that is how old I am. Today we remember you and all you stood for. A Husband, a Father, a Trooper, and most of all a HERO. Dad, I miss you so much today as I do every day. It is so sad to me that I have to visit you at your cemetary yet, I know you are not there. I know you are in the sky with God watching over me and everyone..We had your meal again tonight, and I have your candy bar that I will leave for your tommorrow. I look at your picture as I write you and it is as if you are looking at me. I see you in me in so many ways and I love it.I know I didnt know you for long and I dont remember alot if any but you were a great Dad, many told me and it showes. I will see you one day.Until then watch over me and the family and protect us... I love you Daddy and I miss you with every beat that my heart takes each day. I will Honor you tommorrow and everyday after...Dont worry about Mommy, I am taking care of her for you.. See you in my dreams Dad, Rest in peace...XOXOXOXO
Love always
Your little Girl
Sunny Sarah

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter

December 21, 2008

Donna and Sarah, just wanted you to know that I will be thinking about you tomorrow, just as I am on every December 21 since I have met both of you amazing women and learned of your tragedy. You both are very special people to me and I am very glad to have you both in my life. Your husband/dad was a hero and you should be so proud of that. Know that you are not alone today or any day. You have "family" in me and my parents and we love you! Love, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

December 20, 2008

Tomorrow will mark the 27th anniversary of Trooper Philip Joseph Lamonaco's death. He was slain by persons viewing themselves as revolutionaries. People who would have you believe they were doing something for the public good. They weren't. They were killers. Murderers. People who would shoot another by surprise and flee. Then hide. Like rats in the woodwork. But, they werre hunted down. It took years to conclude. But they were captured and brought to justice.

Eash of us in law-enforcement should ponder this incident, along with many others, and pay tribute to this hero and many like him. They stood the front line. They paid with their lives. Least we forget that what has occurred will no doubt occur again. And, again. Our defense, at best, is to recongnize how vulnerable we are while doing our job. Sadly, any safety practice, any skill and constant vigilance is not enough. Little can defend us from a sudden attack by those who would kill us by surprise. We work as soldiers of the law serving the public. Not as warriors.

What we can do is exactly what the New Jersey State Police have done in the case of Trooper Phil Lamonaco. They never gave up. They pursued his killers until they were caught. They stomped on the floor, and kept stomping, until they flushed the vermin out.

Trooper Phil Lamonaco stood for law and for justice. He was a model for many who would follow. And who continue to follow. He is a lasting hero to all of us who have retired and believe as he did-- in law and in justice. He chose the front line over any other job in law enforcement. He stands as a model for all who accept the challenge of being a law officer. What he faced would be a nightmare for any of us. What his fellow troopers faced in tracking down his killers was an almost impossible task. Like Trooper Phil Lamonaco, they accepted the challenge. They demonstrated a lesson in honor, brotherhood, diligence and knowledge. A warning that to strike at one of us is to strike at all of us. May this mind-set continue in law enforcement everywhere. Forever.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

December 20, 2008

Hi Daddy,
How are you? I can't believe that it is Nov.18th. Today I am going in to the city to see White Christmas. You know I love plays and I have never saw this one before. Mommy said I saw the movie but I dont remember. So It will be a fun day. Keep the snow up there until I get home. Hahahah.. Christmas is right around the corner. I started to do some shopping but I am not done yet. I am sorry I didnt go see you this week. I will be there next week Promis!! Aunt Debbie should be coming up soon and we will be decorating your memorial. It is so pretty with all the Christmas bows and all. Can't let people think we forgot about you because that will never happen. Things are good with me, I am feeling so much better then I was this time last year.. Just have to take care of myself and I will cheat when I have Grandma's meatballs in front of me, hahahahha. Please watch over all of us as we remember you everyday. I have to go get ready now, just wanted to say hi to you and let you know you are on my mind.. I love you miss you and I will talk to you later tonight.

Love Always,
Your Little Girl
Sarah Lamonaco

SARAH LAMONACO
PROUD DAUGHTER

November 18, 2008

Hi Dad,
How are you? I just wanted to say hi to you and let you know I am thinking about you and that I love you... Hope all is well. I will talk to you soon.
Love always
Your Little Girl.

SARAH LAMONACO
PROUD DAUGHTER

October 17, 2008

R.I.P. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN! DONNA AND FAMILY, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. EVERY TIME I PASS BY THE HIGHWAY, YOU ARE REMEMBERED

P.O.
RUTGERS POLICE

October 16, 2008

i pass his memorial every day and say a prayer for his family he had kids the same age as mine i think about him each day as i pass it is a sorry thing what happened but it is like he says hello each day i come by i saw the first sign on the east bound lane and finally stopped to read it then saw the one on the west bound then i saw a monument park and stopped to see that also i never knew him it is a little strange to say this

frank berkey

October 15, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer
District Heights, MD Police Dept.

October 4, 2008

Hi Daddy,
Well Today is Aug 1st. Where is the time going. Today is Renea's wedding. I am so happy for her and Brandon. We are leaving in a little bit to get our hair done and get ready for the big day. I know you will be with her mom today as you both look down on her as she becomes Mrs.Fox.
Things are good down here. Work is good, life is good and I am very happy. I am feeling alot better health wise, so that is really good. I miss you so much dad. Know I love you and a day does not go by that I dont think about you.. Talk to you later.
Love always
Your Little Girl
Sarah

SARAH LAMONACO
PROUD DAUGHTER

August 1, 2008

HI MY LOVE,
DID YOU THINK I FORGOT ABOUT YOU....NEVER....HOWEVER I HAVE NOT WRITTEN TO YOU IN AWHILE AND FOR THIS I AM SORRY....THIS YEAR HAS BEEN SO CHALLENGING FOR ME IN SO MANY WAYS...THAT WELL, AT TIMES I HAVE JUST FELT LIKE I HAVE FAILED....YOU AND ME AND WHAT OUR LOVE STANDS FOR...OUR SARAH HAS HAD MEDICAL ISSUES, NO HONEY SHE IS OKAY NOW, BUT FROM NOVEMBER TO MAY SHE HAS GONE THROUGH PAIN, EMBARASSMENT AND HUMILATION....AND I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO....BECAUSE OF HER WORK SHE HAS NO HEALTH INSURANCE AND AFTER 3 HUGE TESTS AND SEVERAL DR VISISTS....MONEY ACCUMLATED AND I WAS LITERALLY ROBBING FROM PETER TO PAY...WELL THE BILLS....THERE WAS AN OUTREACH OFFERED, BUT AFTER MUCH EMBARASSMENT AND SECRETACY'S AND WELL YOU KNOW WHERE YOU STAND WHEN THINGS LIKE THIS COME OUT...WE FOUND OUT...AS USUAL I SUCKED IT UP AND BETWEEN SARAH AND I WE WILL HANDLE IT OURSELVES...AND TO EVERYONE ELSE...WE ARE FINE.

IT JUST ENFRUIATES ME THAT AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE...THE TRUE HONEST FRIENDS WELL YOU FIND OUT THE BEST AND WORSE IN BAD TIMES...AND IT HAS MADE ME FEEL LIKE I HAVE FAILED...I'M TRYING OF ALWAYS STRUGGLING FOR MONEY,...TIRED OF EVERYTHING GOING THE RIGHT WAY OR THE BETTER WAY FOR OTHERS AND I JUST STRUGGLE. HONEY YOU KNOW I HAVE NEVER COMPLAINED AND I'M SORRY FOR DOING SO NOW...BUT MY FEELINGS HAVE BEEN HURT SO MUCH THESE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS AND I HAVE BECOME VERY CAUTIOUS OF MANY PEOPLE I THOUGHT WELL AT LEAST IF THEY DIDN'T LIKE ME AT LEAST WAS ON MY SIDE....SO NOT TRUE...ITS AMAZING HOW SO MANY IN OUR "LINE OF DUTY" FAMILY HOW THEY JUST DON'T GET IT...AND THAT REALLY BLOWS MY MIND....
ANYWAY ENOUGH OF MY PITY POT....YOU NEVER LET ME STAY ON IT LONG AWAY NOT THAT I HAD TO OFTEN...SO NEXT WEEK OUR HEART 911 ORG. IS GOING TO FLORENCE NJ TO BUILD FROM THE GROUND UP A NEW HOME FOR A STAFF SGT MARINE THAT WAS IN A HUM V WHEN IT WAS BLOW UP AND IS NOW WHEELCHAIR BOUND AND HE AND HIS WIFE NOW NEED A ABILITY HOME AND AFTER "HOME FOR THE TROOPS" GOT THE LOT AND MATERIAL, WE ARE BUILDING THE HOME. I CAN'T WAIT....IT IS THINGS LIKE THIS THAT KEEP ME GOING... I KNOW, OUR KIDS SAY, BUT MOM ARE YOU GETTING PAID FOR THIS, HOW MUCH ARE YOU SPENDING ON GAS AND TRAVEL...OH HONEY THE REWARD IS SO MUCH MORE THAN MONEY COULD EVER BUY AND EVEN THOUGH I JUST SHARED MY FINANCIAL PITY POT...I WORK HARD AND CONSERVE MY MONEY AND TRY TO KEEP THE BILLS PAID....THIS...THIS IS SO MUCH MORE THAN ANY PAID STAMP COULD GIVE.

I JUST WENT TO THE HOMES AND THEN VIEWING AND FUNERAL OF DWAYNE KELLY, NJSP AND MARINE THAT WAS KILLED IN IRACQ. THEY GAVE...YOU GAVE...AS FOR ME EVERY DAY IS A GIFT WHICH I SHALL PROUDLY CHERISH IN WAYS THAT WILL HELP THOSE THAT NEED....BECAUSE WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE WHEN I'M IN YOUR ARMS...THAT'S WHEN MY REWARD WILL BE COMPLETE.

SO BABY THINK OF ME NEXT WEEK AS OUR GROUP BULDS THIS HOME WITH THE HEART OF VOLUNTEERS AND THE MIND OF THEIR TRAITS THAT THIS YOUNG COUPLE WILL HAVE A HOME TO COME BACK TO NJ IN THAT IS ALL THEIRS.

UNTIL I TALK TO YOU IN MY DREAMS...I LOVE MORE THAN YESTERDAY AND AM SO PROUD TO HAVE BEEN YOURS..

LOVE YOUR LITTLE PATUCH

DONNA WIFE OF
wife and best friend

July 10, 2008

Hi Dad,
How are you doing? I am sorry that I have not written in sometime. I have been busy with work and all. I have had you on my mind alot. Not one think, just in general. This summer is going so fast. I am not sure where the time is going. All is the same down here. Keeping busy. The 4th of July was this past weekend. We had some family and friends over so it was nice, but of course it rained. Hahah it always does when we have a BBQ. Things are good though. Mommy is doing good she is busy as always. I went with her to her 40th High School Reunion. It was fun and she has a great time seeing everyone.You know me, I just talked to everyone. Hahah. But we are all doing well, I hope you are too!. I love you dad and I will try to not let so much time go bye with out writting you. I miss you and I love you with all my heart and all I am,,I will talk to you later tonight,
Love always
Your little Girl
Sarah(Sunny)

SARAH LAMONACO
PROUD DAUGHTER

July 8, 2008

Trooper Philip Joseph Lamonaco,

I was on duty the day you died and recall the shock created in the area at the PA/NJ line as we scrambled for information to assist in the capture of the vermon that took you life. I was at your funeral, along with many, and we will filled the church to capacity...spilling into the community for miles.

I recall specifically the state police speaker mentioning that a terrible mistake was made by our Creator...words that only those in law enforcement, or their family, could accept not in anger with Him, but true words of hearfelt grief that a mighty hero had be taken from us. Surely He knew your courage. He knew your bravery. He knew your willingness to give your life for others. In fact it was His commandment you followed. We have a hard time understanding it, but He does not...nor did you.

The fact that you have a family who loves you as illustrated in the penetrating messages written by your wife and daughter is clear proof that you are much alive, and dwell in our midst. You are fortunate indeed to have instilled such undying love and devotion in the people most near to you. Many a person, living a much longer life, has not been able to achieve this precious wonder. It is only part of your reward.

So I can tell you this... as you stand among the legion of heros who have died enforcing the law, we will look toward the sky at night and, among what others see as stars, we will catch the glint of your badge. You have not only brought honor to yourself and the entire law enforcement community, but you have brought a very special honor to a loving family who feels your presence. Well done, trooper, ... well done.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

June 29, 2008

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU SO MUCH. HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY.. XOXOXOXXOXO
LOVE ALWAYS
YOUR LITTLE GIRL
SUNNY SARAH

SARAH LAMONACO
PROUD DAUGHTER

June 15, 2008

Trooper Lamonaco you are not forgotten, rest in peace brother, and god bless you. You will be remembered by all. To Trooper Lamonacos family, god bless you all, the law enforcement community stands behind you.

JI
South Plainfield NJ PD

May 23, 2008