Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a former Reserve Officer in Oceanside and although I did not know you I have no doubt you were a reflection of the fine Officers and Civilian Employees of the Oceanside Police Department. May you rest in peace. Semper Fi.

Detective Charles T. Skiles
Euless, Texas Police department

September 15, 2004

You are still remembered! Your strength and virtue still shines as a beacon for those who are still on the job and your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

August 10, 2004

To the family and friends of Office Zeppetella: May the lord provide comfort and understanding in this time of need. The day to day courageousness efforts and the dedication to duty tony lived by will not be forgotten. He is a Hero--a warrior!

Deputy, Adrian Guerrero
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, IL

July 6, 2004

Tony you are remembered on this 4th of July 2004. Rest in Peace, friend!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

July 3, 2004

Tony.....

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Your picture has been at my desk since the day of your funeral. I attended a memorial that was taken place at OPD and it was so good to see that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN :)

Your loss has affected me greatly and changed my whole perspective on life. I have learned not to take things for granted no matter how small they may seem. I kiss my husband good-bye everytime he leaves to work with a smile on my face because I know FIRST the LORD is watching over him and then I know you too Tony are watching over him tapping him on the shoulder and reminding him why he does this job he so much loves!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zeppetella family.

Myra Lee-Guevara
Wife of Officer C. Guevara - OPD

June 27, 2004

Tony,

It was an honor knowing you. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you, and I will never forget you. You loved the Lord, your family and your life. I know I will see you again in God's house. God bless your family, wife and young son. With love and gratitude for knowing you,

Gina Eubanks
(worked with you at Bally)

Gina Eubanks

June 26, 2004

Happy Father's Day Tony, We Miss You

Anonymous

June 22, 2004

You are not forgotten Tony. Today, on the anniversary of your passing, I visted the site where you undoubtedly were greeted by our Lord and welcomed into his kingom to live for eternity.

God bless your family and know that your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of countless individuals for all time.

Detective
Oceanside PD

June 13, 2004

As we near the 1 year of your being taken from us, i want to let you know you will never be forgotten. Semper Fi

Tom Venable
Escondido PD

June 7, 2004

Tony...
A few weeks past, i attended a memorial commemorating your short, but full life. You would have been so proud!! your friends and former team members were all present! There is not a day goes by, that i don't think about you. You have made me a stronger person. One day we will meet again. God Bless you tony, i miss you.

Policeofficer OPD

June 2, 2004

Tony, I remember the time you came to brief the gang unit with your FTO and I made you introduce yourself because none of us had met you before. I remember the smile that came across your face as I'm sure you thought "I can't wait until I'm out of training" for the 1000th time. I also remember asking your FTO about you and hearing nothing but praise. Tony, I didn't have a chance to know you very well but not one day goes by where I don't think about you. Your picture has been at my desk since your funeral and will always be there. The anniversary of your EOW is approaching and I want you and your family to know we will never forget. We will never rest. We will never give up in our fight against those who prey on others.
Tony, I learned about your life during our Investigation and what stood out most is how many lives you touched in your short stay here. This world is truly a sadder place without you in it. I hope to meet someday where you can make me introduce myself. Until then you will always be in our hearts and memories. God bless.

Detective Adam Knowland
Oceanside Police Deparment

May 29, 2004

Dear Tony,
I don't think words could ever convey the pride I feel in every award and at every Memorial commemorating your short, but so full, life before it was taken so unexpectedly in the line of duty.
You were always a hero,Tony long before that fatal day on June 13th,2003 when you were taken from us.
It has been said that ordinary men become heroes when they are put in extraordinary circumstances. Just like you, they possess those very special qualities of which heroes are made. You showed heroism everyday of your life by never being anything but generous in the way you gave so freely and so fully to all with whom you came into contact Your compassion,commitment,integrity,courage, and love of all that is good embraced every aspect of all you were and all that you passed on to others. What a legacy you have left to all whom you had to leave. That legacy will live on forever. You left the world a better place by your example. You did what many could never do in an entire lifetime.
God bless you Tony. You will never be forgotten.

"Aunt" Ellen

Ellen Elsner and Family
aunt

May 9, 2004

"Just remember Me"
When you carve my name,
Into that hard marble wall
Please don't let my name ever be
A name that you can't recall.
Just remember me,
A man whose heart was true,
A man who proudly wore
His Badge and the Blue.
Just remember the Daddy,
Of now a fatherless boy,
A very gentle Son,
A Mother's Pride and Joy.
The Loving man,
Who held his wife under a moonlit sky,
A strong man,
Who knew how to cry.
Please don't let my name
Die with me too
And just remember,
I was proud to wear the Blue.

R.Zeppetella
Paso Robles

May 9, 2004

Happy Anniversary Tony... we miss you

Anonymous
Oceanside

May 3, 2004

On May 5th 2004, a memorial will be placed in front of the current Oceanside Police Department, 3855 Mission Ave, Oceanside, California honoring the lives and service of Oceanside’s fallen officers, City Marshal Charles "C.C.” Wilson; City Marshal John E. Mugan; and Police Officer Tony Zeppetella. Their sacrifices and the loss by their families is more than any community should have to ask of its Public Servants. Those who wear the badge on their chest, know all too well how quickly the ultimate price can be made in the pursuit of peace and civility. Whether the life is taken during the 19th Century or present day, each is valued in its loss and impact on the betterment of society. Better to have stood in the face of tyranny and fallen for a cause greater than you in hopes that others may enjoy peace, than to have recognized malice and not have acted! God Bless Marshal Wilson, Marshal Mugan and Officer Zeppetella. You did your duty! Rest in peace! We will continue your work!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

May 3, 2004

Tony its been almost a year since you were taken from us. It seems like yesterday i ran into you in the locker room before you went out on patrol the day you passed. I remember that day you were there well before any of your partners. I remember seeing you get ready and i asked how you were doing in which you answered "Great!" with a smile on your face. You asked me when I was going to go out on patrol with you and i answered "soon". As we talked, i remember specifically teling myself, "Thats exactly who I want to be like". You were so professional, so good looking, and just had everything going for you. This was the last time I would see you here on earth. I only wish i would of gotten to know you better.
Everyday Tony I put my uniform on i try to model myself after you. Some people might of gotten discouraged away from this career after your tragic death. Not me though Tony, not me. This has made me want to do the job one thousand times more. Im waiting for the day patiently I can follow in your footsteps and become a great husband, father, and police officer.
I know your watching over us now Tony, and i promise during my career you will always be on my mind. I pray for your family everyday Tony, and I know your wife and son will do fine. I will see you again brother i promise.

O.P.D. Cadet
Oceanside Police Department

May 1, 2004

Tony, You touched so many during your time on earth. Thank you for your true friendship, courage and bravery! you are missed, your memory is alive in all of those you left behind.

April C

March 3, 2004

Tony, I think of you often, you are one of my closest and best friends. I hate you were taken from us so soon, but I know where you are and I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven.

Everyone knows you pass away a Hero, for those of us that were Blessed to know you personally, we know you lived a Hero too.

Sadly Missed,
Rob

Rob Donnell

February 22, 2004

Tony, I have not written to you for quite some time but I've certainly thought about you each and every day, like many others do. I have been to your home town to visit you and your family and I have been blessed by the experience. You were a very lucky guy, as they, are very lucky to have had you in their lives as well. Your mother and father are simply amazing, but then, you know that. Your brother and sister are quite amazing as well and your whole family are so bonded together, by you. We all miss you so much, especially your mother. I have had the wonderful opportunity to become her friend and through her I've come to know you quite well. I just want you to know that you were always loved so very much and you will always be loved more than any words I could ever say would possibly explain... please don't worry about how much you gave your mom and dad and brother and sister... I can assure you that you enriched their lives like no one else could.... they just miss you terribly.... as do us all.

Shirl
Oceanside Police Department

February 21, 2004

Tony, Went to the N. County Law Enforcement Memorial Wake last night, and a good time was had by all. Your wife was there for a special rememberance in your honor. Denese and I introduced ourselves and I parted the story of your pursuit that went into Vista when "Casper" apprehended him. I can still see she feels so much pain, but I am sure you will help her and your son from above. Keep Heaven safe and take care my brother!

--Jim and K9 "Casper"

James Cady, Deputy Sheriff
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

February 8, 2004

Thank you Officer Zeppetella for keeping us safe from bad. God bless you.

Renny Kassel
California Citizen

January 26, 2004

Merry X-Mas Tony.....

TJ

December 27, 2003

Merry Christmas Tony. We miss you.

Anonymous

December 19, 2003

Tony,
I wish you here buddy! Merry Christmas friend!

Matt

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

December 18, 2003

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

December 4, 2003