Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

December 12, 2007

Just wanted to say that we all think of you EVERYDAY! Wish you were here this holiday season....I know u will be with us all in spirit! Keep looking after us as im sure you always do. Miss you so much bert!
Michele

Michele
Friend

December 7, 2007

Bert - Just thinking of you and your family at this time of year. You are missed tremendously. Keep watching over us from heaven. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

December 5, 2007

Andrea, I just wanted you to know you have a friend in me. We have shared many great times since this terrible incident happened to us, and I love you dearly. Your a wonderful person and friend. I know well share many more good times to come.

Know that me and my family are here for you and yours always.

We all Love you.

Lisa

Lisa A. Scales, Surviving Spouse
Trooper Christoher S. Scales, NJSP

December 2, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving Bert!!! I know both you & dad were their with us yesterday. Justin celebrated his first Thanksgiving. His favorite was mashed potatoes. He is now 4 months old and getting big. In a little bit I’m going to continue on with the tradition that me & dad did every year, with decorating for Christmas. Bob & I just got back from Black Friday shopping. I know were crazy but we love it and is a tradition we do every year. We’ve been on the go since 4:00 this morning.

Please continue to watch over all that love you. I LOVE & MISS you very much. You will always be in my heart. There is not a second that goes by that I don’t think of you and wish that you were here with us. But I know that we will all be together again one day. So until then continue to watch over us. Mom, Andrea, and I will always keep your memory alive and never let anyone forget the sacrifice that you made the morning you were taken from us.

XOXOXO
I Love you Bert,
Love Jamie

Jamie Manos
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

November 23, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving Troop

November 22, 2007

An Officer's Life

You wonder why he pulled you over and gave you a ticket for speeding

He just worked an accident were people died because they were going to fast

You wonder why that cop was so mean

He just got done working a case where a drunk driver killed a kid

You work for 8 hours

He works for up to 18 hours

You drink hot coffee to stay awake.

The cold rain in the middle of the night keeps him awake.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He goes into work still hurt and sore from the guy he had to fight the night before

You drink your coffee on your way to the mall.

He spills his as he runs code to a traffic crash with kids trapped inside

You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket before you leave the house.

He makes sure his gun is clean and fully loaded and his vest is tight

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.

He watches his buddy get shot at, and wounded in front of him.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.

He walks down the highway looking for body parts from a traffic crash

You complain about how hot it is.

He wears fifty pounds of gear and a bullet proof vest in the middle of July and still runs around chasing crack heads


You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.

He runs out before he gets his food to respond to an armed robbery.

You get out of bed in the morning and take your time getting ready.

He gets called out of bed at 2 am after working 12 hours and has t o be into work asap for a traffic homicide

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He holds the hair of some college girl while shes puking in the back of his patrol car

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

His shift ended 4 hours ago and theres no end in sight


You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.

He can't make any plans because on his off days he still gets called back into work


You yell and scream at the squad car that just past you beacuse they slowed you down.

He's in the driver seat of the squad car, going to cut somebody out of their car only to find out that they're dead when he gets there.


You roll your eyes when a baby cries in public

He picks up a dead child in his arms and prays that it was crying


You criticize your police dept and say they're never there quick enough.

He blasts the siren while the person in front of him refuses to move while talking on their cell phone and doing their makeup.


You hear the jokes about fallen officers and say they should have known better.

He is a hero and runs into situations when everyone else is running away in order to make sure no one else gets hurt and lose's his life doing it


You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.

He would take a bullet for his buddy without question


You sit there and judge him, saying that its a waste of money to have them around.

Yet as soon as you need help he is there
Happy Thanksgiving, watch over those who love you

November 16, 2007

miss you bert!

Michele
friend

November 2, 2007

JUST WANTED TO STOP BY AND LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE THOUGHT OF EVERYDAY AND ARE DEARLY MISSED.

October 11, 2007

Hello there, just wanted to say Hi and tell you that you are missed everyday. Love ya

October 4, 2007

Well Bert,

The Phillies finally made the playoffs. I hope you have better seats than I do. I remember how we were all together the last time they made it. I also remember that you got us tickets to the last Phillies game at Vet stadium before they blew it up. I hope you are watching it with Tug and Vuk. I am sure they know how much you loved baseball. PLease help them to win!!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III NJSP

October 3, 2007

I saw a Trooper pass me the other day,and I got to thinking of you.So hard to believe that over 3 years have passed since you were called home.You are truly missed by everyone.
Thank you again for making the ultimate sacrifice,and making our streets safer.To the family of Trooper Zimmerman,may GOD bring you peace and comfort during the hard times.

Joseph F Palmer
New Jersey Resident

October 2, 2007

Hey Bert – It’s that time of year again. Sunday was the first Sunday for Football. I love this time of year. I guess because Sunday’s during football season were always big for our family. We would watch the Eagles game and have big Sunday dinners. Just like every Sunday since you passed away I put on the Eagles Jersey that you wore the last time I saw you. Even though they lost Justin got to watch his first Eagles game. I know that you, Dad, & Uncle Robert were up their watching the game together.

Mom wanted me to tell you that you will have to wait because plans have changed. But we know that when the day does finally come that you will be up their celebrating right along with us. That will be the best day ever!!!

We’ll Jenna started 3rd grade on Monday. Can you believe it because I can’t? She’s not a little girl anymore. I also can’t believe that Justin is 2 months old today. It’s amazing just how much he has changed. He now smiles, laughs and tries to talk when you talk to him. He is just he cutest little thing. And Bobby I can’t believe how big he is getting. Everyday he can’t wait till I get home so he can tell me all about the great day he had. The other day he got 5 pennies and was able to go shopping at the school store. He got a football of course. I know you see how much they have grown but I just wish that you could be here to enjoy them. They miss their Uncle Bert very much but know that they love you very much.

I love you Bert! Please continue to watch over all that love you. Also I ask you to please watch over Bob’s Pop Pop right now. We got a phone call last night and I just pray that everything turns out ok. I just love him and can’t imagine him not being here with us.

XOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

September 12, 2007

Hey Bert! Happy 36th!!!! Wishing you were here on 8-29 to celebrate! Thinking of u as always!
Michele

Michele

September 3, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE BERT!!!!!

We love & miss you very much. You are the BEST Uncle EVER!!!! Please continue to watch over us and keep us safe. Tell Grandpop we love & miss him too!

XOXOXO
Love,
Jenna, Bobby, & Justin

JENNA, BOBBY, & JUSTIN MANOS
BERT'S NIECE & NEPHEWS

September 2, 2007

Happy Birthday Bert!!! I know you celebrated your birthday with a Coors light in one hand and a piece of Acme cake in the other. I know that Dad & Uncle Robert were their with you to celebrate. As hard as it is for me it is comforting to know that you are all up there together. We went to the cemetery. How cute was Bobby? I know you were looking down and laughing. And knowing you probably saying it’s OK go ahead. There is not a second that goes by that I don’t miss or think about you. I still 3 ½ years later can’t believe this has happen. Our family has grown so much since you passed away. I remember all you wanted was a nephew and now look you have 4 of them. You would just have a ball with them. Every time I look at Bobby, Joey, Jimmy, & Justin I get very sad. You were taken away from them before you had a chance to get to enjoy them. I promise you that your 4 nephews will know all about their Uncle Bert and what a great person you were. Every time I walk by you State Police picture in my house I show Justin and tell him say hi to Uncle Bert and I tell him how much you love him. I hope you had a great birthday Bert. Know that even though you were not here in person that we shared in your special day. You will never be forgotten and your memory we will always keep alive and will never let die. I LOVE you Bert!!!! Please continue to watch over all that love you.

XOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

September 2, 2007

Happy Birthday Bert. Thinking of you.

8-29-07

September 1, 2007

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

August 30, 2007

Bert,

I can't believe it's another year without you on your birthday. I hope that you, dad, and Uncle Robert celebrated your 36th birthday together today! Next week I will be going to St. Louis for the annual siblings retreat. I know you probably had your vanilla cake with whipped cream icing!!

Andrea Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bert Zimmerman

August 29, 2007

Happy Birthday to you troop. Thinking of you.

August 29, 2007

Bert-
Well another boy has arrived at the Morley household! Ryan Joseph (yeah we changed his name AGAIN)on 8-8-07 weighing in at 9lbs. 3 oz.-BIG one huh! Guess im an all boy mom! I know you were there with us on that day. Wishing you were here to see this CRAZY house now-3 boys later....If you were here I know you and SHawn would be sitting downstairs laughing at me :) missing you as always!

Michele
Friend

August 28, 2007

Thinking of you

August 26, 2007

Bert,

We lossed a K9 Police Dog very recently. for he too knew what it was like to go on patrol and serve and protect. Please look out for him. We loved him dearly and miss him very much.

August 13, 2007

Bert,

I know you are smiling up in Heaven today!!!

August 11, 2007

You are in my thoughts everyday and are missed dearly. Just wanted to stop by for a visit and say hello. Many of us think of you often and would love to just be able to talk to you again. We do it anyway, for we know that you are listening and watching over us. Many things have happened since you left us. The family and friends sure have
grown in size since your departure but as I said you are never forgotten and we love you. Please continue to watch over us and keep up the good work patroling the heavens.

August 7, 2007