Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tony,
I overheard someone today, they asked "what is a hero anyway?"... I, not part of the conversation, immediately thought of you...

The dictionary says a hero is "a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength"... well if that doesn't describe you what does?

It also says a hero is the following:

"the principal character in a play or movie or novel or poem"... this would also describe you my friend... the play or movie or novel is what we call every day life around here....

(classical mythology) "a being of great strength and courage celebrated for bold exploits"...

"often the offspring of a mortal and a god"...

"a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments)"... I could never even eat one of these without you telling me I shouldn't, too many carbs you'd say!

Funny how many different definitions there are for one word... but in the end it all comes back to the same conclusion...

A hero is you...

I miss you...

Shirl
OPD

August 17, 2005

My sincerest condolences to Tony's family. It has been 2 yrs since Tony was so violently taken away from us. He was a great officer, son, husband and father. Not a day goes by that my family does not give thanks for the men and women, like Tony, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that others may feels safe in the city that they live. I have many friends on the Dept. and I see the loss etched in their faces stil. I hope that they can find some small comfort that you are still protecting them, only from a different beat!

For Tony's family, may you always know what a wonderful human being Tony was. May his live never have been in vain. God bless you all.

Grateful citizen
Oceanside, CA

August 15, 2005

Tony,

I did not personally know you. I was at the 53rd San Diego Regional Law Enforcement graduation for my buddy Eric Hoppe who was with San Diego Police. I do remember you going up to the stage to receive your badge from your chief. I still have the program from the graduation which your name is represented OPD. I'm deeply sadden that you are not with us but know you are in good hands. Thank you for your courage.

Tribal Ranger Ted Parisi
Pechanga Indian Reservation Department of Public Safety

August 3, 2005

The Shield- "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged,for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.

I am sorry that it has taken this long to leave a reflection. I have thought about what it is that I have wanted to say and nothing could ever seem quite enough. Although I never had the oppurtunity to meet you, your spirit lives through your academy mates that I work with. You have been an inspiration to me and I can only strive to be a better person. Thank You!

RAA #1354
ESCONDIDO PD

July 29, 2005

Tony,
Seems hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you or hear someone talking about you. I just came to this site tonight and read what many of my friends - and my son - had written. You are definitely missed. I try to keep your memory clean and honor you every day. There are a lot of new officers out there right now. They know of you - I wish they could have known you.
As my son wrote to you, "one day in heaven..."

Sergeant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police Department

July 26, 2005

Dear Officer Zeppetella,
Keep it up brother, I know you've been with me lately. When I'm down I look to you, and you pick me up, dust me off and tell me I can do it. I promised you on April 2 I would'nt let you down, and I wont.

The soul of man is immortal and imperishable.
Plato (427 BC - 347 BC), The Republic

CADET
Palomar College Police Academy

July 15, 2005

Rest in Peace, Friend!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

June 20, 2005

The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if they fail, at least fails while daring greatly. So that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

Terry Donovan
spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan Austin P.D. E.O.W. 31 Oct 2004

June 13, 2005

Remembering you, Tony on the 2nd
anniversary of your death: Another senseless tragedy that leaves our hearts heavy and our lives
burdened for such a cruel act on an innocent victim standing in harm's
way. I come to this site often and what is more of a burden to me than the officers down is the messages I read that assume that becuz a
person is a police officer or a good person, he has earned himself a
place in Heaven. The Bible never teaches this. What it does teach is
that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin by His shed blood and it
is only thru our faith in Him that we are guaranteed a place in Heaven.
So, to be with God and our Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, one only needs to make a reservation. Prayer of salvation, if you do not have Jesus in your life pray this prayer and believe...."whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"(Romans 10:13)
Dear God,I know that Jesus was Your son,and He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. I know I have sinned and need forgiveness. I am willing to turn away from my sins and receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
No one knows when they will die so it's a good idea to have this assurance policy in the event of an untimely death like Officer Zeppetella
My heart grieves for his tremendous sacrifice, for his parents, for his wife and little son, now 18 months old, for his family and for his law enforcement family. There are no words to express my deep sorrow, but I know the God of the universe sees all and knows all and can comfort you in your time of need if you will just turn towards Him. God bless each and every one of you who grieves and aches and
doesn't know what to do with the pain. Our hearts go out to all of you.
I'm looking forward to meeting you
one fine day, Tony.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 13, 2005

...and, "Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the son's of GOD"

Matthew 5:3

Escondido PD

May 12, 2005

Tony-You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Your memory and dedication remains strong. I met Jamie and your beautiful son this morning at the Peace Officer Memorial Run in Carlsbad. Until we meet on the streets of heaven.. Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

May 7, 2005

Hey buddy we are still thinking of you!

May 2, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

April 27, 2005

Tony, we will never forget you. Your loss was a tragedy, but it will never be in vain. You continue to inspire me, and many other officers, every time we go 10-8. God bless you, your family, and your brothers and sisters at OPD.

Police Officer L. Bailey
Carlsbad Police Department

April 21, 2005

My heart goes out to all of Officer Zeppetella's family, friends, partners and people he touched through out his life and career. I sat here this morning going through the pages of reflections people have left you my brother and cried, yes I admit I cried. I did'nt know you, but I was on-duty the day you left us. I remeber feeling empty and hoped the best for your family. Men like you are my Hero's and you will never be forgotten. You are patroling a new beat now, so keep us all safe (like I really needed to tell you that?). Take care & be safe my new friend. Until we meet on the beat. MRV

Deputy Sheriff/M.R.V
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept

March 9, 2005

I remember the day I met you @ the station, during a visit. You were still quite new and the others razzed you a bit. When you left the room, the others commented you were a good one!

The day you "moved on to your next assignment", one of my Marines had been in the bank. As he called us to let us know why he'd be late for work, shock was about us. This was closed to home. During brief, we had to remind the Marines that this is no perfect world, this base isn't exempt from tragedy and that vigilance and saftey are paramount. The marines gasped and became solemn.
I have since reenlisted and started a police academy myself. I will honor you as best I can.

CPL MOORE (A.K.A HARDCORPS MOORE)
MP - USMC - CAMP PENDLETON

March 8, 2005

Dear Officer Zeppetella,
I remember the day of your passing, that day will be seared into my head and heart forever, that was the day I decided to become a police officer. Your courage and strength will never be forgotten, and I promise you that I will do everything in my power to be half the cop you are. Though we never met, I believe we are connected, every day I awake you are by my side and you are pushing me to become the best Officer I can be. God Bless!

Police Academy Cadet

February 4, 2005

Tony,

Time is flying by buddy! It seems like just yesterday you were sitting in briefing with that signature smile of yours. Ha! I am proud to tell you that we continue your work and there are many new officers who joined our ranks since your leaving us. I tell them your story, (our story) and the importance of what we all do each day. Christmas came and went this year and it even snowed here in Southern California just before Thanksgiving. Just proves again that anything can happen and nothing is constant. I have seen your beloved and son. They look good and your son is fast on his way to become a fine young man. Rest in peace brother! Until we meet again, I will continue our mission.

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department, California

January 6, 2005

Tony we've never met, however you are my HERO.

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Deapartment

January 6, 2005

Merry Christmas Tony;
you are missed so very much and will be forever in our hearts.
We Love you!

Mom and Dad

December 24, 2004

Those of us left behind have so much to be thankful for, because of your sacrifice and commitment to duty. We will never forget!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

November 26, 2004

Happy Thanksgiving Tony. You are still missed.

Detective
Oceanside PD

November 25, 2004

Tony,
I heard about the shooting when I was in Iraq. I know we never met, but one day we in heaven.

SPC. STEPHEN D. COSBY
UNITED STATES ARMY

November 20, 2004

Happy Birthday Tony. We miss you.

Anonymous

October 1, 2004

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY !!!.
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHT TODAY AND IN OUR HEARTS EVERY DAY.
WE MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH.
LOVE FOREVER
FROM YOUR
MOM AND DAD,BROTHER AND SISTER.

October 1, 2004