Fallen State Trooper's Memorial Vandalized In Cape May County

DENNIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — A fallen state trooper's memorial got vandalized in Dennis Township, according to New Jersey State Police. The monument honors Bertram T. Zimmerman III, who died in a crash while responding to a robbery call in 2004.

State Police received a call Wednesday that the memorial on State Highway 83 had been defaced. The suspect(s) used white caulk to write a derogatory phrase on the paver and to deface the front of the granite monument, police said.

The New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of the suspect(s). Anyone with information can contact the Woodbine Station at 609-861-5698. Tips can remain anonymous.

Zimmerman joined NJSP in 2001 after serving police departments in Gloucester Township and Evesham Township. Police were investigating recent armed robberies at convenience stores, and he responded a robbery call Feb. 5, 2004, from the Dennisville area.

His car went out of control and struck a utility pole on Highway 83 near Route 9 in Dennis Township. Zimmerman, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of his duty and faithful and honorable devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police," NJSP said on Zimmerman's memorial page.

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