Oceanside Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, June 13, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Tony Willi Zeppetella
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
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
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