Skip to main navigationSkip to News Headlines
Global Navigation
Office of The Attorney General
OAG Home
OAG Home Superintendent's Bio
Superintendent's Bio
NJSP Home
> NJSP Home  |  > Public Information  |  > News Releases
   
2004 News Releases NJSP Badge
     Archives  

spacer NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE

 
 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Unit:
SFC Kevin Rehmann (609)882-2000  X6515

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 5, 2004


 
 
TROOPER RESPONDING TO ROBBERY KILLED IN ACCIDENT

Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman III
Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman III

DENNIS TOWNSHIP, CAPE MAY COUNTY - A New Jersey State Trooper responding to an armed robbery was killed early this morning when his marked car went out of control and struck a utility pole on SH 83 near US 9. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the State Police Major Crime and Fatal Accident Units.

Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman III, age 32, was assigned to the Troop 'A' Tactical Patrol Unit at Buena Vista Headquarters, and working as part of a team of State Police Troopers and Detectives investigating recent armed robberies at area convenience stores.

At approximately 2:59 a.m., State Police dispatchers received a call that the Wawa on US 9 and Sea Isle Boulevard in the Oeanview section of Dennis Township, Cape May County, had been robbed by a lone male subject. Troopers arriving at the Wawa observed a 1992 Lincoln Town Car pull out and head south on US 9 at a high rate of speed. A pursuit ensued and Troopers arrested the driver near Avalon Boulevard in Middle Township, after a brief foot chase. He is currently in custody pending further investigation. Trooper Zimmerman was responding to assist in the robbery call from the Dennisville area when the accident occurred.

Governor James McGreevey, when notified of Trooper Zimmerman's death, immediately went to the Woodbine Station and then to the family of the Trooper to offer condolences. "As a member of the New Jersey State Police, Bertram Zimmerman was willing to risk his own life every day of the year to keep us safe and Secure," said Governor McGreevey. "Throughout his 3 years as a State Trooper, he demonstrated great courage and professionalism to protect our citizens. Tragically, he lost his life this morning. Trooper Zimmerman exemplified the character and spirit that makes the New Jersey State Police the finest state police force in our nation. He was a source of pride and inspiration to his fellow troopers, to his community and to his family. We will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers."

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Trooper Zimmerman," said Attorney General Peter C. Harvey. "Trooper Zimmerman died in the line of duty, responding bravely to the report of an armed robbery. This tragedy demonstrates once again the dangers that our State Troopers face on a daily basis. Trooper Zimmerman understood those dangers, but responded courageously when duty called in the middle of the night. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes spent the early morning hours with Troopers at the Woodbine Station, and then with Trooper Zimmerman's family. "This is an extremely painful time for the entire State Police family, " said Colonel Fuentes. "Trooper Zimmerman lost his life serving the public by doing a job that he loved. Losing one's life in the line of duty is a sacrifice that troopers risk every day we go to work. We will continue performing our duty, but right now, our thoughts and our support are going out to Trooper Zimmerman's wife and family."

Trooper Zimmerman enlisted in the State Police on March 14, 2001 as a member of the 119th Class and served in several stations in southern New Jersey prior to being transferred in the Tactical Patrol Unit. He resided in Gloucester Township with his wife, and is also survived by his mother and one sister.

     

# # #

    Top of Page
   
Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Legal Statement | Accessibility Statement spacer
NJ Home Logo
Divisional: NJSP Home | Contact NJSP | About NJSP | NJSP News | NJSP FAQs | Recruiting
Departmental: OAG Home | Contact OAG | About OAG | OAG News | OAG FAQs
Statewide: NJ Home | Services A to Z | Departments/Agencies | FAQs
Copyright © State of New Jersey
The State of New Jersey Office of The Attorney General (Dept. of Law & Public Safety) The State of New Jersey NJ Home Services A to Z Departments/Agencies OAG Frequently Asked Questions