Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the pleasure of serving by Tony's side in the Navy aboard the John C. Stennis during the 2000 deployment and was fortuneate enough to have him as a dive buddy overseas. I gained insight into several qualities a person should aspire to have from the brief time we hung out. Those being a person with exceptional moral standards and a strong work ethic, both of which Tony possessed and lived life by. He displayed the utmost respect and loyalty to his friends; his presence will always be sorely missed by all

Anonymous

July 30, 2008

Still thinking of what happened to you and praying for your family.

Niki McClure

July 14, 2008

RIP Tony! You are still remember buddy! We need nore heroes like you on this earth!

Polcie Corporal Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

June 16, 2008

Time is short but eternity is forever. Thinking of the Zeppetella family this day and always.

June 13, 2008

Rest in Peace sir.

June 13, 2008

Tony, thinking of you today and remembering that horrible day 5 years ago... still seems like yesterday some times. I can almost hear that radio traffic, and then the silence that caused our hearts to drop when our worst fears told us something had gone terribly wrong... We will never forget... Your family has been so strong, held together by your love, as we all have... thanks for watching over us every day... we miss you.

Shirl

Shirl
OPD/TPD

June 13, 2008

We Love you and miss you very much

June 13, 2008

Tony,
You are not forgotten, neither as a police officer, son, father, husband nor fellow city worker. As Friday arrives soon on the same date, you will continue to be prayed for remembered and missed.

K.Pirillo
P.W. Inspector

Eng Inspector
City of oceanside

June 12, 2008

I love you.

June 12, 2008

Hi Tony, just thinking about you today as June 13th approaches... I forgot to mention I saw your folks a while back when I stopped by to visit you. I was going to go by the house but they arrived at the cemetary the same time Leonard and I did... how amazing is that? They look great and it was so good to see them and to talk about you... but boy do they miss you... it breaks my heart to see their pain...but their love for you is so awesome to share... I know you're always watching over them but maybe when June 13th comes around you could give them an extra hug or two? :) Thanks... miss you :)

Shirl
OPD/TPD

May 30, 2008

Thank you, Officer Zeppetella, for making the world a better place. I hope your son, who is 4 or 5 years old now I guess, feels like he knows you. I know you live on in the hearts of your family and friends. I hope you are spoken of often and many stories are told to him so he'll know what a wonderful daddy he had.

May 26, 2008

Dear Officer Zeppetella - Thinking of you again this day. We never met but I see something wonderful here in the character of those who love you. Thank you for continuing your watch. Go well, Shield.

Windy
Civilian

May 25, 2008

Rest in Peace Tony!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal

May 16, 2008

Hey Tony I was just stopping by to say hi and thanks for watching my back the other night. God Bless Brother

Officer R. Bellamy
San Bernardino PD

May 8, 2008

A Warrior’s Prayer

Today is the day the Lord has made…

I prepare and ready myself for war, awaiting battle and what it holds for me.

Not because I am a seeker of oppression or the taking of another, because these are the true tests and measures of my faith and love for my God.

Lord I pray; Let my compassion and understanding run swifter than my judgments, but in moments of duress and where innocents fall underfoot, let your sword of justice destroy my enemy by my hands. And in all my endeavors, let my actions and my words glorify your name.

Daily will I face the works and the very army of satan himself and witness the horrors and evils of non-believers and the twisted motivations of the lost who seek to undermine you and hinder my aim, though none shall deter my cause for I know my calling.

Like the symbol of the eagle, the branch of peace extends first for those who seek it, but the arrows stand ready to take flight when provoked. And when provoked and tested, I will fear nothing, for I am eternally protected by my faith in you and covered in the armor of your blood.

Lord, you are my guide, my purpose and my shelter from the destructions of evil men. My Every move is according to your plan.

As a soldier for Saint Michael, satan’s armies will be trampled beneath me in your name and through all doubts cast and burdens bore will I rise again, if even in death.

For as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

In this, I pray.

Amen

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

April 30, 2008

Officer Zeppetella,

I was assigned to prosecuting deported felons the day you were ambushed. I remember feeling very angry that day. My anger, however, turned to sadness when I learned more about you.

Your loved ones and all the law enforcement coummunities across the nation lost another outstanding person that day. You dedicated yourself to protect society from the evil that claimed your life.

Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made and the security you provided for the rest of us. Your life and dedication to law enforcement will never be forgotten.

SBPA
US BORDER PATROL

March 28, 2008

Dear Officer Zeppetella,

Want you to know that you are not forgotten even though it is now 5 years of your passing. We lost our son, Officer Larry R. Cox E.O.W. 4-21 2005 and there is not a day goes by but what we do not think of him. We pray for the safety of all officers who are out there doing a job they love to do or they would not be there. You are a very special person and will be remembered forever.

Joy Cox
Mother of a fallen officer

March 28, 2008

Happy Easter, Brother.
God bless you and your family.

Always in my thoughts and prayers.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

March 24, 2008

Dear Tony,
Its been a little over a year since I graduated from the academy. My class was dedicated to your honor. Although I look at this page often I seldom leave any words. Now Tony tragedy had struck my life and I need your help. I need you to please keep an eye on my beautiful wife Alicia and our unborn child Justin as they are newcomers to your world. They were tragically taken from me as you were taken from Jamie and Jakob. I think of Jamie and Jakob often and wonder how their lives are. I now know the pain that is felt from their hearts. Tony I pray that these words find you enjoying the presence of my beautiful angels and hope you can tell them how much I love them. You are all truly missed, but I have comfort knowing that my angels are surrounded by other angels such as yourself. Tony I know you will watch over them and together you will lead me down the right course. I pray for your family and again you are all loved and missed.

Deputy Grimm
RSO/PCPA Class 13

March 8, 2008

Rest in Peace Tony!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal

January 21, 2008

Tony,
It's been a year since I graduated from the academy which was dedicated in your honor. I think about your courage and the sacrifice you made every day. I want to thank you in guiding me and keeping me safe for my first year being 10-8.

Officer Rodriguez
FVPD/PCPA Class 13

December 31, 2007

Hi Tony,

I just wanted to send you a quick hello and THANK YOU for keeping your brothers and sisters at OPD safe. They had an OIS the other night and of course I heard about it on the news so I didn't have the REAL details. I know that you and Dan wrapped your arms around them that night and I THANK YOU so much for keeping them safe. Merry Christmas.

R.AKANS #1354
ESPD/PCPA

December 26, 2007

Tony,we wish you a Merry Christmas
Wish you were here
We Love you and miss you so very much.

December 24, 2007

I can still picture you eating your Jack In The Box tacos. Miss you Brother.....

Anonymous
OPD

December 4, 2007

Tony... it is during the Holiday Season that those of us left behind realize how much you have sacrificed for your community. How incredible it would be to see you enjoying Thanksgiving in Paso with your family...playing in the yard with Jacob and going on a later afternoon run with him to burn off the excess turkey! While your name has faded from the front pages, your memory and sacrifice burn in our hearts. Thank you for your example. I pray everyday for you, Jamie, Jakob and your family. I have faith that eternal peace is the reward for God's most valiant. If anyone deserves such a reward it is you.

Grateful

November 26, 2007