[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 92 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF OFFICER TONY ZEPPETELLA OF THE OCEANSIDE POLICE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2003

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to remember the life and 
service of Officer Tony Zeppetella of the Oceanside Police Department. 
Tony was killed in the line of duty this past Friday, June 13, just two 
days before he would have celebrated his first Father's Day with his 
six-month-old son. My heart goes out to Tony's wife, Jamie, and his 
young son, Jakob, who will never have the opportunity to play catch or 
go fishing, or learn to ride a bike with his father. Jakob will only 
know of his father as a hero, who died in service to his community and 
his country. This is a tragedy.
  It is unfair that such a good young man like Tony should have his 
life taken by a violent gang member with a long history of criminal 
behavior. Tony was a well-respected and promising young member of the 
Oceanside police force. Friends and relatives of Tony say that he was a 
terrific father, a man deeply committed to raising his son well, and 
looking forward to his first Father's Day.
  After graduating from high school, Tony enlisted in the Navy for six 
years, serving as a Fire Controlman 2nd class. Tony also attended 
college while serving in the Navy, and then graduated from the Police 
Academy in October, 2002. Tony's friends describe him as a man deeply 
committed to community service, with a strong passion for police 
service. Capt. David Heering of the Oceanside Police Department said of 
Tony: ``[He] had said it was his lifelong dream to become an officer--
it's unfortunate his dream was cut short and ended so tragically.''
  This murder has not only split apart a family--it has terrorized a 
community. Tony Zeppetella was the first police officer to be killed in 
the line of duty in Oceanside since 1916. This Friday, June 20, Tony's 
friends and family, the Oceanside Police Department, and the community 
of Oceanside, will come together for a memorial service to honor the 
life of Tony Zeppetella. I join with them in remembering this fine 
young man. Tony's murder has hurt all of us. He gave the ultimate 
sacrifice as a public servant and protector of our freedoms.

                          ____________________