Trooper Thomas J. Hanratty New Jersey State Police New Jersey Thursday, April 2, 1992  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

If we only had more time, you were a good man....... Tim

Trooper Hanratty
NJSP
2009-09-18

Everytime I pass the Memorial I say a prayer for you, you are in all our hearts and are greatly missed

Det.Joseph Gramiak
Elizabeth police dept.
2009-07-28

Rarely a day goes by after all these years that I don't think of Tommy. He lived across the street from me growing up and was a good friend of my little brother Bob. He was such a nice kid. Whenever there was trouble on the street Tommy would shrug his shoulders and laugh it off.

We played the wiffle ball world series in my driveway (naturally Tommy hit a grand slam). I remember being pulled over on RT 287 and a big burly state trooper asking me for my credentials. While I was reaching for my license he said "who are you". I remember being scared until I told him my name and he broke into one of his famous smiles saying "do you remember me". I didn't at first but when he told me his name I almost cried. I hadn't seen him in more than 10 yrs and he grew from a litle boy into the gentle giant he will always be. We touched base on our families and he let me go. A few months later he passed away. I hope his Mom, Timmy, and Terry will remember me and all the great times from Bailey Ave. Tom, you were, are, and always will be a special person.

Affectionatley,

John Hartman

John Hartman
Childhood Friend
2009-06-25

Tom:

I grew up across the street from you and your bothers Timmy nad Terry. We had a good time BBQ"ing potato chips and playing the world series of wiffle ball. you were always the stron silent type but never waivered from your great character. I knew your whole family and we shared some special moments growing up.

I rmeber I was pulled over on RT 287 by a burley hansome trooper who said "what's your name" I was scared but he said "Do you rmember me" It was you of couse who I hadn't seen in over 15 years yet you remembered me and my family. It was so special I came out of my car and hugged you

John Hartman
Childhood friend
2009-06-24

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-04-02

To the Hanratty Family,
I recently drove past the road side memorail on Route 78 and wanted you to know that the sacrifice that Tom made will never be forgotten. It is a beautiful memorial. While nothing can ever take away the pain from that tragic day, I hope there is some solice in knowing that he died doing a job that he loved, wearing the blue and gold and serving the citizens of our state. He will never be forgotten

Colleen Brandt
Proud Wife of a NJ State Trooper
2009-01-29

Trooper Hanratty,

Although I was never able to meet you I just wanted to honor your memory by sharing with you the story of how your legacy has impacted my life. A couple of years ago I had the honor of playing football for your brother. He helped me to mature and taught me so many invaluable lessons about what it is to be a man. Coach helped me learn so much, not only about the game of football, but more importantly about life. He taught me about how nothing in life is ever given to you and that you have to cherish and make the most of every second we have on this earth. I owe so much to your brother and am eternally grateful to your memory. Coach shared with me the impact that you had on his life and I am blessed to receive the teachings from him that you once showed your little brother. It is remarkable to see how your spirit still lives through so many people. Thank you so much for your selfless dedication to protecting our way of life in this country.

May God bless your soul and the Hanratty family.

Friend

2008-10-29

Tommy, it has been 16 years since you went home to Christ, and I never forget all the years we spent growing up in Elizabeth. It seems like yesterday that we were running around Elmora on our bikes, playing baseball in the Elmora League and at #12, rifling your father's cabs, or getting money from your mom to go to Kampy's.I couldn't even to begin to write about all the things we did together growing up. I am now 41, and they are etched in my mind as strong memories which I am fortunate enough to share with anyone when they bring up your name. We were friends. You can be very proud of your family, and how they keep your memory alive with the NJSP. I can't think of anyone from the neighborhood who could ever forget you, you never would hurt anybody. Your brothers have grown up to be fine, good, honest men with families. I have no doubt you had something to do with that. I developed a very strong bond with your family over the years, particularly your Dad and Terry. Tell your dad I said, "hello." I will always be here for them. I have a little boy, Dylan, and he reminds me a lot of us when we were 7. Many things in life have changed over the years, but one thing remains constant; the memories and love of the people who are truly remarkable that come into your life...May Almighty God Bless You, my friend.

Lt. Nick Norton
Westfield, NJ PD/boyhood friend
2008-05-18

TROOPER HANRATTY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2008-04-14

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-04-07

R.I.P. Trooper Hanratty.

Patrol Officer
Houston, TX
2008-02-12

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-12

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
2007-07-10

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
2007-06-07

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
2007-05-06

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
2007-05-02

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
2007-05-02

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

2007-05-01

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
2007-04-28

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
2007-04-23

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
2007-04-03

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
2006-12-13

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

Bill

2006-09-27

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
2006-07-03

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
2006-05-17