Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Donna, Sarah and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all especially today on this anniversary of your husband's and father's passing. We are so grateful to know you both. May you all find peace and comfort during this holiday season.

Vicki & Carmen Petrelli

Vicki Petrelli
MIL NJ State Trp. Bertram T. Zimmerman, III, EOW 2-5-04

December 21, 2005

Dad- Where do I begin. Today is the day you were taken from us 24 years ago. I look at that number and it just reminds me that I am that age and I never had the chance to know you.It is more of the unknown that is hard for me to grasp today. I have to look to others to know about you, and that is okay but not the same. I love to hear stories about you and they are all so funny or very interesting. I hear that you were a prankster yet when it came to your job you were the best.In time I want you to tell me all the stories I have not heard yet. Even though I don't remember you that does not mean that you are any less of a Person, Father, or Hero to me. I know that I will see you one day, and that NO MATTER HOW FAR WE ARE FROM EACH OTHER, WE ARE NEVER TO FAR. You are my angel that is with me all the time, I feel you dad, when I have question your are there to help me through them. I have learned that I can be sad and miss you but I have a special bond with you that not every little girl has, you can go anywhere with me when I turn around you are right there. Yet it is not the same. I miss you so much. I want to hear your voice and see the pictures come true.Until then I will hold everything close to me, I promis.Just like everyday I will hold you close to me and remember what you did for me and the state you proudly served. Rest in peace daddy and i will talk to you soon.
Love always your Proud daughter
Sarah Lamonaco

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco

December 21, 2005

To Donna & Sara and all the Lamonaco family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you today, Please know that even though I have not been to NPW for a few years, I still remember you and keep you in my prayers always.

Howard 12-21-2005

Howard Cooke
MDPS-BLE (retired)

December 21, 2005

Although I was too young to get to know Phil, I have heard story after story from my family about just what a great guy he was. Not once, has anyone I encountered had a negative thing to say about the man. He will forever remain alive through the stories of those who knew him; stories that are truly inspirational. My sincerest warm wishes to his family over the Christmas Season.

John C. Villani
[email protected]

John C. Villani

December 15, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 14, 2005

To the Lamonaco family...

I was nine years old when your husband/father was taking away from you. My father was a police officer and I can remember trying to place myself in your family's shoes, trying to feel the grief that you were feeling. I still remember hearing of how you were all in the kitchen making cookies when the dreadful news was broken to you.

Every Christmas season, I always take time out to remember your husband. Even though I never had the honor of meeting him, I have always held him in high regards. Mere words cannot express the feelings of grief and compassion that I feel for you all. This ultimate sacrifice is testimony to the extreme dedication that your husband/father had for his work and for the community in which he served. My family and I continue to morn alongside you and wish you all a sense of peace and tranquillity in this troubled time. I realize that you continue to feel the pain and anguish, but please try to look past that and know that our Lord has broken the chains that have bound your loved one to this world and has called him home to be with him. He now lives, breathes, and rejoices in the glory of our Risen Lord.

If there is ever anything that i can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at [email protected].

Know that your husband/father is remembered always!

Probation Officer Christopher M. Hess
Lehigh County Adult probation

December 7, 2005

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAD, WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU
LOVE ALWAYS
YOUR SUNNY

SARAH LAMONACO
DAUGHTER

November 24, 2005

Philip, I hope that you have a nice Thanksgiving where you are. I hope that Donna and Sarah feel you sitting right there at their holiday table, because I know thats where you will be. I love your wife and daughter, they are absolutely amazing people. They have always been there for me and my family and we will always take great care of them. Hang out with Bert up there, I'm happy to know you both have each other. You both brought my and your families together for a reason. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Denise Zimmerman

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-04

November 24, 2005

Dad- It is Sunday and the Giants just won again! Your friend Bobby came over today. He always told me that one day we would make gravy and meatballs today we did, they came out good. I told him that you would throw the pasta on the wall to tell when it was done, and we laughted and he said "yeah he told me about that". It is so nice of him to come to do this with me, but it is not you, i am missing you so much. With the holidays coming i just sit and wonder what it would be like to have you walk in the door, I know you want to walk in as much as i want you too, just stand by me, I know it has been years but for some reason it is still so hard. Bobby coming and us making your meal makes us remember and hold you close.
I LOVE YOU DAD AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH
LOVE YOUR
SUNNY

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter

November 20, 2005

TROOPER LAMONACO, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS, FOR THE LAST 24 YEARS HAVE BEEN WITH YOUR FAMILY. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

SARAH, I HONOR YOU AS YOU HONOR YOUR DAD. CONTINUE TO KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE. I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU SINCE THIS INCIDENT OCCURED. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. YOU ARE A VERY BRAVE GIRL.

DONNA, I HAVE ALWAYS PRAYED FOR YOU. IT SEEMS THAT I READ ABOUT THINGS YOU DO ALL THE TIME. YOU ARE SUCH A BRAVE AND HONORABLE WOMAN. NOW TODAY, I READ ABOUT YOU AGAIN. LIKE YOU, I WILL NOT SIT IDLE. EVERYONE IN DOC AND TRENTON WILL HEAR FROM ME ON THIS ONE. HOW OUR STATE CAN HONOR AN INMATE, MUCH LESS A COP KILLER, IS FAR BEYOND ME.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

October 29, 2005

DAD- WE HAD OUR FIRST SURVIVOR GOLF OUTING ON TUE, 10-18 AND IT WENT SO WELL, I KNOW THAT YOU AND THE OTHER TROOPERS GAVE US GREAT WEATHER. WE HAD A GREAT TURN OUT AND THE WHOLE EVENT WAS AMAZING. IT IS SO NICE TO SEE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO COME OUT AND SHOW THE RESPECT FOR YOU AND THE OTHER TROOPERS. IT MAKES IT A LITTLE BIT EASYER FOR US TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL STAND BY ME AND I WILL BE FINE. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, TALK TO YOU LATER TONIGHT.
I LOVE YOU DADDY
YOU LITTLE SUNNY

SARAH LAMONACO
DAUGHTER OF TROOPER LAMONACO

October 20, 2005

I read you reflections today, and the love and respect of you family and freinds moved me to tears. I'll go home tonight, and hug my wife and daughter a little bit harder, a little bit longer, and thank you and your fellow Archangels in blue, and feel safe tonight. God bless your family, and when my tour is done, I'll shake your hand.

Diesel
Monroe Cty., Pa

October 13, 2005

DAD- I AM MISSING YOU SO MUCH A DAY DOES NOT GO BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU, AND I NEED YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM DOING MY BEST TO MAKE YOU PROUD OF ME, I STARTED SCHOOL AGAIN AND I LOVE IT. I FINALLY FOUND WHAT I WAS LOOKING TO DO. STAND BY ME AND KEEP ME STRONG. WE ALL MISS YOU SO MUCH AND LOVE YOU MORE.
LOVE YOUR
SUNNY

SARAH LAMONACO

October 3, 2005

To the Lamonaco Family ~

You don't know me and I don't know you, at least not on a personal level and it's probably best to keep it that way, but I just wanted you to know that I have grieved along with you - I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine what it has been like for you. Ever since I heard about your tragedy, I have kept you in my prayers. My heart breaks for you time and again - on every Father's Day, every birthday, every holiday. I'm so incredibly sorry.

G. Mitchell

October 2, 2005

My heart aches for your wife and daughter. They lost another precious member of their family, their dog Trooper. I know you welcomed him at the gate to heaven and you now have another pet of your own. I know you will take great care of him. Help Donna and Sarah through another heartache. They are the strongest women I know.
Thinking of you often Philip.

Love, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

July 19, 2005

My Dear Sweetheart,

Another sad day for us here, my Golden Retriver "Trooper" died this morning of a Heart Attack. As I laid on the floor next to him, in total disbelief that he had actually died within 30 minutes of me going to him, through my tears I sent my message to you to watch over him. Watch over him with Smokie and the two of you guide him through his doggy angels, he is such a mama's boy that he'll be scared. He never got to know you or Smokie, but he knew all about you. Hold him as I have held you and keep in close till I see you all again, soon.

I love you with all my broken heart and miss you tremendously. Missing is the hardest, but this too I will ADJUST to.

Lamonaco, Donna wife

July 18, 2005

DAD- AS YOU KNOW TROOPER( OUR DOG) IS NOW UP IN HEAVEN WITH YOU, PLEASE WATCH OVER HIM AND MOMMY AS SHE GETS THROUGH THIS, SHE IS SO SAD BUT I KNOW YOU WILL GIVER HER THE STRENGTH SHE NEEDS. AS OUR TWO TROOPERS ARE TOGETHER, WE WILL MISS YOU BOTH SO MUCH.
I LOVE YOU DAD AND TROOPER

SARAH LAMONACO
DAUGHTER OF TROOPER LAMONACO

July 18, 2005

Dad- You know that you are the one who I turn to when I have a question or just to talk. About the conversation I had with you on Father's Day, thank you:) i love you dad and miss you so much, talk to you soon
I LOVE YOU
love,
Sunny

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco

July 11, 2005

Uncle Phil,

Our families have been close for many years, and the memory of your sacrafice and service will ALWAYS be in our hearts and minds. I gave a speech, about your life and sacrafice, in my college PR class, and I can honestly say, I could feel you looking down on me "from above".

"DUTY, HONOR, FIDELITY"...Philip Joseph Lamonaco (12/21/81)

-Liam Hayden

Liam Hayden

June 29, 2005

HAPPY FATHERS DAY MY LOVE
I SENT YOU A MESSAGE, NOT SURE IF YOU GOT IT BUT OUR LOVE TO YOU DAY IS ACKNOWLEDGED AND IT WAS YESTERDAY AND REMEMBERED AS IT WILL BE TOMORROWS. I STAND TALL AND PRIDE OF OUR THREE CHILDREN BECAUSE OF THE STRENGTH AND LOVE AND LIFE YOU GAVE TO ME. I RAISE THEM IN HONOR OF YOU, IN REFLECTONS OF WHO YOU WERE AS A PERSON AND IN RESPECT OF WHAT YOU STOOD FOR. SLEEP CALMLY MY LOVE TILL I SEE YOU IN OUR DREAMS AND KISS YOU IN OUR HEAVENS.

LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS PATUCH

DONNA LAMONACO WIFE OF TROOPER PHILIP LA

June 19, 2005

MY DEAREST LOVE,

TODAY IS YOUR DAY AND WE HOLD YOU UP WITH SUCH LOVE AND COMPASSION. REMEMBERING FROM THE DAY OUR CHILDREN WERE BORN TO THE SHORT DAYS LIVED WITH EACH OF THEM TILL YOUR PASSING. TO KNOW LOVE IS TO HAVE LOVE AND THAT'S WHAT WE HAD, GENIUNE, SIMPLE, FRIENDSHIP LOVE. I HAVE CONTINUED OUR LOVE WE SHARED WITH EACH OTHER IN THE RAISING OF OUR CHILDREN, I KNOW YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF THEM. MOST OF ALL , WE QUESTION AT TIMES, I HOPE YOU ARE PROUD OF ME ALSO. I DO WHAT I DO BECAUSE OF YOU AND SHALL CARRY OUR NAME AND PRIDE AND LOVE ON - TILL WE MEET AGAIN. TODAY IS A HARD DAY FOR SOME OTHERS MAY JUST CONTINUE ON - WAITING FOR NIGHT FALL WHEN THE DAY WIL BE OVER. I CONTINUE ON THINKING OF YOU WITH FLOWER I PLANTED, EVERY WEED I DISRRUPTED AND EVERY TRIMMING AND SHEERING I DID, I DID IT REMEMBERING YOU. AS I LOOK AT OUR SARAH AND WATCH HER SO EMOTIONAL TRYING TO MAINTAIN THE DAY WITH SOME SORT OF ORDERL, I WEEP, FOR HER - IN THE LOVE OF A FATHER SHE HOLDS SO DEARLY, YET NEVER REALLY UNDERSTANDS. AS MICHAEL STOPS IN ON HIS WAY TO HIS FRIEND, THAT MOMENT, WAS A MOMENT OF ALLOWANCES, TO CONTINUE IN YET REMEMBERING, ACKNOWLEDGING THE DAY AND MOVING ON. LAURA SPEAKING OF NORMALCY YET KNOWING IN HER HEART WHERE HER DAD IS AND REMEMBERIMG THE SHORT MEMORIES SHE HOLD SO DEAR.

DONNA LAMONACO WIFE OF TPR LAMONACO

June 19, 2005

Happy Fathers Day Philip! I know you and your children cant be with each other right now but you are all together in your hearts and in your memories. You have wonderful children and I thank god for Sarah every day.

Love, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-04

June 19, 2005

Happy Fathers Day Dad, I wrote this poem for you im May and put it on the wall for you, but I also wanted to put it on your site so others could see what all yo are to me, I wish I could see you for just a second, but I know you can hear me,mom and I are making meatballs for you today, Here is my poem to you, You are the best dad a girl could want. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.

Every little girl wants to be dad's pride and joy, but when it was time to know you they said you were in the sky.
I didn't understand it,yet I knew that was how it had to be, Now you are not just a dad but an angel guarding me.

Mom said you died doing what you loved best, at least i know now, Dad you can rest.
Growing up was hard mainly because I missed you dear, but mommy stood there proudly she never showed her fear.
We got through the holidays, events and the past. Out love is like a candle, a flam that will always last.

Which brings me to the present as I stare at the wall, It was the duty that you ansewered, it was your last call.

Dad, I need you to know your little sunny will always shine and dont worry about mom, she is doing fine.

A hero you are to me and many other to. YOu were not just a dad but a proud trooper who wore the gold and blue.

Look down on me as I look up to you,
I LOVE YOU

Sarah Lamonaco
Daughter of Trooper Lamonaco.

June 19, 2005

Donna & Sarah,

Thank you so much for helping Denise, Carmen and I through a very emotional time in D.C. As you both were reliving your grief over losing your husband and father all over again, you both took time out to give us support.

I especially remember while walking up to the memorial wreath on the Capitol lawn as the Zimmerman family name was called, I looked up and there was the group of survivors waving and smiling their support. Just knowing that all of you had walked the path that we now walked gave me courage to smile back through my tears and thinking, Denise will get through this.

And thank you both also for the lighthearted moments you gave us. The laughter we shared was a tremendous release during an overwhelming time.

God Bless you both and all NJ State Trooper survivors. You will always be in my prayers.

Vicki Petrelli
MIL Trp. Bertram Zimmerman EOW 2/05/04

June 17, 2005

DAD- ,I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU TODAY, TOMMORROW AND FOREVER UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR LITTLE SUNNY AS YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!!

SARAH LAMONACO
DAUGHTER OF TROOPER PHILIP LAMONACO

June 17, 2005