Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Philip, what I am about to say needs no other words.......I am truly honored to know your wife and daughter.

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

May 17, 2005

Donna and Sarah,

I had the privilege of meeting the two of you this past weekend in Washington D.C. during National Police Week. The two of you are a part of an all too large part of truly amazing women that I am so privileged to have met and gotten to know. This past weekend was a truly amazing and overwhelming experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was truly touched to have been a part of the late night tribute on Saturday night paid to Phil and the other troopers who lost their lives doing a job they loved to do. It was heartouching to witness the overwhelming grief and emotions that the two of you expressed after all of these years, especially for Sarah for a father that she really never knew in life. In spite of your own sorrow and grief, you welcomed Gary (Girt) and myself into your circle with open arms and we are eternally grateful. We will see you again next year.

Colleen Brandt
Proud Wife of a NJ State Trooper

Colleen Brandt
Proud Wife of a NJ State Trooper

May 16, 2005

Phillip, you are a true hero.
I heard your beautiful wife tell her entire story for the first time the other day at the police academy to the recruits. She was wonderful, however her story brought me to tears. I am so sorry you suffered the way you did. You would be proud of how your family has kept your name alive. Please keep Bert company up there and take care of each other.

Sarah and Donna, you are such wonderful people and such a great source of strenth, inspiration, and support to me and my parents. We love you and appreciate you both so much.

Love, Denise

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

May 3, 2005

TO MY DAD,
I COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER FATHER. I KNOW YOU FROM A PICTURE BUT I WILL KNOW YOU BETTER WHEN WE MEET AGAIN. I AM SO PROUD OF WHAT YOU, AND ALL YOU HAVE DONE, YOU DEFINE THE WORD HERO.... LOOK DOWN ON ME AS I LOOK UP TO YOU,

SARAH LAMOMACO

April 7, 2005

I was 9 yrs old when you were killed, growing up just miles away in East Stroudsburg, PA. I still remember hearing of your murder and wanting justice for you and your family. You were an inspiration to me even though I never met you. I think of you every time I pass your memorial on I-80 and I thank you and your family for your ultimate sacrifice.

Trooper Jeremy Franklin
PA State Police

January 21, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

December 21, 2004

You are gone from us, but not forgotten. I'm sure I speak for all of us who grow up in that small NJ town with you. We all cherish the good memories. We were all so proud of you and still are. Rest in peace as I know you are praving the way. And to all your fellow officers Stay Safe.

December 21, 2004

My dad was a trooper who just recently past. I have traveled that stretch of highway many times and always think about what happened that day. Your sacrifice was not in vain, and this state surely needs troopers of your caliber. Your efforts demonstrate that the NJSP is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in this country. Thanks.

December 20, 2004

I WAS 11 YRS OLD WHEN YOU WERE KILLED. I LIVED IN PORTLAND,PA JUST ACROSS THE RIVER FROM WERE YOU WERE. MY FAMILY SERVED WITH THE LOCAL FIRE & RESCUE AND I REMEMBER HEARING THE SCANNER GO OFF, AND THEM BEING DISPATCHED TO HELP YOU. WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT YOU WERE KILLED, I REMEMBER FEELING SAD AND THINKING THAT A HERO HAD DIED. I NEVER ACTUALLY KNEW YOU, BUT THOUGHT OF YOU OFTEN AS I GREW UP, AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I BECAME A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. YOU HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

DEPUTY W. KENNA
PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

November 27, 2004

TO: Donna & kids; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE *** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

October 1, 2004

Sir,
I wanted to thank you for your inspiration. Growing up in NJ and Driving down the section of I-80 that has been dedicated to always made me wonder. What happened to that special person on that certain section of highway. Day in and day out I would ask my mother and father "who was Tpr. Lamonaco?" and what happened to you. Well when I got my answer it inspired me to follow your lead. I moved to Ga. and have been working for a metro Atlanta Police Dept. for 5 years. I know I can't change the world, but because of you I am sure willing to make a difference.

Thank you !!!

Never Forgotten

Anonymous

August 20, 2004

God bless you and your family. You are a true hero to us all.

Anonymous

April 14, 2004

I was reading a story about Trooper Lamonaco when I realized that I had the same badge number as he. It may not mean anything to anyone but I certainly take more pride in my appearance knowing that I carry 2663 as my shield. Sharing the same shield number that a warrior had pinned to him when he made the ultimate sacrifice makes me that much sharper. Pride and heritage are something that we must fight to keep a part of our lives and remain cognizant of everytime we go to work.

P.O. Rick Garrison
Jersey City New Jersey

I first learned of the murder of Trooper Lamonico when I drove by a sign in his memorywith flowers around it along Interstate 80 in New Jersey. I later learned he was one of the best Troopers New Jersey ever had. His bravery and sacrifice has helped many of us in many ways. I believe the circumstances of his murder led the NJSP, the PSP and many other police agencies to realize that semi-auto pistols were needed among the ranks of the police throughout our country. As a result, many police have been able to survive in some shootouts. Looking down, he must be very proud of his wife Donna for all the wonderful work she does for the families of fallen officers through C.O.P.S. I met his wife and children who are very strong and proud. I would like to thank them for all they do for me and other officers. May God bless Trooper Lamonico and his family.

AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

And the little girl said to her mother,
"Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?"
And her mother said,
"Sweetheart, he's already gone home."

Don't be afraid.

Anonymous

Phil it's been 21 years since you were taken, but we haven't forgotten that you were a Cop's Cop. May God Bless you and your family Semper Fi Brother!

Lieutenant Daniel J. Daly(Ret)
Newark Police Department

"A man who has found nothing to die for is unfit to live."


Martin Luther King, Jr.

Anonymous

"Without the home of the brave, there would be no land of the free."

Anonymous

to the family of trooper lamonaco. i just want to say that i am honored to have had the chance to read about a man who was a legend in the making. i never met phil, but from what i read about him, he was a cop who worked endlessly to make the world a better place. those values also made him a loving husband and father. my thoughts and prayers are with phil and his family always.

Patrolman Tony Costa III
Swissvale Borough Police Dept. (pa)

God Bless you, and keep you.

Shannon Yates