Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman New Jersey State Police February 5, 2004 Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman, #5853, 32 years old, a graduate of the New Jersey State Police Academy, 119th Class, died of injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident. Trooper Zimmerman was responding to a robbery complaint at a convenience store in Dennis Township, Cape May County, New Jersey. At approximately 5:59 a.m., troopers responding to the robbery observed a vehicle depart the convenience store at a high rate of speed. Troopers pursued the vehicle and affected an arrest of the driver after a brief foot chase. Trooper Zimmerman's tragic accident occurred during this incident when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a pole on State Highway 83. "Trooper Zimmerman lost his life serving the public by doing a job that he loved," said State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes. 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," said Attorney General Peter C. Harvey. Trooper Zimmerman served as a law enforcement officer in Evesham and Gloucester Townships prior to beginning his career with the New Jersey State Police. He graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy on March 14, 2001. He served in several stations in southern New Jersey and was assigned to the Tactical Patrol Unit at the time of his accident. He resided in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, and is survived by his wife, Denise, his mother, Verna and two sisters, Andrea and Jamie. Close Window