Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tony! Hey brother! I have been thinking about you buddy! I have been thinking about you and all of Oceanside's fallen lawman! Danny Bessant has fallen in the line of duty! He was doing his best and what he was born to do! He was making us laugh. Making us appreciate life and those around us! Like you, he is the best of the best! You are missed, Danny missed. Our two other lawman from the olde west are equally remember and revered!

Officer Matt Lyons
OPD

December 26, 2006

Tony,
Your ranks grow day by day. You now have another brother from OPD. Too many, too soon. I suppose the first person to hug him after the Lord was you! And now I hope you are showing him the sights and places. You two probably need to tone things down some. Heaven is a wonderful place and all, but I'm not sure how ready heaven is for the two of you. One adheres to strict health diets and the other eats from the greasy spoon. The Lord loves us all.
I have no worries about you and Dan. I know you are safe and secure in the Savior's arms. But there are a lot more of us here. Maybe a couple dozen more guardian angels would help.
I honestly thought I would make it through my whole career without losing anyone from OPD in this way - after all, 20 years is a while - and now to lose two brothers in 2 1/2 years - - -
I look forward to seeing you both again - brother cops and brothers in the Lord. Romans 13:1-6

Sergeant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police Department

December 26, 2006

It is another sad day in the City of Oceanside. We have lost another of America"s Finest. We lost Officer Dan Bessant last week in a senseless & deliberate murder.
I pray for the both families of Officer Zeppetella &
Officer Bessant during this Christmas Season & New Year.

P.S.My prayer is that all local Pastors, Police & Community Leaders will join up forces together & reach out to the Gang Member Areas & either put them out of busniess, or find alternative ways of being productive in socity or move them out of our Communitys.
combine

Civilian Ed Lugan
Wife works for City

December 26, 2006

I was a cadet in the academy when you were killed. It had a profound effect on the remainder of my training and how I approach this job that I love so much. As part of the training staff now, I was proud to watch Class 13 work so hard in honor of your memory. You have been a true inspiration to us all. I didn't know the right words to say to your wife or your son at Class 13's graduation. I don't know if there ever is a right thing to say. Officer Bessant's death was a cruel reminder of how the good ones, like you, are taken away way too soon. I am glad that Dan has you up there to stand by his side and introduce him to the other amazing officers who watch over us down here. Heaven is lucky to have you. Today is a reminder that I will take those extra moments with those that I love. Your memory and your family's loss gives me that reminder. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Merry Christmas, Tony.

JB #375
EPD / PCPA Staff

December 25, 2006

Tony...wishing you a Merry Christmass and wish you were here with us.
We miss you so much.

December 25, 2006

Tony, you may be the only one who can understand why Dan is now with you... I know you welcomed him with open arms but the rest of us just can't seem to find the answers. We all think about you every day my friend, we will never forget. I left OPD 6 weeks ago and your photo is on my new desk now, I am reminded every day of all you gave for us. Dan was determined to take your place out there, to do what you started out to do, and yet like you, some punk destroyed his dreams, and his family's. People wonder how the department and the community can go through another loss like this, but the truth is, the same way we did when we lost you... with strength and dignity and pride for the wonderful men you both were... It's not fair, not to you, your loved ones, or us... We'll probably never understand so you're gonna have to help us. We miss you so much...

Shirl
Tustin Police Department - Former OPD

December 23, 2006

Tony,
You are thought of as we grieve the loss of another OPD officer. It's brought back many memories of the day we lost you. We love you and miss you as much today as ever. Show Dan around heaven...and enjoy the blessings that Jesus made available to us.

December 22, 2006

The second most tragic day in my life occurred to day Tony. You were the first and today Ofc. Dan Bessant was the second. Tony guide him to you and show him the way brother......I cannot begin to tell you the grieve we feel this evening.....More tradgedy for us in blue....Bring him to you and show him peace.....6 Boy and 4 Charles carry on my brothers......you two will always be in our hearts......

anonymous

December 21, 2006

Jaime-
It was an honor and a privelage to finally meet you and little Jakob the other night. My heart was softened and I couldnt find the right words to express my condolences to you. But I am sure you knew exactly what i was trying to say. I see the Lord working amazing wonders in your life and Jakob's as well. The two of you are so very blessed. Little Jakob is so filled joy and life and with his child like faith he is going to lead by example for the rest of his life and be a great disciple for the Lord. Jaime, your strength continues to inspire me and makes me want to be the best possible cop I can be. Tony has astronomical size shoes to fill, but i am going to continue to try my hardest to not let him down or the Zeppetella family down. I use the pen you gave me everyday and something as little as that is a constant reminder to me to fight the good fight. I use it all the time as conversation starter with my co-workers just to talk about You, Jakob and of course Tony. Continue to be a shining light to others and motivate people as you have done for me. Continue to walk the path of rightousness and always put your trust in the Lord. Thanks again for everything. GOD BLESS YOU Tony, Jamie, and Little Jakob!!

Deputy Eric Dunn
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

December 20, 2006

Tony,
Wow.. Until now it was Cadet Grimm. What a difference a word makes. I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how great full I am to have graduated the academy in your honor. There were many times throughout the year when I thought I was not going to finish. Then I would look at your picture hanging in front of the class and remember "6 boy NEVER quit". I never did. You helped me preserver through what was without a doubt the hardest year of my life. I have learned a lot this year about myself, my family and the world around me. Though all the lessons from all the instructors can not compare to the lesson I learned from you. Never give up. I will continue to strive to be the best person I can be as an everlasting tribute to you.

On December 14th 2006 class 13 graduated 22 individuals. Some of us have been hired and will soon start working. Others will be hired soon. I feel it safe to say that none of us will ever give up. That night Jamie and Jakob gave the class pens that say "You're in our prayers". know you and your family will always be in mine.

Deputy Grimm/ Class 13
Riverside County CA

December 20, 2006

Tony,

Thursday night was Class 13's graduation. There were 22 young men and women that were so proud to be there and proud to have gone through the academy in your honor. THANK YOU to you and your family for being such an inspiration to these men and women who are embarking into the profession of Law Enforcement. You are truly a blessing to us and to them.

It was really neat to hear Greg talk about all of your qualities on and off the job. He spoke of a Navy corpsman that you had helped to promote. You did it out of the goodness of your heart and that was such a tribute to the man that you were and the man you continue to be through others.

Finally the night that the class had waited for, they presented Jamie and Jakob a check for the money that they earned in community service and your Guide On was preseneted to OPD to forever be displayed in their hallways. As I sat next to Sgt. Russo, we watched as Jakob was just so full of life on the stage. He presented each graduating cadet a pen that was engraved from your family. He was adorable. At the final moment as he was exiting the stage, he couldn't take the stairs, he jumped off the stage to his mama. He is such a boy and such an incredible kid. That moment brought me to tears and laughter. He is so full of life and that moment I will always keep in my memory and be thankful that something as so simple as watching a child take the "alternate route" would mean so much to me. He truly stole the show! I am sure you must have been smiling from ear to ear.

Please continue to watch over us and especially YOUR cadets from Class 13. Your picture hangs in the "Hall of Warriors" at the PCPA in between Isaac and Larry. Class 15 is going to be starting in January and we will hang a new Warrior and Hero on the wall with you three.

Thank you for everything that you continue to do in so many people's lives and THANK YOU to Jamie and Jakob for allowing you to be Class 13's inspiration.

R.AKANS #1354
ESPD/PCPA STAFF

December 16, 2006

Just thinking of you and loving you. Missing your smile. Missing you....

December 14, 2006

Dear Tony,

As we Cadets of Class 13 prepare for graduation, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your picture hangs in our classroom, and when the going got tough this past year, we felt your presence pushing us forward. You are the 23rd member of our class and you will be there with us at graduation. As we embark on our Law Enforcement careers we will continue to honor you through our work and good deeds. Thank you for being an inspiration to us, as a Father, Son and Police Officer.

CADET DENNIS HICKEY
PALOMAR COLLEGE POLICE ACADEMY, CLASS #13

Cadet Dennis Hickey
Palomar College Police Academy

December 13, 2006

Tony-
I have never left you a reflection on here because i have never built up the strength to right such words of sorrow! Last night while i was working, something came over me and without any doubt in my mind im sure it was your good spirits. I was working in the Vista Jail last night and I happened to be assigned to the area where your assaliant was being housed. There was a short period of time last night when I looked Camacho in the eyes and my heart was filled with hate. He is someone who has never done anything good or positive for society. He also took a brothers life away. As i held back the tears last night thinking of you i became more and more angry and this person that is less than human. I was clinching my fists and biting my lip all night long just wanting to completely unleash on this low life! But without even knowing you and never having met you. I know that you wouldnt want me to do such a thing. I am well aware that you are a God fearing man. I am the same. We will let the Lord do his will and deal with Camacho. Again, without ever knowing you I miss you and i count your good spirits as a blessing! With all my love and strength!! I know your 10-8 in heaven right now watching us!

Jamie-
I really hope you read this. A few nights ago i read your statement online to Camacho. Your words inspired me. Such soft spoken words to such a evil man. While reading your words my eyes glazed over and I even had to wipe away some tears. Seeing how you put your faith in the Lord's hands through all this really touched my heart. I am a strong believer in the Lord and his powers. I know in my heart that Tony has eternal happines in heaven right now with the Lord. He puts his hands of guidence on you every day and walks along side you. Jamie, you are a big motivation in my life right now. You are strong person and are meant for great things. Stay strong and continue to inspire people every day. I was in Class 12 of the palomar police academy when we dedicated our class to Officer Espinoza. And i know that 13 has dedicated there's to Tony. I hope 13 realized how lucky they are to be doing what they are doing. We are all truely blessed to have had Tony as a brother in our Law Enforcement family. I will be at their graduation and hope to meet you there and thank you in person for inspiring me to be a better cop. I thank Tony all the time for his inspiration. God Bless you and little Jakob!!!!

Deputy Eric Dunn
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

November 30, 2006

Tony,

I want to let you know that you are an inspiration for all. That you are a hero and that cadets like me look up to you with great respect. Class 13 is almost done with the academy, but even after we graduate I will keep honoring you and will always remember what a great Officer you were. God bless you Tony,

Cadet Nanez

Cadet Ricardo Nanez
Palomar College Police Academy Class 13

November 27, 2006

Ofc. Zeppetella,

Wishing you and yours a blessed and safe Thanksgiving and holidays!

Ofc. Brown, USMC
SFPD, Bayview MIDS

November 24, 2006

Lest we forget! You are not!

Officer Matt Lyons
OPD

November 23, 2006

Tony,

December 14th is drawing near, and the Cadets of Class 13 will dedicate that evening to the memory of the Father, Officer and Man you were. Although their training here will be through, they will always remember that they honored you and will continue to do so in their law enforcement careers. My hope above all else is that each and every one of the cadets continues to honor you through their good deeds and kindess out in the community and for you to be a continuing source of inspiration for them.

You are thought of every day and Jamie and Jakob are a constant in our prayers.

God Bless,

Shanon Dreyer
Palomar College Police Academy

November 15, 2006

You are so young and left behind such a young wife and child. It is so tragic that you paid the ultimate price and at such a young age. I know about you through Damian and Shanon. My son shares a place with you at the "Hall of Warriors" at the Palomar College Police Academy. Thank you for your dedication and service. Please know that I respect and honor you.

Carol Espinoza, Mother of
Officer Isaac Espinoza, SFPD #64, EOW 4/10/04

November 11, 2006

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