POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL H. WISE II, CITY OF READING POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Officer Michael H. Wise, II of Myerstown, Pennyslvania was shot and killed in the line of duty on Friday, June 4, 2004. He was 32 years old and a member of the Reading Police Department since January 21, 2002. Prior to that, he was a paramedic for the City of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife Denise and a daughter, Kendell, who is almost 2 years old. Rank: Patrollman II; End of Watch: June 5, 2004; Cause: Gunfire; Age: 32; Years of Service: 2. Description: Officer Wise and two other officers were investigating a shooting in Reading. The officers identified the vehicle involved in the shooting and observed the suspect exit the car. The suspect crossed the street, took cover, and began firing at the unmarked police cruiser. Officer Wise, who was shot several times, was airlifted to a local hospital where he later died of his wounds. Fellow officers returned fire and arrested the suspect.
POLICE OFFICER SCOTT A. WERTZ, CITY OF READING POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officer Scott A. Wertz was a life-long resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania. He attended Reading and Wilson School districts before graduating from Wilson High School in 1984. He graduated from the Reading Police Academy in 1994 and again in 1997. Prior to that, he worked as a Correctional Officer at Berks County Prison and also worked part-time for the Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township Police Departments. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1997. He worked in the Patrol Divison, was a Field Training Officer, and was on the Auto Theft Task Force - a part of the criminal investigations division. On August 6, 2006, Officer Wertz died in the line of duty. At the time of his death he was survived by a wife, Tricia, and two sons, Jared and Joshua. Throughout his life, Officer Wertz exemplified what service and heroism are all about. He excelled in his profession. He lived life with zest and charisma. His service made a difference in his community. He touched many people's lives in many ways. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his family, friends, football, playing softball, his job, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees, the City of Reading, coaching, and life. He died doing what he loved to do. He truly was a hero, not just in how he died but in how he lived as well. Rank: Police Officer; End of Watch: August 6, 2006; Cause: Gunfire; Age: 40; Years of Service: 9. Description: Officer Wertz was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a disturbance call at a local convenience store. When the officers arrived at the scene, several shots were fired in the nearby parking lot. Officer Wertz was shot twice in the chest as he attempted to stop one of the fleeing suspects.
Please visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Chaplain's Column: How Many More?
Do We Really Know?
Posted: Thursday, May 7, 2009Updated: May 7th, 2009 09:00 AM EDT
FR. JOHN HARTH
Chaplain ContributorSeniors and Lawmen Together (SALT) is working on a new memorial for officers in Southeast Missouri who have died in the line of duty. The granite has been ordered, a design chosen, and 21 names prepared for listing.
Then Cape Girardeau Assistant Police Chief Roger Fields just happened to go to the Officer Down website. After some research, he found 24 MORE names. 24!!
He and the group were stunned. In fact, it turns out to be a blessing that the slab was delayed because so many officers would have been missed.
And then, as word of this find got out, the relative of a former Cape Girardeau County Sheriff noted that he'd been struck and killed while assisting a disabled motorist many, many years ago - of which SALT was unaware.
So make that 25 more names, for a total of 46 eventually to be enshrined.
As we honor the fallen May 15 during National Police Week, it makes one wonder how many names may be missing from that memorial, as well.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund notes that 133 officers paid the ultimate price last year, and that another 255 slain officers forgotten by history until recent research revealed their sacrifice will also be added. There are no doubt more to be found. May they all rest in peace and their families be comforted.
Be careful out there.
