Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Good Evening Everyone,
It's been years since I've come to this site. Again, thank you so very much for all of your kind words and never forgetting my dad. Dan, Mike and Rabbi, thank you for your thoughts and prayers and kindness to us also. Dan, I think it's amazing that you remember my dad! Thank you! I pray your dad is still with you! And thank you Mike for your service too! Our family is all still well, thank God! Here's an amazing thing .... my daughter and I work for the NJ State Police now and as I walk in every day I get to pray for all of the Troopers and their families. We get to walk around the campus and visit my dad's tree in the memorial garden and I wonder many days if I'm walking where my dad once did. I'm not sure which buildings and sidewalks and roads were there all those years ago, but it makes me feel close to him. So there you go, God is truly amazing! God Bless every one of you that has shared about my dad, I will continue to pray for you and your families!
Lana

Lana Maldonado
Daughter

September 11, 2022

Lana, your loss makes us all feel so sad. But I want you to know that your father will never be forgotten and we will continue to honor him and his service each and every day. Your loving words below shows that your character is as honorable as your fathers was. May God bless you and your family as we honor your heroic father today. Semper Fi

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol, South Los Angeles 1969-1971

May 4, 2020

Trooper Lukis, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2019

Lana, I am Lou Zielinski's son, Dan. Your dad was friends with my dad. I was 9 years old when your dad passed and I still remember the pain everyone felt. I remember little about those days but your dad was a nice happy man and kind. My dad now in his 80's is not doing very well but I had the years with him, something I know you never had and I just wanted to reach out and let you know your dad is not forgotten.
Dan

Dan Zielinski MM1 USN RET.

July 12, 2016

To everyone who has written a reflection for my dad, thank you so very much. I'm his baby girl, Lana, born just weeks before his death. Today is the 50th anniversary of his passing. So many emotions on this day every year. I choose to focus on all the good that has veiled this tragedy. I can't imagine what my mom went through at that young age losing the love of her life so tragically with 5 little ones to take care of. Thank you to everyone known, and unknown, that helped my mom and all of us through such a difficult time. I know people prayed for us, showed up at our door, gave monetarily, and helped in many other ways and I'm (we're) so very grateful. The Bible says that "all the days ordained for us are written in His book before one of them comes to be". God knew the first breath my dad would take as he entered this world, and he knew the last breath he would take as he left here to be with Jesus for eternity. I thank God for His grace showered upon us, our family, every moment of our lives. He sustains us. Thank you all for your beautiful words for my dad. I know he was an exceptional man and look so forward to "meeting" him in heaven! We are all well. God gave us a wonderful step dad and his three children, plus another sibling born 4 years after me. His grace abounds! My dads brothers mentioned above are well, Uncle Jack (the football coach) and my Uncle Harry (the Wilkes-Barre guy). Thank you all again, I really appreciate your kindnesses! And I will remember to pray for all of you that are in law enforcement and those that have lost a loved one too. Lana

Lana (Lukis) Maldonado
Daughter

May 4, 2016

I remember the night well.I was about a mile away close to exit 5 NJ turnpike when this happened.I was on rt. 541 Burlington /Mt Holly rd. I was a friend of Tony,great person

Patrolman Charles Newbold
Mt Holly police dept

October 25, 2015

My dad was a good friend with Tony and I remember him comming to our house many times. His death really hit home.
I will remember Tony forever even though I was a kid when he passed. Tony is a true hero.

USN 1ST CLASS Dan Zielinski
Son of NJ Trooper Lou Zielinski

February 11, 2014

Worked on the Pike in 1973 as a Trooper and the first story that was told to me was about Trooper Lukis. The Senior Trooper that told me the story was working that day when Anthony was murdered. It is embedded in my mind forever. RIP

Retired Trooper
New Jersey State Police

September 1, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 47th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 10, 2013

Sir, you are remembered today.

Dede Hodge
Paramedic's wife.

May 10, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

May 4, 2013

I remember well when this happened, for two reasons: One, I had just joined the local emergency squad and was in the ambulance that took either the killer or one of his accomplices to the hospital from the Turnpike, and second, I had a history teacher, Elizabeth Lukis, who I believe was Trooper Lukis's sister.

Richard S. White

May 2, 2013

To the family of Trooper Lukis,
I am a therapist in a rehab hospital and also the widow of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman. I have my husbands picture hanging on the wall in my office. A patient of mine happened to ask me about my husband, and went on to tell me about a "good kid" that was an apprentice for him with brick laying (Tony) and how he always wanted to be a state trooper. He went on to tell me how Tony worked for him and could not speak highly enough about Tony. He attended the funeral but told me he could not get in bc it was too crowded. My patient, all these years later, was brought to tears when I showed him this site and the picture of Tony. Just wanted Trooper Lukis' family to know that he is NEVER forgotten.

Denise Zimmerman West
Widow of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

April 3, 2013

I will be riding in the Police Unity Tour in your honor this year. I recently trained a new officer for my department who is friends with your brother. I have since made contact with your family to let them know that you will never be forgotten and that we continue to support them. Continue to watch over us.

Ptlm. Chris King
Princeton Township Police Dept

May 7, 2012

Trooper Lukis, my late father was your sergeant when you served. He never forgot you, nor did anyone in our family. May you rest in peace.

Paul Burn
Citizen

May 11, 2011

Thank you for your proud & courageous service as a New Jersy State Trooper. You will NEVER be forgotten.

NJSPSOTT

May 4, 2011

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over. God please watch over, and tend to the loved ones left behind.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

June 12, 2010

God bless you and thank you for your service. your brother was out football coach.

Anonymous

March 14, 2010

You pave the way and inspire all of us to still do what we do. Rest easy forever Trooper Lukis.

Officer, MD
USCG PD, Baltimore, MD

October 12, 2009

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 2008

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
NJ

May 4, 2008

TROOPER LUKIS, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

April 30, 2008

Rest in peace sir and know that we will continue to fight the good fight in your name and in the name of all our fallen brethren. Always remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 4, 2007

Trooper Lukis's brother was a dorm mate at Wilkes College. My heart felt condolences to the family.

Fred Harkins
Citizen

September 30, 2006

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace.

Ptlm. M.W. Ludlow
Palmyra Boro Police Department