Oceanside Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, June 13, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Tony Willi Zeppetella
Ofc. Zeppetella,
I once walked the streets of Oceanside as a young woman and Marine ('96-8), seeing officers everywhere I looked, I knew I was safe. The banks were always crowded with service members and I remember thinking that no one would ever dare to do something stupid there, but on your watch, a lying coward did...I learned of your death through Palomar College, Shanon Dreyer and Damian Jackson, and have seen your memoriams at the facility. I apologize to your family and friends for your loss and can only thank-you for your service and fellow officers who kept me safe throughout my years at Camp Pendleton. Semper Fi, and wishing you and yours a blessed Veteran's Day and Marine Corps Birthday!
Ofc. Patty Brown, USMCE5
San Francisco PD, Bayview MIDS
November 10, 2006
Tony,
Just letting you know you're thought of each and every day.
November 5, 2006
Happy Birthday, Brother.
You're always with me on the street...
God bless you and your family and help them continue to stand proud.
Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD
October 2, 2006
Happy Birthday partner!
Matt
OPD
October 2, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY
WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH.
October 2, 2006
Tony,
It's nice to see the justice system prevail once again with Jaimie. Although money will never bring back that fatal night, it will help her and Jacob with their future. God Bless Tony!
Cameron
September 8, 2006
Tony
As they prepare to give honor to your sacrifice and dedication at the Padres game, i am reminded of the reason this job is so important. You gave your life doing what you love and that will never be forgotton. I hope that i can have one tenth of the dedication that you had as i am starting my young career. May God bless your family and those close to you.
Palomar College Police Academy 11 Graduate.
Deputy Steven Azevedo
King County Sheriffs Office, WA
September 6, 2006
Tony,
You are missed and admired greatly. Through the brave fight being waged by your family and fellow members of OPD your legacy continues to grow. You are a beaming example of courage, bravery and service. As your devoted wife has said, "it is not how you died, but how you lived" that inspires us all. Thanks for your service and example.
Rest in Peace.
Grateful
September 5, 2006
I have often thought of Tony and his family and all his fellow officers from OPD. Although we did not know Tony I remember my husband, Dave was crushed when he heard about Tony's death. Dave worked for OPD from 1981 to 1989.
" A Brotherhood of Men"- Please know that I hold all of you close in my heart.
Richie Grant/Surviving Spouse
Deputy Dave Grant/EOW/5/31/04/Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Dept./Sonora, Ca.
August 25, 2006
Tony,
Your memory and honor are still so very much alive. I never met you, but your courage continues to inspire me as I move forward into my career in Law Enforcement. You are loved by so many. Thank you Tony for protecting us all. You made the ultimate sacrifice.
You are an inspiration to officers everywhere. I continue to keep your wife and son as well as your family in my prayers. God bless you Tony.
“6 BOY NEVER QUIT”
Tom Freismuth
Former OPD Transport Officer
August 21, 2006
Rest in Peace in the glory of our lord!
Matt Lyons
OPD
August 16, 2006
Yes - I think about that day, each time that I am in the Oceanside / MCB Camp Pendleton area.....RIP, Bro !
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
August 15, 2006
Rest in peace Officer Zeppetella. You courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank you for living your life as a hero and fighting the good fight. You've left some big shoes for a new recruit to fill and I hope they are filled by another fine Officer who, like you, do their job with honor and courage. God speed
Officer Ryan Erwin
Watauga Texas
August 7, 2006
Hey Tony,
This is your "Brother" Tony Pilutik from Palm Springs PD. I just want to tell you that I think about the sacrafice that you made, every night before I got to bed. I have your shirt on my bedroom wall and I smile when I look up at it because I know that you are in a better place and I KNOW you are looked at as a HERO up there, as you are down here! I keep your "In Memory Of" pamphlet, from your funeral, in my Police car and you go 10-8 with me every night. Tony, I will never forget you and I know that every Law Enforcement Officer feels the same way I do.
Officer Anthony Pilutik
Palm Springs Police Dept./ Palomar Police Academy CLASS 8
August 4, 2006
Tony,
On September 22, 2006 the San Diego Padres have partnered with Palomar College Police Academy to dedicate their last home game of the season to your memory. My staff, Academy cadets and I are committed to selling as many tickets to this game as we can, so that we can make a difference in Jakob and Jamie's lives. A check for a portion of our ticket sales will be presented to Jamie and Jakob at the game. I know you will be with us as we are out there actively selling these tickets. Our time and effort is nothing compared to your ultimate sacrifice. It is an honor to dedicate this event to you and may you be with us throughout the next month as we sell these tickets for a night that is all about you...Tony Zeppetella Memorial Night!
As a side note; recently Jamie e-mailed me a picture of Jakob and her...they were at the Memorial in D.C. and they were both wearing their "6 Boy Never Quit" shirts. What an awesome picture. They are so beautiful together...They continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Shanon Dreyer
Palomar College Police Academy
July 25, 2006
Tony,
while stationed at Camp Pendleton, I seen the "breaking news" that you were taken home. That's the only time when police officers are breaking news in the public's eye. Yet, we never stop to acknowledge the service, commitment, and dedication that each police officer possesses to get the job done. I wish I could have knew you before Tony. Thanks to all the officers of law enforcement and Tony thanks for making Oceanside, CA a better place. Semper Fi and God Speed.
Bryce Wylie
Former U.S. Marine/Actor on "Joey"/"Click"
July 18, 2006
Tony,
I recently visited the Academy and picked up one of your commemorative shirts. I will wear it and display it with pride. I will never forget that fateful day. I think you would be proud to know that you are not only an inspiration to people in the Academy but also, to former graduates.
Police Officer Jason Shaw
Salinas Police Dept./Class 10 Graduate
July 15, 2006
Dear Tony,
The other day I was listening to the police radio as I prepared for another evening at the Police Academy. It was shift change time and I heard the officers going "10-7" (ending their shift for the day). And then, as if to remind me as to why we are spending this year at the Academy, I heard an officer say "6 Boy, 10-8"(going into service for the evening).
That is your call sign, and I know you are looking down at myself and my fellow Cadets wanting us to go "10-8" in your honor, AND WE WILL.
We are currently applying to police departments throughout California. Having dedicated this year to you, each one of us will bring a part of you wherever we go. We will spend our careers honoring you and all the other heroes whom have gone before us.
"6 BOY, 10-8"
CADET DENNIS HICKEY
PALOMAR COLLEGE POLICE ACADEMY
July 9, 2006
Tony,
Today is the 4th of July. A day that many had to sacrifice so that family,friends and loveones could all live in peace and happiness. Today is a day similar to your day. A warrior went out to fight a battle so the people could live without fear. I'll be looking up at you when I watch those fireworks tonight. God Bless Tony!
"6 Boy Never Quit"
Cadet Cameron Twentymon
Palomar College Police Academy
July 4, 2006
Hello Tony. About a week ago we did something very special before class. We stood next to the flag and did the pledge of allegiance. I was thinking of you as I sang. It made me feel proud. Hopefully we can do this everytime before starting class. Thank you for listening to me.
V/R,
SL
SL
Palomar College Police Academy
June 26, 2006
Tony,
You're such an inspiration to us. I thought of you on Father's Day. I wish you were here with us so you can spend time with little Jakob. I am a father myself and I know how it feels to be with our kids on a special day. We are proud of you and always in our hearts.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
CLASS 13 "6BOY NEVER QUIT"
Cadet Nunez
Palomar College Police Academy
June 21, 2006
Tony,
The anniversary of your passing has come and gone for yet another year....so has Father's Day. I know you can see what the cadets of our program are doing in your honor and for your young child. I thought of you on Father's day and little Jakob. If only we could turn the clock back...
Jamie is in my thoughts as well. She has been such a strong woman through all of this. Thank you for your sacrifice and for the example you have set for many who strive to be the Officer you were. God Bless you and yours.
Shanon Dreyer
Palomar College Police Academy
June 20, 2006
Dear Tony
Thinking about you on Fathers Day, God bless you and your family.
6 Boy, In our Hearts Forever.
CADET HICKEY
PALOMAR POLICE ACADEMY
June 19, 2006
Tony,
Yesterday was a significant day for many including us. You dedicated your life to your country, your community, and your family. Heroes like you come once in a lifetime. You’ve taught us what dedication is about. We can only hope to have an ounce of the bravery and valor you showed. The more we learn about you, the more Class 13 gets motivated. On a personal level, every day I try to do something for someone else because you never know what the next day may bring. Every night I kiss my little girl goodnight and say a special prayer. I can only hope to learn from your example, to be a better father in honor of you.
You’ll always be in out thoughts and prayers
6 Boy Never Quit
Cadet Parra
Palomar College Police Academy
June 14, 2006
You have been a great insparation to palomar college class 13. You will never be forgotten.
Cadet Garibay
June 14, 2006

