Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Tony Willi Zeppetella

Oceanside Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, June 13, 2003

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Tony Willi Zeppetella

Tony,

The pain of losing you is still so real. I miss you.

June 14, 2006

I believe that each person must have something in their lives that brings them fulfillment and a sense of purpose. I believe that each person must do something with their lives that brings joy to others and eases the burdens of the oppressed. I believe that each person must be a leader in their lives that others may be inspired. I believe that each person must pursue, with passion, a life that is noble and free from regret. I believe that each person must find a mentor and challenge themselves to be the very best that they can be in that person's image.
Officer Zeppetella, you represent all of these tenets and serve as a role model to myself and the other cadets in my class. As a class we are dedicating our academy training to you. Your memory is a symbol of the type of Officers we would like to become. Thoughts of how you lived your life, conducted yourself in your duties, and strove to be an outstanding Officer motivate and humble me daily. As this memorial shows, your sacrifice has not been forgotten, and never will be as long as there are others to continue the struggle that you dedicated your life too. It is a priveledge to honor you and be associated with such a fine Officer and hero. We will continue the fight, and NEVER QUIT, until peace abounds and we can find our rest.

A CALL TO SERVICE
Be humble
Give honor and respect
Here are those who have gone before
Fear and doubt may not enter
For in this place, warriors dwell
Hear their words, and remember their sacrifice
There is need and we seek the worthy
Let heroes come to answer the call
Fierce and proud with noble spirit
Minds for justice, courageous hearts, and righteous hands
Stand and be true
Strike your oath and hold it dear
That others may know peace
We stand the watch and guard the night.

May you contiue to watch over us knowing that you are still a part of a special brotherhood and find solace in the knowledge that we too, will stand the watch and guard the night.

Cadet Craig Sakowski
Palomar College Police Academy

June 14, 2006

Tony,

We had one of our many D-Tac classes last night at the academy. We simulated gun take-aways and ground fighting. You were running through my mind as I was on the floor fighting to keep my weapon holstered. Yesterday marked the day of when you became a true warrior, a hero. God Speed.

"6 BOY NEVER QUIT"

Cadet Cameron D. Twentymon
Palomar College Police Academy

June 14, 2006

Tony -
3 years and it still doesn't seem real...never will.
Not a single day goes by where you are not in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Our "Hall Of Warriors" is now up at the academy and all will know the true measure of valor when they see you among its walls.

Continue to guide and safeguard us while we carry on your fight and may God bless you as you watch over and protect your family.

6B Never Quit.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD / Palomar Police Academy

June 14, 2006

Tony,
Remain true brother, we think of you often and our prayers are with you. Your family is being well cared for.
Brian & Lindsay

Brian & Lindsay Bruce
Oceanside Police Dept.

June 13, 2006

Tony. Three years to the date buddy. We haven't forgotten. We never will. Today's date jumps off the calendar so obvious that I was struck this morning as I looked at it. Strange how you look at a date and it takes you back to a previous year. We know how the hours lead up to that time of 5:00 PM on this date and what was your destiny was to be! Forever a hero! Forever a Friend! God Bless!

Matt Lyons
OPD

June 13, 2006

Thinking of you today.We miss you very much.

June 13, 2006

Dear Officer Tony Zeppetella,

I came to today's date to check if there was a fallen officer that I needed to leave a remembrance for. When I read your story I was immediately filled with furious anger for the brutality of your killer. Then I started reading reflections left for you, about you and your life. Your life was taken from this earth but not your legacy. Your life and who you are and what you stood for can never be destroyed. I am so proud my son is part of this brotherhood of law enforcement. Evil can destroy the body but not the soul.

With honor, love, and respect,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

June 13, 2006

Officer Zeppetella I drove down the 76 last weekend and past the dedicated sign! I just wanted to thank you for your service you are truly a hero and will never be forgotten... R.I.P Blue Angel...My thoughts and prayers will forever be with your family...

S.Ables
Friend of a Deputy

June 12, 2006

Tony,

I want to leave a little something that means a lot. I joined the Navy five years ago and became Mater-At-Arms. I was honored to ride at the bike rally. I never knew what a difference one man could make in this world.

You are honored and adorded by many. May God bless your family.

Ride with Pride,
Mr.& Mrs. Monti
Blue Knights CAVI

MA2 Tom Monti
US Navy Lawenforcement

June 4, 2006

Tony
Just thinking about you on Vet's day, rest in Peace

OPD Officer

May 30, 2006

Tony -

Thinking of you and your family on Memorial Day. On a day for warriors and heroes, you are both.

Continue to strengthen and guide all of us who enter the fight each day to hunt for and confront the evils that plague this sick society. A part of each us died with you that day, but our resolve was multiplied many times over and grows by each passing moment.

God bless, brother.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD / Palomar Police Academy

May 29, 2006

We will never forget! Yours was not in vain!

Matt Lyons
OPD

May 24, 2006

Oceanside misses you, Rest in Peace.

Civilian

May 16, 2006

As you well know, your motorcycle rally was a tremendous success. We couldn't have done it without your guidence from above. People came from all over to do the ride. As I was driving back to Orange County, I saw many people wearing the 6 Boy shirts on their bikes. Forever in our hearts.

6 BOY NEVER QUIT

Cadet C. Twentymon
Palomar College Police Academy

May 14, 2006

Jamie,
May Tony be with you on Mother's Day and all days.
Today was an overwhelming success with Tony's Memorial Motorcycle Rally and the love and support of all who participated was amazing. We haven't forgotten, nor will we ever. He still smiles down upon us and protects us each day. You and Jakob are in my thoughts and prayers always. Tony's class (13) is honoring him well and I know he would be proud. You and Jakob will be proud...

God bless.

Damian Jackson
Escondido PD / Palomar Police Academy

May 13, 2006

" WE MUST NEVER FORGET THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE FIRST IN OUR THOUGHTS FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"

TONY YOUR MOTORCYCLE RALLY IS TOMORROW, I KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT GUIDING US THROUGH THE DAY. YESTERDAY OFFICER JACKSON HANDED EACH OF US A MINI REPLICA OF YOUR BADGE TO PUT ON OUR UNIFORMS. LET ME BE THE FIRST TO TELL YOU THAT IT WILL BE AN HONOR TO WEAR THE SYMBOL OF A TRUE WARRIOR ON MY CHEST. THANKS TONY FOR NEVER GIVING UP!! YOU’RE A TRUE INSPIRATION TO US ALL!!

6 BOY NEVER QUIT. CLASS 13 WILL NEVER QUIT!!!!!

CADET M. MARTINEZ
PALOMAR POLICE ACADEMY CLASS 13

May 12, 2006

Dear Tony,

I am currently a cadet with Class 13 at Palomar College Police Academy. It's an honor to be in a class that's dedicated to a great man. Thinking about you everyday helps me stay motivated. Thank you for everything you did.
SL

SL
Palomar College Class 13

April 23, 2006

I was filled with unimaginable grief when Tony's life was tragically lost. I was moved with joy during his memorial service when I learned of his commitment to Our Savior. I know he is at peace in our Heavenly Father's kingdom, sitting to the right of Jesus, and watching over every officer who goes 10-8. Tony's photo is attached to my sons' cork board in the center of our home next to Officer Terry Bennett's. My home and family will never forget about Tony's unselfish sacrafice. My boys will grow knowing of his legacy. His relationship with Jesus has been my example to follow. Tony did not die in vain. His memory and example will live on. May the Lord always bless his family. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". Matthew 5. You will not be forgotten.
Billy

Detective William Santarsiero
San Diego Police Department

April 21, 2006

Dear Mr. Zeppetella
“People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf” [George Orwell, novelist and philosopher; 1903-1950]. You are that WARRIOR who stood ready for mine and many others families, and when time came you answered the call on our behalf. I feel truly privileged and honored to be taking part in your dedication at Palomar College Police Academy. On behalf of Academy Class 13, we will make you proud and not let you down!

“6 BOY NEVER QUIT’

Cadet V. Celes
Palomar College Police Academy

April 20, 2006

I am so proud that this officer was willing to give his life in service of his community. I pray for all of his family, friends and fellow officers. I ask for peace, safety and a personal touch from our living God.

Rev. "Big Tom" Longbrake
Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry

April 17, 2006

Officer Zeppetella....words are not enough to express our gratitude for you giving the ultimate to protect us from harm every day you served. Therefore, thanks to the Palomar Police Academy Cadets who were present at our "Annual Bike Blessing" held in Oceanside every year, we will now support the Annual Officer Down Memorial Motorcycle Rally.

We pray daily for those who serve & protect us to have protection themselves for the danger they face daily.

As for the cadets at our event, they were courteous, professional & informative & will all make very professional officers in the future. We thank them for inviting us to support our law enforcement community.

You all have our utmost respect, support & appreciation.

Kim & Mo Upton
Bikers For Christ, Orange County, Ca

April 17, 2006

Dear Tony,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Roden Nunez and I am currently with Class 13 of Palomar College Police Academy. I just would like to let you know that it is a great honor to dedicate our class on your behalf. You will always be in our hearts and minds. God Bless you and your family.

“6BOY NEVER QUIT”

Cadet Nunez
Palomar College Police Academy

April 16, 2006

Dear Tony,

I’m currently in the Palomar Police Academy class 13 and I can’t say how much of an honor it is to dedicate this class to you. Your courage and determination to never quit has inspired not only me but all the cadets of class 13 to follow in your foot steps. You and your family are in my prayers and I will always remember the ultimate sacrifice you gave. God bless you Tony.

Cadet Rodriguez
Palomar Police Academy

April 14, 2006

Tony,

As you know, we have dedicated our academy class 13 to you. Last night was a turning point for myself and other cadets in my class. We earned the right to carry you as our guidon. I wish I could have met the man I strive to be. May you be with us till the end.

"6 Boy Never Quit"

Cadet Twentymon
Palomar College Police Academy

April 12, 2006

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