Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Wertz, than you for your sacrifice. You honor us! You will never be forgotten.

Deputy Chief Gene Bernal
Orlando Police Department

September 5, 2006

Scott,
Since you were taken from us so much has changed. I remember leaving you a voicemail days before you were so brutally taken from this earth. I remember waking up that dreadful morning and learning that it was you that was taken and feeling as if the wind was taken out of my lungs. You were subpoenaed to be in Juvenile Court for several days in a row that second week in August. For some reason, no one took your name off the Court List. I was just furious as to how we could have let that slip. Seeing your name there, and all over the papers, the news, everywhere I went, made it so difficult for myself and my peers. We all struggled and continue to struggle immensely with this and no one really knew/knows how to deal with it all. Some of us just kept it inside. One thing is for sure, you have taught everyone to slow down and not take the things we value in life the most for granted. You never know when everything you have could be gone in an intstant, and everything that seemed to matter to you now has no meaning.
This quote is from a book I am reading. "No matter how bad or difficult things become, if you hold on, hold on to whatever it is you need to hold on to, be it religion, friends, a support group, a set of steps, or your own heart, if you hold on, just hold on, life will get better."
May you Rest In Peace. You will be forever missed...

Christine Brown
Berks County Juvenile Probation

September 5, 2006

Rest in peace brother. Never will you be forgotten!!

Ofc. MacDonald
Kwajalein Police Department/ SRT UNIT

September 2, 2006

Scott,
Last night i was at your tribute at the
Reading Phillies, on a sunday afternoon
i stood at my house and watched over 400
motorcycles pass by me, a 9 year old boy
having a fundraiser at a lemonade stand.
All this for you scott, and why ????
I found it on page 620 in a old dictionary.
HERO - A man of distinguished courage or
ability, admired for his brave deeds
and noble qualities.

good bye for now,
Slinger...

Rick Genslinger
friend/former colleague

September 1, 2006

Tonight was your night at the Reading Phillies.

We bought the shirts, we bought the bracelet, we bid on # 29,(I think you know why)
All this does not bring you back. I/WE hated the game tonight. You, must have loved it....no rain tonight. All week it rained.
Saw the boys.....cried. Jared is so brave.

Knowing that we will never see you again just sucks.

Everyday I ask myself why you? What is the answer? I don't think any answer is going to do. We just want you back. You are so missed. Yes you died doing what you love to do and you are "OUR HERO" but that is not good enough for us. We want you back with us laughing and carrying on.

I am so sorry for missing your 40th, I would give anything to have that day back.

Talk to you after the tournament.

Lisa Leisey
Friend

September 1, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Mathew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Wertz, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Scott, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Scott's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Scott's life was about so much more than the way he died. Scott will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Wertz, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three and a half years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 28, 2006

Scott, Your still thought about everyday. I pass the area where you left us and I just can't understand why did they take a good one away from us. I just will never understand that. Rest in Peace my friend.

August 28, 2006

Where to begin Scott.....it has been three weeks since God called for you and those of us left behind are still in shock! I knew you as a friend, silly, goofy, funny as hell and a constant prankster. I am sure Trish knows how happy you always were to have her by your side and how you would just light up when you spoke of your family. MacDaddy with a constant "Yyyyyoooo".

I know you could see all of your services. We could feel you in the breeze. All of that was for you. People who never even met you still have a heavy heart. They lined up the street for hours to pay their respects to a HERO who had risen from the city. You were the success story you don't hear about as much anymore coming from Reading.

Did you see that even former inmates came to pay their respects to you? That's because you were honorable and fair. You were one of the good ones Scott and that always makes it harder.

Scott, your brothers and sisters in blue are hurting so bad right now but they are forging a path ahead. I now know why you wanted to work in the city so badly. Who would not want to work with this valiant group of officers?

I went to the spot Scott. I saw the flowers, teddy bears and cards. The pain is so bad and it makes you feel like their is no longer any hope in this world. Why bother to dream and hope for a future? Then you see the boys. The young men you and Trish created. You see Jared trying to comfort his Mom as she mourns you with the greatest dignity. You see the children who you coached in little league with their bright uniforms on and attending your services. Did you hear their knocking?

Did you know you were a hero loved by so many? Are you playing ball with the Angels? Why did you have to be so brave? Are you at peace now or are you angry? Is it easy not to question him once you have arrived in the Kingdom?

I know you and Mike are together, Brothers in Blue
but that doesn't make it easier not to miss you.

Rest in peace my friend. We will take it from here.

August 25, 2006

Our hearts and prayers are with the Wertz Family and the Reading PD.

Investigator Tiffani Rollison
Department of Defense Police

August 25, 2006

I woke one night with so many thoughts in my head. Here is what I came up with...

The "Wake up Call"

I was sleeping sound until I found a ringing in my head.
Could I be dreaming it is our phone with a mans voice to advise us of the dread.
I pass the phone to my husband lying next to me in bed.
I knew it was something really bad for I could hear the anger and feel the mad.
I lie and wait to hear the news of whos bitter fate.
Praying it is just a dream and wishing for no one that I can relate.
Unfortunately I hear the shout from my partner that night.
It is my husbands voice, he is next to me and my family is alright.
Our home still mourns because you see, it affects us all eventually.
All men in blue are family too, even when your partner is still lying safe next to you.

With all my love and respect to Scott and his family.
Sincerely,
Shelly Fizz

Officers Wife - Shelly Fizz
Friend

August 23, 2006

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Wertz. Thank you for your service, RIP.

mjw643

August 23, 2006

Bro, Im about to head off to work. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. See you in heaven bro.

Senior Constable
Nadas SIULEPA

Senior Constable Nadas SIULEPA
Queensland Police Service Australia

August 22, 2006

Scott...
Right now we are all planning a softball tournament in your memory.....YOU HAVE no idea the support we are getting from the community. It is very difficult when I call these places and they all want to talk about it and about you and with each phone call another tear falls. It's so hard to talk about you and all the funny things that you played a part in. Lisa and I have talked about the void that has filled everyone's life and that void is YOU being gone and knowing we won't see that smile again.
I know we had lost touch since Jimmy stopped playing ball..but know that we thought and talked about you often. We have always considered you a good friend.
When every player takes the field that day know that you will be right there with us in our hearts and memories. You meant something different to each one of us.... But we all loved you just the same.
We are so sorry we couldn't be home to say goodbye in person... that day had to be one of the most difficult days for us especially Jim knowing he wouldn't ever get to say goodbye to you.
I won't say goodbye to you.... because you will always be with us

Love you always Scott
Kelley

friend

August 21, 2006

You are a true Hero Scott. When I showed up to work on that morning and night shift told us, I just couldn't believe it. It seems like yesterday when you were patroling Sinky and SHPD and we would watch the Gilligan's crowd. You loved the City and I always wondered why. It takes a special person like you to handle that day in and day out. We lost a great officer and township resident, but most of all we lost a great friend, husband, and father. May the Lord watch over you and we will not let anybody forget how special you were. May your boys never forget that their dad was a HERO who did his best at what he loved to do. Your family is in my prayers.

Sgt. Todd Peterson
Spring Township, Berks County

August 21, 2006

My Deepest Sympathy for the Wertz Family & Friends.
Ofc Wertz will be sadly missed, he sure did brighten up everyones Day. He always talked about his wife and children. Again I am so sorry for your loss. Trish, Josh & Jared you will always be in my prayers.

He will never be forgotten..& neither will his family.

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Scott & Mike watch over us & protect us from the Heaven above.

Police Dispatcher Scott A. Leach
Reading Police Department

August 21, 2006

Goodbye Brother..

Officer Scott Parker
Covington Texas Police Dept.

August 20, 2006

Two weeks ago right now I know you were on the streets fighting to make them safe. Some fight huh? Instead of riding in your honor (today) you should be on the field laughing....the laugh and smile that we will never forget.....Scott,you are missed and thought about everyday and some how in every story I tell.....I would give anything for WERTZ to show up on my Nextel again. Sad 2 weeks, you and Damon having fun yet? Miss you MY Friend Lisa

Lisa L.

August 20, 2006

Scott,
You were like family to the Pflum's. I know I can speak for everyone when I say we have lost a special part of the family. One of the first things I thought of when I heard of your tragic death was that you are now with Tommy. I know the two of you are stirring things up there in heaven!
I am so glad I got to see you at the wedding reception in May. It was great having everyone together again. We sure did have fun, didn't we? You truly are a hero and will be missed.

Dawn King
friend

August 18, 2006

P.O. Wertz, your family, and the Reading P.D. What can I say that hasn't been already. I worked in L.E. for 8 and 1/2 years before breaking my back. I have been out for two years. I have been a 'regular' to this site since it's inception. But you, Officer Wertz, have touched me in a way that few 'officer downs' have. It is unreal to sit and read all of the love and hurt that has occured because of one life. I have attended officer funerals, a double officer shooting that occured in Cincinnati, OH in the late 90's. It makes me ill when I see such a tragedy as yours. It only solidifies my belief in God knowing that such a person as you walked this earth to protect those he never knew. Such a special human being only comes along every so often. And then you are taken so early. My heartfelt condolences go out to those who are now 'walking the beat' in Reading, PA. without you, with thoughts of you consuming their every moment during the shift. I have a very heavy heart for your family. To your wife and children, I can only offer the words that I hope they live with forever....Your husband and father was a true hero. Not understanding why he left you. Ultimately, it was because he loved you. He chose to serve and protect. And I am sure, just as I did, it was to not only to make a difference but to protect his family first and foremost. When I started in L.E., I wrote a letter to my yet born daughter. I told her the things that I wanted her to know in case I lost my life. Fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones. She is now ten. It makes me mad, enraged that you will no longer have that nor will they have a father. To all who knew you, may God comfort you in this time of grief. You are truly in a better place, with over 17,000 other's. And in several months, you will be etched into history on a wall of heroes for all of time. Thank you Officer Wertz. You have given me the determination to try and make it back into L.E. You have inspired me. For this, I am humbly grateful. I only hope to achieve this feat, and if it happens, I will do it in honor of you, your wife and your children. Thank you for your service. 12 days ago a mammoth of men was cowardly taken by someone that shouldn't have been. I pray the justice system works and that he pays with his life. And I take comfort that he will definitely pay a very dear price in front of God. Thank you, Officer Wertz. Thank you.

Disabled LEO in Georgia

August 18, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the
family, friends and co-workers of Officer Wertz

There are no words to express the
sympathy we feel for the profound
loss Officer Wertz’s family and friends are feeling.

To all other men and woman that wear
their uniform proudly, please know
you are always in our prayers.

Rest in Peace Officer Scott A. Wertz

Dispatchers and Supervisors
City of Allentown 911 Center

August 18, 2006

Officer Wertz, what has taken place cannot be undone, so we have to sit here and accept this tragedy and always remember the good times that were shared with you, and the impact you made in our community. I was not able to make it to Kuhns, but i was honored to be present at Soverign, with my wife, my son and my daughter. It was amazing sitting there in the street watching all the police departments drive by, one by one, all for you. You are in Gods hands now, and Heaven couldn't have a finer officer, protecting all in heaven. We miss you Scott, and we will always remember the Heroism you displayed. You took a criminal off the streets, you made it that much safer for my family and yours, and for that you will always be honored as Reading's Finest and Bravest in our hearts. Thank You Scott. Salute!

Sgt Dale A. Jasinski
United States Army

August 18, 2006

Rest in Peace brother. I hope your boys grow up knowing their father will always be a hero.

Detective Mark Pieper
Eau Claire Police Department/Drug Unit

August 17, 2006

Officer Wertz, God bless you and your family. You made the ultimate sacrifice.

Patrolman Charles Davenport
Egg Harbor Township Police Dept. NJ

August 17, 2006

I was assigned to represent the Niagara Falls Police Dept Honor Guard @ Scott's funeral and left for Reading at 2 AM with my partner Ofc Tom Ewing. We drove all night after working the 4-12 shift in our patrol div. When we reached Reading we were exhausted and started to question if we could stay awake all day. After watching the Reading community at the arena & enroute to the cemetary, we both were very honored to pay our respects to this great man. Although I have never met you Scott, it was a great honor to pay the respects of the entire Niagara Falls Police Dept. God Speed Scott.

Officer james j conte
niagara falls police dept

August 17, 2006