Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bert,

Well we had the baseball game in your memory. You would have loved it. The state police came and delivered the first ball, by helicopter, to me on the pitching mound. It was great! Jenna and mom were with me on the field. Four men jumped out of the helicopted and slid down on ropes and then were lifted back up after giving me the ball. Many of your former teammates were there including Doug and Tom as well as over 400 of your closest friends and family members. We plan on making this an annual event. It was such a big hit that they want us to do the game for you on opening day next year, and the state police said they are going to put on a show next year. You worked with some great people in the state police, many who stopped by on their shift to say hello. They are always will to help out any way they can. I know you had the best seat!!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III fo NJSP

August 4, 2007

Bert – He’s Here!!!!! You now have a new nephew. Justin was born last Monday so he is a week old today. I know you were there with me every step. On Monday night the nurse for Justin came in and introduced herself to me. At that moment I knew you were watching over him and protecting him. She told me Hi my name is Bert but I know you probably won’t remember that. I told her no your name is actually one that I won’t forget. I also had a great view out of my window in my room. I got to sit there and watch the State Police Helicopter take off and land through out the day. Bobby & Jenna just thought that was the greatest thing. Every time they heard it they would run over to the window to watch. As happy as a time it was for me part of me was very sad. This is the first of my 3 kids that you were not here for. But like I promised you every night when it was just Justin & me I told him all about his Uncle Bert and how much you would have just loved him. I told him that even though you can’t meet him that he is your “Guardian Angel” and how you will watch over & protect him. I truly believe that both you & dad sent Justin to me. He is such a little peanut and I just love him to death. Jenna & Bobby are so excited that Justin is finally here. They just love him and don’t want to leave his side. Jenna is like a little mom & Bobby is the protector. I Love You Bert!!! Please continue to watch over us.

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

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

July 23, 2007

Thanks Bert! Keep sending those signs! I knew I could count on you.

Vicki Petrelli
Mother-in-law

July 19, 2007

Happy 4th of July Bert! We went down to your memorial today just like we do on every holiday. The kids love to go there and decorate it for you. Then we had a BBQ at Andrea’s house. As we sat there we talked about the days back when you & Guy would light the fireworks off in the middle of our street. What I would do to have those days back. We’ll as you can see I’m still hanging in there but I still have time before my due date. I just can’t wait for Justin to be born. I love you Bert please continue to watch over us.

XOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

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

July 4, 2007

Hey Bert, just dropping by to say hello. I really miss you "brother". I have your picture right beside me here at work and every time I look at it I can't help but be reminded of the good times and conversations that we had together both on and off the job. I always have great stories for our new recruits who see your picture and ask "who's the Trooper"? That's when I tell them to have a seat ... tell them a wonderful and sometimes very funny "Bert story" ... and politely remind them that if they mess with your picture that they WILL BE SHOT!!! Other's who pass by, obviously knew you well, as they comment "Wow, there's Bert ... what a GREAT guy". Well Bert the picture may be fading but fond memories live on! I occasionally see Jimmy pass by the house, in your truck, and imagine the truck slowing down and pulling into my driveway, with you at the wheel, just stopping by to say "hello". Then I think "wait ... Bert is in Heaven now and I can talk to him anytime".
God Bless you Buddy and thanks for being such a wonderful friend!
P.S. Oh, and thanks again for helping Lori "tuck me into bed" that night after Troutt's retirement party. I was definitely an "Officer in need of assistance" that night!!!

Ptl. Joseph S. Hertler #110
Gloucester Township Police Department, NJ

July 2, 2007

Bert – I have to say it is so nice to be done work and to be able to spend this time with Jenna & Bobby before you new nephew comes. They are so excited to be off and not have to go to school. But most of all they can’t wait for their new brother to come. Right now it’s just a matter of waiting until I go into labor. At any time you will have a new nephew. I know you are so excited and can’t wait. I also know how much your nieces & nephews meant to you and to them you were the “Best Uncle”. I know that Justin has already met both you & dad and that the both of you watch over us everyday. When it is time for Justin to come into the world I know both you & dad will be by my side. I can’t tell you how much I wish the both of you were here with me to enjoy this special time. Just know that when Justin does come into the world that I will be sure to tell him all about his Grandpop & Uncle Bert and how much the both of you would have loved him. I will share pictures, memories and tons of stories with Justin. There will be some that I will laugh at and some that I will cry at but most of all he will know what awesome people his Grandpop & Uncle Bert were. He will also know that he has the best “2” Guardian Angels looking over him and keeping him safe. I love you Bert & will miss you forever. There is not a second that goes by that I don’t think of you. You will forever be in my heart. Please continue to watch over us and keep us safe.

XOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

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

June 21, 2007

Rest In Peace.....Keep a Protective watch over your Wife and child and Your Law Enforcement Brothers.

Sgt Kevin Crosson
Ventnor City NJ

June 14, 2007

Bert,

I stumbled upon our high school baseball hat the other day. It made me think of you and all the fun times we had when we were kids. Although we hadn't seen much of each other since college I find myself thinking of you whenever I see a State Trooper car pass me on my way to work. Anyway, I know you are up there watching over your family as we speak. You always where a protector. Godspeed my friend.

Anthony

Anthony
Friend

June 13, 2007

Tpr. Zimmerman,

I stopped by your memorial the other night while working a midnight shift, I can't believe it's been three years already. I just wanted to let you know that you are thought about often down here and I know you are proudly looking down at us, keeping us safe. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and it is an honor to wear the same uniform as you.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police - Woodbine

June 8, 2007

Trooper Zimmerman, I never met you, but felt compelled to attend your viewing at our Church to pay my respect to those officers who devote their lives to our safety and protection. Subsequently, your Mother came to our grief support group and through her own grief and pain, has found the courage to become a facilitator to others who have lost loved ones. I know that you are so proud of her. She has already helped so many other griefing people, particularly those who have suffered the loss of a child. She is a wonderful asset to our group and I know she finds her strength in her love for you. Rest in peace, your life has become strength for others.

Eunice Minnaugh
Friend of your Mother

May 23, 2007

been thinking alot about you lately bert. i went to see you at the grave on sunday. missing you everyday boy.
look down on us and continue to keep us safe, and watch over little aiden while he is still up there. love you

lorraine

May 15, 2007

What is up Bert? Just wanted to leave a message and say that you are not forgotten. Hope you are enjoying a huge beer from a wedding goblet right now!!! Jeff Heaney

Jeff Heaney
Friend

May 11, 2007

Hi my honey. I was really sad tonite and I was talking to another NJ state police widow and she made me feel so much better even if she didnt realize it. I miss you and I love you. Love, Denise and Jayda

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

May 6, 2007

Bert-
Just wanted to write and say that i miss you. Think about you everyday and wishing you were still here with all of us! Summer is here again and I wish you were around for all the cook outs and partying! i cant do much partying this summer but as soon as Aiden is born ill sure make up for it! lololol

Miss You Bert
Michele

Michele
Friend

May 1, 2007

My brother is a police officer in Philadelphia and he told me about how your father in law met with his wife. I too, remember hearing about your death and was horrified. We live in Philadelphia, but travel that stretch of road often...and are in that WaWa often, on our way to the shore in the summer. I think of you every time I'm on that road, and now will think of you more often. Rest in peace and thank you for helping to keep all of us safe. God Bless.

Judee Czyzewski

May 1, 2007

Dear Zimmerman Family,
I want to say I am so sorry for your loss. Fifteen years ago I also lost my best friend, my brother, NJ State Trooper Thomas Hanratty in the line of duty. I read some of the reflections left for your brother and can relate to all of the feelings that you have. Losing someone so close and having that empty feeling will never go away.
I am married and have 2 children and we are expecting our third child in Sept. Even with all these wonderful gifts of life I still long for my brother to be a part of it.
I just wanted to write because my brother means SO MUCH to me just like your brother means to you. When I lost my brother I never wanted anyone to ever feel what I feel every day. I just want to say I am sorry that you lost such a special person. You and your family are in my prayers.

Terry Hanratty
brother of Thomas Hanratty

Terry Hanratty
brother of a fallen trooper

April 28, 2007

Denise,

I read your post on Mike's site. I'm sorry I've been out of touch. Everything got screwed up when I moved. Add a 1 to the end of my email address (before the @). Otherwise, it is the same.

I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. I sometimes wonder if Bert and Mike are together when they are watching over us. If you are going to Washington, DC this year please stop by Mike's name.

Please write so I know how you are.

Take care.

Denise

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

April 27, 2007

Just wanted to let you know that you are thought of often. We all miss you dearly and wish you were here with us. Nothing is the same. Miss talking with you and hearing all about your experiences. I know you will continue to watch over those you love.

April 27, 2007

Hi honey. Just wanted to leave a note to let you know you are always in my heart and I am always thinking about you. Love, Denise and Jayda

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

April 20, 2007

Trooper, my wife met your Father-in-law today and he told her about you. I came here to pay my respects to you. When I read the circumstances surrounding your death, I sadly was able to recall it happening. It was as sad today for me to read about it as it was when I heard it on the news 3 years ago.
I will remember you and your family in my prayers and thank you for your sacrifice. Rest in peace, brother.
"In valor, there is hope."

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Department

April 18, 2007

Happy Easter Bert!!! I hope you & Dad had a great Easter together. We had Easter dinner over Andrea’s house. I know the two of you were there with us yesterday. The kids had their Easter egg hunt. It was cute but sad at the same time. While they ran around the back yard all I could think about was how I wish that both you & dad could be there to see them. I know how much your nieces & nephews meant to you. They are growing so much & have changed a lot since your death and in just a few months you will have a new nephew. It makes me so sad to know that this will be my first child that I will not be able to share with you. But I know you will be there with me the day he is born. I know you watch over the two of us everyday and I thank you for that. I know you, dad and my little boy have already met. I truly believe through him a piece of both you & dad will be brought back to us.

You will forever be in my heart and I will never forget you. You will always be my brother and there is no one that could ever take your place. I know one day we will all be together again but until then please continue to watch over us. I LOVE & MISS you very much Bert!!!!!

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

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

April 9, 2007

You always said from the day we met that you wanted to be a Trooper. I can't get over the fact you have been gone for 3 years. I think of you often and know that lived life to the fullest. God rest your soul and keep safe all of our "family".

A Former dispatcher of Bert's

April 6, 2007

Happy Easter. God bless you and your family.

April 6, 2007

Bert!! The baby is here. Finally, a BOY!!! He looks just like Jim. Everyone is so excited. We wish you were here in person to share in the happiness. But we know you are here in spirit. And what a great day to come. Today, six years ago, you graduated from the New Jersey State Police. So this couldn't have happened on a better day! Look out for Jim, he is going to need it!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III fo NJSP

March 14, 2007

Bert – Today we celebrated Bobby’s 4th Birthday! I can’t believe he is 4 already. I know you were with him today sending lots of birthday Hugs & Kisses. He loves & misses his Uncle Bert very much. Every night when he goes to bed he sings to you. We started this right after you died and it has continued until now. He was outside all day yesterday & today after school playing hockey. I can’t believe at the age of 4 how good of a hockey player he is and just how much he really knows about hockey. He is just amazing. I can only imagine how good he will be in a few years. I know you watch him from up there and just wish you could be down here with him. You should see him play baseball. For only being 4 I think he can throw really good. But then again look who his Uncle is.

We’ll in just a few months you will have a new nephew. I can’t wait to hold him. I know you are thrilled to be getting another nephew. Bobby was so cute today. He realized that his brother would be here soon because Jenna is 8 and he is now 4. I have a feeling he is going to be a great big brother and will be very protective of his new little brother. I already know Jenna is going to be a great big sister. She does a great job with Bobby and I know she will be just as great with her new brother. I was going to say how sad it makes me to know that my little boy will never get to meet his Uncle Bert. But some how I know he has already met you and in some way you sent this little guy to our family. He is a true blessing and a special gift from you & dad. I know you watch over us every day. We are very lucky to have the BEST “Guardian Angels” watching over us and keeping us safe.

Please continue to watch over all that love you. Especially Val & her little one as she is very close to having the baby. I just can’t wait. As long as their baby is healthy I will be happy with either a boy or a girl. But I still have my fingers crossed for a “Little Boy”. Our family has been through enough bad times and enough tragedies. That for once it will be nice to get a phone call with good news. I LOVE YOU BERT!!!!

XOXOXOXO
Love,
Jamie

P.S. Bobby told me to tell you "YO UNCLE BERT".

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

March 12, 2007