Highway section dedicated to slain officer
By: JO MORELAND - Staff Writer | ∞
Officers bow their heads Thursday during the invocation for the ceremony honoring slain Oceanside police Officer Tony Zeppetella.
BILL WECHTER Staff Photographer
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OCEANSIDE ---- While lively 3-year-old Jakob Zeppetella explored everything in reach Thursday outside Oceanside Police Department Headquarters, a nearby stretch of Highway 76 was dedicated to his slain father.
Officer Tony Zeppetella, 27, was killed in a brutal gun battle on June 13, 2003, during a routine traffic stop.
The officer's widow, Jamie, charmed North County dignitaries, law enforcement officers, firefighters and others Thursday as she spoke with affection about her husband during the brief highway dedication ceremony under sunny skies.
Ranks of uniformed Oceanside officers watched her thank everyone for their support since Tony Zeppetella's death, and for the effort so many people gave to create the Oceanside Police Officer Tony Zeppetella Memorial Highway.
"As you might well imagine, the best highway in Oceanside is the four miles of Zeppetella Highway between Douglas (Drive) and Coast Highway," the young woman said with a smile.
The first big green and white sign identifying the memorial section of the highway was placed Dec. 1.
"When I saw the sign for the first time, it took my breath away," said Jamie Zeppetella, adding that her husband would have appreciated it. "As I stared at this impressive sign bearing the name of my hero, husband and best friend, I thought of Tony and how he was always so positive."
She said she was certain that he would think of the sign as a reminder to his fellow officers to "be prepared, be careful, love your families, spend more time with your children and loved ones, and strive to be the best person you can be."
Another speaker, former Assemblywoman Patricia Bates, successfully carried Assembly Concurrent Resolution 233 for the highway memorial. Bates said later that the legislature embraced the bill, partly because police paid for the sign in thin budget times.
The fact that Zeppetella, a rookie officer, was brutally shot 13 times by parolee and illegal immigrant Adrian Camacho also brought the illegal immigration situation to mind for some legislators, Bates said.
The jury who convicted Camacho of first-degree murder also recommended the death penalty for him. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7.
That was seldom mentioned during the dedication event, also attended by Tony Zeppetella's parents, Renata and Tony Zeppetella of Paso Robles.
"He's left a legacy behind, a good one," the officer's 68-year-old father said. "He's been good all his life."
Jon Seabron, an Oceanside police corporal, said the rookie officer he got to know while Zeppetella was in training was a humble man who would have been surprised at such an honor for his ultimate sacrifice.
"He would have been a great cop," Seabron said. "Whenever I leave the station at the start of my shift, as soon as I pass that sign I turn my lights on, turn 'em off. It's just my way of remembering him."
Contact staff writer Jo Moreland at (760) 740-3524 or jmoreland@nctimes.com. To comment on this story, visit our Web site at www.nctimes.com.
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Edwin wrote on Jan 6, 2006 8:21 AM: I'm from Oceanside,Ca. A week or so before his death.I had met Officer Zeppetella. This was a man of great pride and greatful for life. Showing great respect for the community and people he pertected. I later on worked at a place where I met his wife (Jamie) and lovely son (Jakob) they're a great family. Always with a smile on there face. And always having something good to say and a great attitude towards life. Now everytime we drive on Highway 76 we will remember him for the day that he was doing his duty as a Police Officer and protecting the Community. My prayers will all ways go out to the Zeppetella family.
Robert wrote on Jan 6, 2006 1:56 PM:How true it it is what this reporter Jo Moreland wrote about the Ploce Officers Parents seldom being mentioned they are the ones that lost their son that they raised all these years and made him what he was It is sad that they dont get mentioned more often The pain they must feel through all of this and people just always mention the wife of a short time How sad.
Lawrence wrote on Jan 6, 2006 3:15 PM:I see from the article that Officer Tony Zepetella was shot 13 times. Also, if remember correctly the was shot again after he was seriously wounded. From the information that was released in the prelimary hearing of Ariana Sosa, it appears that by his own admission Deputy Mark Ritchie shot Jorge Ramirez 13 times he admitted to reloading his gun and shooting Jorge Ramirez again after this suspect was wounded and on the ground. I am happy that Jamie and Jakob got justice, but will there be justice for the family of Jorge Ramirez. "I think not ater all he was just a gangbanger."
Robert wrote on Jan 6, 2006 4:40 PM:Lawrence I think they should do that to all the Gangbangers and get rid of them once and fore all and clean up our city to save the heartaches for all the families that loose their loved once. Do you know what it is like to loose a "good person"? Gangbangers are only here to kill, they don't have a heart or any feelings for life.
Albert P. wrote on Jan 6, 2006 11:38 PM:This is such an honor for Officer Zeppetella. As an Oceanside citizen, I am grateful for the service Officer Zeppetella provided our community. Robert, the article does not state that the officer's parents are seldom mentioned. It states that the criminal who murdered him was not mentioned that day; as it should be. How sad it is that you would comment on the length of time the officer was married to his wife. She was not only his wife but the mother of his ONLY son. Robert, as offended as you sound, one would think that you are the officer's parent. Lawrence, it appears as though Jorge was fleeing from the deputy because he didn't want to get caught. Everyone knows not to run from a cop. You cannot compare the death of a documented GANG MEMBER to the death of an INNOCENT MAN. Officer Zeppetella was doing his job by protecting our city and citizens when he was brutally murdered. What was Jorge doing?
Chris wrote on Jan 9, 2006 11:27 AM:DEATH IS DEATH AND IT IS SAD NO MATTER WHAT YOUR OCCUPATION IS!!
Robert wrote on Jan 9, 2006 3:37 PM:Albert I live here in oceanside and read enough and hear the news Sorry I am not the parent only an observer that hears enough on TV too
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