Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Reading Police Academy Class 94-1 second to none...You've been such a towering presence in my life since the day we met in the police academy. Thanks for standing by me through the tough years. I find it amazing that while others were quick to judge and dismiss, you had the strength to stand firm and help me keep my head up.

You remind me of my brother Jay. You both have the quiet strength that seemed to help you to glide through things that would stop the rest of us. If only you could have shared your secret with me before you passed...

What did you want to say to me when you called me on August 5th of 2006? At the time I didn't realize I missed my last chance to talk to you. But missing that phone call will forever serve as a reminder not to miss the opportunity to connect with my friends and family. You never know if you could be passing up that one last chance.

Cletus was sentenced to death. It doesn't make me happy. Seeing you again would make me happy. The death sentence is merely justice. Justice doesn't bring you back but it does continue to add meaning to your life and your death. Justice simply validates the existence of God and sustains the hope that exists of an afterlife where we can all see you again.

Justice would not be justice if there was not some cosmic force (God) that aligns the world so that people like Cletus can be removed from the Earth and others like you can sit and enjoy the reward of a life well lived.

I imagine that on August 6th, of 2006. You left this planet and found yourself free of pain and worry. You stood up straight and walked forward with that subtle strut that was always present. God stood before you and with a look of admiration and appreciation said to you;

Well done my good and faithful soldier.

The rest of us are still hurting that you are gone. However your life had meaning and like all of your Cowboy heroes, You were an impact player.

Your memory endures...

Mark

Deputy Chief Mark Talbot
Friend

August 16, 2008

Hey Scott -

Well its finally over (for the most part) and CR got exactly what he deserved!! At least he was sentenced to it, hopefully someday it actually gets carried out! I know you must be so proud of Trish and the boys and your whole family - they handled this whole horrible situation with such dignity - Im sure they did you proud. You are their HERO.

I would also like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the other hero in this whole mess - your partner that night, Officer Eddinger. He witnessed your murder and knowing the creep still had a gun on him, he continued after him and knocked him to the ground. Without his bravery, your killer could have ran away and literally gotten away with MURDER! THANK YOU Officer Eddinger!!

Hopefully now we can all have some sort of peace and rest easier knowing CR will never be on the streets again.

Scott and I will be leaving for Florida in a few weeks and Im looking forward to a visit from you!

Miss ya
Cathleeeeeen

Cathy Hertzog
Friend/Neighbor

August 15, 2008

Well Hon, justice finally was served!!! It took 2 years, but he got his! It doesn't make it any easier, but it brings some comfort, relief, and happiness, especially for you! Death just doesn't seem like enough, but it is all we could get and we got it!! I hope you are satisfied!! It has been a long week and a half. Thank you for EVERYTHING. You helped me get through it all!

On another note - Sean put a great tribute page to you on myspace. (Thank you Sean). He included a song and it is so fitting. I wanted to share it with you because it reminds me of you. It is by Kenny Chesney. It is called Who You'd Be Today.

I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughin' in the rain
I still can't believe you're gone

It ain't fair: you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell I've been through
Just knowin' no-one could take your place
An' sometimes I wonder
Who'd you be today

Would you see the world
Would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family (YOU DID)
I wonder what would you name your babies (JARED & JOSHUA)
Some days the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
And I know it might sound crazy

It ain't fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell I've been through
Just knowin' noone could take your place
An' sometimes I wonder
Who you'd be today

Today, today, today
Today, today, today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I'll see you again some day
Some day, some day, some day


LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY!!! You will forever be in my heart and soul. One day we will meet again!!

Love forever,

Trish

Trish Wertz
Loving Widow

August 15, 2008

Justice has been served. Lets just hope the appeal process dosen't change things. This scumbag has a way to go before getting the needle.

P,O, William Huhn
Pittsburgh Police

August 15, 2008

Scott,

I've visited here often, but never left a reflection. Now that "he" has been found guilty and the death penalty was imposed, I thought it was an appropriate time to leave a message for you, that message is...Thank You.

I know you had a hand in this outcome and I thank you for that. Had this not gone this way, the little faith a lot of us have in the system would have gone right out the window. Who knew, a jury actually does the right thing from time to time.

You and I never met, but we have mutual friends. Your death really hit home with my wife and I, and because of that we realize how precious our time together really is, and we try to make the best of it. Thanks to you, no matter the situation, I always give her a kiss and tell her I love her before I leave for work.

You would have been so proud of your wife and kids. They stood tall and were so strong during this trial. I was impressed because they must have been hurting so bad inside.

Thanks Again...

PATROLMAN
DEPT NEAR READING

August 15, 2008

AT LEAST THE KILLER GOT WHAT HE DESERVED, R.I.P. BROTHER WE WONT FORGET YOU!

P.O.
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

August 15, 2008

Scott,

I know that You are so proud of all of your family! How about them???
Trish and the boys, Dad Michelle, Chad, your in-laws, aunts, uncles,cousins, etc. They were awesome...such class in such horrific times Be PROUD of your life, and of your family...You can rest in peace!


Trish,
I always you knew you could do it! YOU are so strong, beautiful, and amazing!!!!!Keep it up, girl, and keep living
Scott would really want you and the boys to have the best ...don't forget that. BE HAPPY!!!! find it within you to go on, and the boys will find it too!


Scott and Tricia Wertz are MY heroes.

Love you both
A.

Alicha
a friend

August 14, 2008

I saw your interview on channel 69 news on line. You are an amazing woman. So brave and strong. I am so glad that Justice was done today. I am certain your husband would be proud of the job you are doing with the boys. I wish sunny days and rainbows for you all. Bless you

civilian

August 14, 2008

God bless the entire Wertz family. I know this must have been hard for you all, but I hope you may finally start to find some peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous

August 14, 2008

To your Family.....your strength is unbelievable and I am sure Scott is so proud of you all. The sentence of DEATH is a victory and part of the closure for you in this tragic event in your lives. Nothing will every bring Scott back, but your memories of your time with him will make your pain easier to bear. Justice was served and hopefully Scott will be resting easier now knowing his killer is off the streets....

a Pa resident

August 14, 2008

Well today was another beautiful day because the scumbag that took you from us "got his!!!!!!!!!" He showed no sign of remorse whatsoever of what he did to you!!!! He deserves every bit of what he got! Your wife and kids can now rest easy knowing that horrible person is behind bars and never coming out! We can all rest easy. I'm sure you're making everyone up there laugh their asses off but please watch over all of us here! As much I as I'd like to sit here and cry my eyes out, I know I can't......today is a good day!!!!!!

Gone but never forgotten!

A friend

August 14, 2008

Justice has prevailed.

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

August 14, 2008

Thank God!! Justice has been served!!! RIP Scott!!! Trish and Family can now go on knowing that the scum bag will never strike again!!! I've been reading these reflections since day 1 and could never get myself to leave one!! I knew Trish and her brother, Dustin since childhood thru Zion's and have not gone a day without thinking about your loss!!! I come here often and just didn't know what to say!! My thoughts and prayers are always with your families! Continue to be strong for your boys Trish and know that there are a lot of people from your childhood that are always praying for you!!!

Pam Moatz-maiden(Mengel)

August 14, 2008

I JUST HEARD THAT THEY SENTENCED HIM TO DEATH! I HOPE THIS BRINGS CLOSURE TO EVERYONE AFFECTED BY THIS UNFORTUNATE LOSS. TO TRICIA AND THE BOYS- YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS, STAY STRONG, LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN. I ALSO HOPE THIS BRINGS CLOSURE TO EVERYONE ELSE THAT WAS AFFECTED BY THE CRIMES THAT he COMMITTED IN HIS LIFE!

JUSTICE!!

RELIEVED

August 14, 2008

Well Scott...justice has been served. Please comfort your family for all they fought for during this period of time.

Trish and family...please accept my thoughts and prayers, my heart and soul go out to all of you with a big sigh of relief.

To the Reading Police Department and other agencies...I want to thank you for all you do for our sense of security. We depend on your job every day to do ours.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Becky Mooney
Official Court Reporter

August 14, 2008

Scott and family

I thank god for justice! God bless you Scott and I pray to god I will get to meet you up there. Scott may your family stay strong and may god protect them all! God bless

Spring Township

August 13, 2008

'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who
has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was,
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the
worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children
are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens
suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher
fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the
job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could
not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have
an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;
and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common
Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar
in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in
her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death,
by his parents, Truth and Trust
his wife, Discretion
his daughter, Responsibility
his son, Reason
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Anonymous

August 12, 2008

Hey Scotty,
I'm "Balling" as I write this!
I put the Foo Fighters "Hero song" on and "realized" that "You" were "My Hero" "Way" before you became a Cop!
"Our Memories" "I'll" "Never Forget!"
And in so many people's "memories;"
"They'll never forget you!
"Justice will "PREVAIL" Tommorrow!
"Thanks to YOU!"
"We'll "ALL Rest" Today!"
I Love you Bro'!
D!

Dennis Smith
"Friend From Long Ago!"

August 12, 2008

Well it looks like your family can have a little peace from this. Sorry it's taking two years for your family to finally find it. It doesn't make it easier but at least they can move on knowing that Justice has come full circle. I'm glad that he was stupid enough to go to trial. He will get what he truly deserves now. I wish I could have meet you and all your family on better terms. The Police Unity Tour two years ago how time flies. You have touched alot of people in your lifetime that says someting about you. Well brother keep a watch over all us in blue- walking the blue line. My family and I keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Take care brother.

Doug Skutka
Brother in Law Enforcement

August 12, 2008

Hey Scott, I didn't know you but just wanted to say hi and that you are not forgotten. I just read that the scum, well even scum is better than him, that took your life was found guilty on all counts. It is a small victory, I say small because he still gets to breath the air that was taken from you. A firing squad is what he should get, but we all know that won't happen. Well when his time comes to meet his maker we all know what will happen. Rest in peace brother you will never be forgotten......

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

August 12, 2008

An Open Letter to all Law Enforcement Officer's:

To those of you who willingly serve and protect, I thank you! My children and I enjoy a good quality of life because there are men and women like you willing to protect us even when we may not need it.

Your sacrifice is truly selfless and daunting. You get dressed each day and say goodbye to your loved one's never knowing if you will see them again. You see unspeakable horrors and witness the real low's in life when you see what we people can and will do to one another. Still, yu wake the next day and go out and do it again. Lesser people would say "they don't pay me enough to do this job".

For all Reading, PA police officer's: Your department is outstanding! No department is perfect but you folks are top notch! I sleep better knowing the dedication of each and every one of you is out there helping to keep our streets safe.

It pains me to read about the night of Scott's death and how a crowd was yelling at the police as Detective Judith Wise begged Scott to hang on. It is a moment that makes me feel truly ashamed. In honor of Scott and each and every one of you I made a promise two years ago at Charles Evans Cemetery to Scott that I would thank every law enforcement officer I come across for their sacrifice that allows my children and I to live a good life. Some officer's initially are taken aback but always pleasantly surprised once it sinks in. Twice, I have had an officer say "thank you, tonight was a tough night and hearing you say that makes me love my job again".

Please don't stop what you do. The streets need you. WE need you.

Respectfully,

A citizen

Anonymous

August 11, 2008

Hello Scott,

There is a huge lump in my throat as I write this. I just read the newspaper accounting of Trish and Jared having to testify and it brought tears to my eyes. I sometimes get angry with God for some of the decisions he has made in life and taking you away from your family is one of them..... but I guess heaven needed a comedian :o)

Trish, I never met you or the boys but had been a friend of Scott's, Frank's and Chuck for 20+ years. I would sometimes run into him in Reading and hear his extremely LOUD Waaaaaazzzzzzuuuuuupppp! He always spoke of his family, his wife and his boys. He was so proud of the life the two of you were building together. I was always joking with him about how surprised I was that someone actually married him because he was such a jokester and a pain in the butt. I say that with great humor and a lot of love. Anyone who is friends with Scott knows exactly what I am talking about.

He is so proud of you right now! He is probably in heaven telling everyone about his wife and his boys and what a great job you are doing (even though it may not feel that way to you sometimes). He's also probably making the Angel's laugh singing Mr's. Jone's and asking God if he wants a turn on the mic.

Someday you will see Scott again but for now he needs you here taking care of the two little lights of his life. You are stronger than you know and I am in awe of your strength.

Just a friend

Anonymous

August 11, 2008

I can't believe it has been 2 years since we heard your infectious laugh or seen your contagious smile. You are missed my friend today just as much as yesterday.

Anonymous

August 11, 2008

I hope the jury makes the correct decision after deliberating in the sentencing phase. An Eye for an EYE. Nothing can bring you back to your family and police force but they deserve to see that Justice can be served. Rest in peace and give your family the strength to live the life you would be proud of.

ELT452
civilian

August 11, 2008

Hey Scotty,
I'm not quite sure if this is the "exact quote;"
It's from the "Bible!"
However I'm going to "parhaphase!"
"Everything done in "Darkness" Shall "Come to light!"
The "Light" now "SHINES!" "You didn't "DIE" in "VAIN!"
I'm so glad that they found that "BITCH" "GUILTY!"
I told my son a few days ago; that I'll have to "fight" a whole bunch of people to get to the front of the line to "KILL" him "myself!"
I asked him to please "understand?"
He looked at me and said; "I understand!"
"And you wouldn't be wrong!"
"I Love you!"
D!
"Friend from "Long Ago!"

Dennis Smith
"Friend from long ago!"

August 10, 2008