Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I grew up in Oceanside and I was only 9 years old when you died. I passed by your memorial sign on the 76 often. Now I am going to school to become a cop, and I'm writing a report on you and your death and the legacy that you left. Reading these reflections from people who know you has really helped me get to know the person that you were. Thank you for your fearless service of this country while in the Navy, and of Oceanside and the people in it. There is no greater love. I hope to one day become an officer like you.

Kevin O'Neal
Administration of Justice major

December 2, 2015

Hi Tony,

It’s been a long time since I last wrote, but I want to let you know that I think of you often. As the years pass, you continue to serve as an inspiration to so many. Your commemorative baseball card has always been close by and remains on the bulletin board behind my work desk. I “googled” Jakob, and I came across a “Prezi” presentation he created. This presentation has a photograph of you in your Class A’s and the “Oceanside Police Officer Tony Zeppetella Memorial Highway” 76 sign. Jakob was no longer the baby that I remembered, rather now a 12+ year old boy. This also meant that June of 2015 marked 12 years since you were taken from Jamie and Jakob. I read some articles that reminded me of the man you were. A devout Christian, a loving Father, a wonderful husband, and a courageous Police Officer. I strive daily to be these same things, and I’m thankful for your service to God, Country, and Community.

I know you are with me and our fellow Law Enforcement Officers and often, when things get tough, you are my strength to overcome and endure.

Tony, you were such a good man, and your legacy lives through my partners and I from Class 13 and all of the staff at PCPA. I have dealt with my share of precarious situations thus far in my career, but I know that you’re always there, covering my 6, and riding with me as a two man unit.

I’m eternally grateful,

Detective Donny Farmer
FVPD/Palomar Police Academy Class 13

August 26, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

Miss you brother.

Anonymous

June 14, 2015

Seems like only yesterday. Never forgot! RIP Partner! Slainte!

Corporal Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

June 13, 2015

Tony, Still remembering you brother. Today is your day. We just completed your annual memorial run. Your son Jacob led the way. He set a great pace along with members of the department and the public.
RIP brother.

Lieutenant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police Department

June 13, 2015

While I was living up in the Fresno area at the time of the event, I did serve as a CHP officer in Oceanside from 1981-1985. I retired on an injury. My mom sat on the jury on Tony's case and was proud of the fact that she helped vote in the death penalty. Rest in Peace, Brother!!!

Dale Kennedy, S.T.O.
CHP retired

June 11, 2015

Always loved. Always missed. Always remembered. You were so precious.

Me

February 25, 2015

Even tho we never met, you have left a huge impression on me and my goals in life. May you Rest in Peace.

Explorer Anonymous Anonymous
OPD

January 14, 2015

Merry Christmas Tony. As I pass each day by Paso Robles Cemetery here in Slo county I think of you and your family each day...To your family, always in my thoughts and prayers, you will never be forgotten.

S. Johnson
Former SLOPD Dispatcher

December 22, 2014

Merry Christmas brother. We miss you.

Anonymous
OPD

December 21, 2014

It seems like yesterday but I can still see your optimistic smile and your genuine desire to help others. Miss you brother.

Roy M.

December 18, 2014

I was in the bank when you were killled. To this day, when I pass Navy Federal Credit Union I think of you and your family ,,,, especially you son. I stopped by and saw the lovely monument left in you memory. I pass by the sign on Highway 76. You and your family are always in my prayers and on my heart.

Rest Easy, Tony Zeppetella

Sincerely,

Cecil Lynn Farrar

Cecil Lynn Farrar
CNA with Barbara Browne Healthcare

December 6, 2014

Tony,
Not a day goes by that you are not missed. Had a discussion this week with someone who did not know you. Shared your story and talked about your character. RIP, brother.

Lieutenant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police

November 1, 2014

RIP

Matt Lyons
OSPD

June 20, 2014

We remember Tony!

Matt Lyons
OPD

June 13, 2014

Hi Tony.... You have been on my mind a lot lately... maybe because of your mom... I do stay in touch with her but the distance between us is great and I really long to give her a big hug... I know you watch over her and your dad, but pay special attention these days... I'm worried about them... Miss you so much...

Shirl

February 25, 2014

Tony,
Just passing some time and remembered you. Thank you for the example you set in all you did. I miss you still.

Lieutenant Leonard Cosby
OPD

February 22, 2014

Happy birthday! You would have turned 38 today and I'm sure you would have been on the cover of Men's Health, just like you said you would in your 30's. You're loved and missed dearly everyday.

Me

October 3, 2013

You're always missed. I often wonder "who you'd be today".

Me

August 27, 2013

Was visiting Oceanside yesterday and saw the sign for Officer Zeppetella on Hwy 76. Rest in peace Brother.

FF Marc Dore'
Engine 46 F.D.N.Y. (Former NYPD)

July 14, 2013

It's almost difficult to imagine that 10 years have passed since that faithful day. We only knew that a Oceanside police officer had been gravely injured. Our team prepared to do whatever it took to treat you. We all waited in our trauma bay for your ambulance to arrive. A wave of sadness washed over the room when we received the information you were being diverted to Palomar Hospital. May your soul be in peace knowing several officers have been saved since your death.

Scripps Memorial Trauma Service
Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla California

June 26, 2013

The tone sounded tonight for a moment of silence and I remembered exactly where i had been ten years ago. Every bit of that day came right back like I was there again. Tony you are still missed everyday. Hero is the only word to describe you. God Bless. Jeff

Sgt. Jeff Brandt
Oceanside Police Department

June 13, 2013

Thinking of you today Tony and missing you as much as ever... Today marks 10 years since that horrible tragedy that none of us will ever forget... but more importantly, none of us will ever forget you, the wonderful person you were, or the sacrifice you made...

Shirl

June 13, 2013

Today (in a training class), we learned about your final moments. Although I've been in this career for 15 years, and have studied or learned about alot of line of duty deaths, it was still a sobering experience. You fought a good fight that day. Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Detective Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

April 12, 2013