Police Officer Scott Alan Wertz

Officer Wertz, i'm here on the 19th anniversary of your passing. First off, i'm sorry for what happened to you on this day, as it should've never happened, and that the man who took your life was nothing more than a dirtbag that deserves whatever happens to him. I've said this before on previous reflections, but i still believe that the suspect didn't have to take your life and he could've just gotten his time over with, but instead, he was filled with wrath and hatred to the point he took his feelings and his anger out on police instead of seeking help. It doesn't make sense as to why people feel the need to harm police when they're upset, or if they're so determined on not going back to jail that they're willing to do anything just to avoid some time, and it is scary to think about. If anything this case could've been prevented in many ways, but then again we can't change what's already happened. However, despite all this, the coward that took your life was sentenced to death, meaning that he will never harm anyone again, but it still doesn't fix the damage that's already been done unfortunately. What hurts my heart is the fact that your sons had to grow up without a father in their lives, all because some thug thought he could get away with what he did, when in reality he only made it hard on himself by doing what he did. And although it's been well over 10 years, 19 specifically, i'm sure your sons have grown up to become wonderful men, and that they recognize who their father was and know that you were a hero to many, and you left a lasting impact on your community. One thing i'd like to point out is that you spent over 10 years in total in law enforcement, meaning that you got up everyday for 10 years, knowing the danger you would face, and you faced it anyway. That's something i believe you knew, despite me not knowing you. I believe that you knew you would face all kinds of evil and danger, especially in the state of Pennsylvania, and you faced it anyway with courage and an amount of bravery that some people don't even bother to have. In society, some cops nowadays either back out when there is danger involved, or they don't do their jobs willingly and correctly, but i think that police officers like you were able to lead from the front lines and do their jobs the way it should be done, meaning that if there was any officers who didn't know what to do, you were there to demonstrate what it means to not only do your job as an Officer, but to protect and serve the right way. Despite you passing away only a few months before i was born, and though i never met you or knew you, i'd like to believe that you were a great man and individual behind the badge and uniform, and you were somebody who was a protector and a sheepdog, and considering the amount of people who knew you before you passed, it goes to show that you were well-respected and liked by others, which is a good sign that you really were a one of a kind, and a great police officer on top of that. From what i read about you, i read that you always wanted to be a police officer in the city you grew up in, since you loved your city and people, and i learned that you treated the good guys who weren't criminals the way they deserved to be treated, which says alot about your character and as a man, though i'm sure there's more to the things you've done as an officer considering that alot of people knew you. If there's one thing i know about police officers, is that they aren't in it for the money or recognition, but they're in it because they had the calling to protect and serve others, and that is something i'd like to believe you had. i believe that people don't just choose to become police officers, they become them because it is a calling and that it's a calling from God to protect and serve others, to show what it means to go out and face danger each day head on, and never back down no matter the circumstances. It takes a special kind of bravery to go out each day, knowing that you may never make it home, and to change the community you swore to protect. And for you Mr. Wertz, i believe you knew all of that, and you went in anyway, which means you have my upmost respect, and i salute you for it, because being a police officer isn't an easy job, especially now in society it's only worse. Although Pennsylvania itself is highly dangerous in some parts, you were one of the brave ones that looked at it like a challenge: A challenge to fight against evil and come out on top, and to make sure that the evil doesn't escape and harm others. And although evil unfortunately met you and resulted in your life being wrongfully taken, it won't change the fact you left a lasting impact on others, and that no matter how much time goes on or what happens, you will never be forgotten. Although this is a sudden shift in tone, but i'd like to talk about the effects. The coward of a suspect that took you away not only took away a police officer, but a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and a man who swore an oath to protect others and serve his community. Even now as i'm writing this, it's something that never makes sense or add up when i think about it; Why do people feel the need to harm police and harm others? That's a question that i know lingers in the air for many when it crosses their mind, but i think it's something that'll probably be never solved. My theory for that is because people nowadays are rebellious, and that they rebel against authority, and when consequences catch up to them, they fold under pressure and do choices that result in revealing their true character. Despite the suspect being sentenced to death, and although the state of Pennsylvania has the death penalty and it's a little shaky, i think that the suspect should've been put out of his misery a long time ago because even if he were to ever be released, he will never change, and even now i'm sure that as he is rotting in his cell right now he never once changed or felt sympathy. I do know one thing: His time will be coming soon, and he will really see what happens when one chooses to take away one of God's soldiers on earth, as the penalty for such cruel actions is death. Although i personally don't wish death upon the man who took your life, i do know that he will realize his actions he did in taking your life will have it's toll on him, and who knows if he changes or not? Despite all of this, i know you were a fighter, as you fought till the very end, which says alot about you as you initially survived your injuries, meaning that you were determined to not give up, but as it turns out, God had other plans and he requested your assistance in heaven. 19 years is a long time, and i know that these past years your legacy and impact is still felt around not just your area and state, but the entire country knows your legacy and the impact you had on others, as you were a loyal servant to many. I know now your sons have grown up to really learn about their father and recognize the things you did, and that you're the inspiration for them to keep moving in life and move on, which i know you would never allow them to stop fighting and keep going, and they know you're watching over them in heaven and making sure that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, along with your wife, whom i'm sure feels protected by you in spirit as you protect your loved ones in the form of a guardian angel, as God has sent you down to protect them in spirit, and they know they aren't alone since your passing. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service will forever be more than appreciated, and that the man who took your life will one day pay for his actions, and that your sons have grown up to carry on your legacy and continue where you left off on. No matter how much time goes on, you will never be forgotten, and as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, as you aren't truly dead as you are not forgotten. Not to mention that as long as more people learn about you and your story, it'll add onto the fact your service is one to remember and recognize, and even if it's people that never knew you or met you, it means that your service isn't and never will be forgotten. One last thing i'd like to mention is that there's now a memorial bridge named after you along with a memorial sign, meaning that as people drive by the sign and read your name on it, it'll make people wanna carry you in their hearts and minds as they should, and even i do as well, as i recognize that you were a wonderful policeman as i learn and read about you. Rest Well Mr. Wertz.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

August 6, 2025