Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just visited you yesterday.
Never Forgotten!
Officer Tony Zeppetella
EOW: June 13, 2003
Oceanside, California

Matt
Oceanside Police - Retired

June 3, 2020

I am a private citizen. I remember this day very well. You will always be in our memories in our hearts. Thank you for your service to our city.

Karen M Sullivan

June 20, 2019

Rest in Peace Partner.
You're remembered.

SA Matt Lyons
DHS CBP OPR

June 14, 2019

I was in Tonys division in the navy for years. He was one squared away sailor. I have some good picks of him with all the guys in many ports. I figure his wife and kid maight like to see them, I am looking for a mailing address if they want them.

FC3 Ian Link
Shipmate U.S. Navy

December 29, 2018

Not a day goes by that we don't reflect on the day you left us. I see on occasion your father at your final resting place in Paso Robles, CA .......We miss you Tony..........with respects always.......

Susan Johnson
Retired San Luis Obispo Police Dispatcher & WA state

July 2, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 15th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 13, 2018

“The Reapers and the Flowers” (1839)


There is a Reaper, whose name is Death,
__And, with his sickle keen,
He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,
__And the flowers that grow between.

“Shall I have naught that is fair?” saith he;
__“Have naught but the bearded grain?
Though the breath of these flowers is sweet to me,
__I will give them all back again.”

He gazed at the flowers with tearful eyes,
__He kissed their drooping leaves;
It was for the Lord of Paradise
__He bound them in his sheaves.

“My Lord has need of these flowerets gay,”
__The Reaper said, and smiled;
“Dear tokens of the earth are they,
__Where He was once a child.

“They shall all bloom in fields of light,
__Transplanted by my care,
And saints, upon their garments white,
__These sacred blossoms wear.”

And the mother gave, in tears and pain,
__The flowers she most did love;
She knew she should find them all again
__In the fields of light above.

Oh, not in cruelty, not in wrath,
__The Reaper came that day;
‘T was an angel visited the green earth,
__And took the flowers away.

Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Investigator Matt Lyons
DHS CBP CAD OPR

June 13, 2018

I miss you greatly brother. Even after all this time I still see you in the faces of all the young guys. We don't forget losing you. Ever.

Anonymous

September 4, 2017

Thinking of you and your family brother!

Police Corporal, Retired
Oceanside Police Department, California

July 3, 2017

Miss you brother. You are always on my mind and I try hard to keep our brothers and sisters safe in your memory.

Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous
Oceanside PD

June 13, 2017

I haven't left you a reflection for a long time, so much has happened in my life this past year... but that doesn't mean I don't think about you every single day. I check on your mom and sister frequently and I am so honored and blessed to know them. As the years pass I still see your smile in so many things... Miss you Tony... xoxo

Shirl
Oceanside Police/Tustin Police - Retired

May 12, 2017

Thinking of you brother on St. Patrick's
"Slán Mo Dheartháir Tar éis Titim"

Instructor Matt "Teach" Lyons
FLETC

March 12, 2017

I served with you in the United States Navy, and when I heard that you had been killed I was saddened. I am thankful that I got to serve with you, and I you will be missed.

Steven M. Remus
Served with Tony on the USS Stennis

November 29, 2016

Remembering my brother!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons, Retired
Oceanside Police Department

August 28, 2016

Always in our hearts never forgotten. Thank you for your service to keep the streets of Oceanside safe, may you watch over your brothers and sisters, family and friends, far and near....

Susan Johnson
Retired Police Dispatcher, SLO PD

July 8, 2016

Always remembered.

Cheryl Spotts
past OPD Dispatcher

June 13, 2016

Let us keep Tony's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers as we remember the man he was, and the contributions and impact he made in all of our lives and the community.

LE INSTRUCTOR
FLETC

June 12, 2016

RIP PARTNER! NEVER FORGOTTEN!

LE INSTRUCTOR
FLETC

June 12, 2016

I was Tony's first FTO. I can tell you he was a strong young man physically and spiritually. He had compassion and a desire to serve.

I know you are with God..

D. Koehler

June 10, 2016

Miss you brother. Watch over us.

Anonymous

March 25, 2016

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