Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Tony,
Today is April 11th 2006, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself, my name is Donny Farmer, I am a cadet currently in the Palomar Police Academy class 13. I wanted to let you know that our class motto is "6 Boy Never Quit" in honor of you. You serve as an inspiration to us all. Tonight we ran up the mountain with the P on it behind Palomar College and we earned the right to bear our guidon, it was an intense run but I want you to know when it got tough it was you that motivated us and got us all to the top. I also wanted to let you know we had a fund raiser last night for your son Jakob at the Escondido Red Robin, our class looks forward to donating money to the Palomar Police Academy Class 13 Jakob Zeppetella Trust Fund to assist him and Jamie and make life a little more bearable. Many people showed up to support us and raise funds, we had several police officers EMT's and firefighters, all thinking of you last night. Tony you are not forgotten, I know what a great husband, father, police officer and person you were and I wanted to let you know, your life has impacted me greatly, I will strive to be just like you.

May God bless you and your family

Cadet Farmer
Palomar Police Academy Class 13

Cadet Farmer
Palomar Police Academy Class 13

April 12, 2006

Thank you, Officer Zeppetella, for your service to our community. And, also for the beautiful example you gave us by the way that you lived your life. You're a hero in so many ways to us. Even though I didn't get to know you for very long, YOU (not your death alone!) made an impact on me and I will never be the same. Thank you again, we are so grateful for all that you stood for! Your life was a wonderful reflection of the way Jesus commanded we live our lives.

Oceanside resident

February 9, 2006

Tony... you can rest knowing that your fearless fight for justice was not wasted. You gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to rid this community of a violent killer. We can now move forward remembering you and not your killer. Thank you for your selflessness. May you now rest in peace.

Grateful

February 8, 2006

Justice was served today. Hopefully your family can rest a little easier now. Thank you for your service.

Sgt. J.W. Fish
North Carolina Ports Authority Police

February 8, 2006

Your killer was sentenced to the highest penalty available in our courts today. There's justice for you, though not seemingly enough. You'll never be forgotten and you live on in the hearts of those that you loved and loved you.

February 8, 2006