friend murdered

Rich · Jun-14-2003, 07:00 PM

Im sure most of you have seen the news regarding the Oceanside Police Officer that was killed Friday. I happened to be just about to get off work and was looking towards to a great weekend in Ensenada when the call went out. Obviously I didnt go to ensenada. He was a great friend of mine on and off duty. He was always happy no matter what and he always had a smile on his face. He had a great attitude and it rubbed off not only on me but everyone else. It made working with him a pleasure. Im so depressed and sad to see not only a co-worker but a friend murdered at the young age of 27. He just recently got married, has a 6 month old child, and bought a new house in the city he served. I just cant picture him dead without life and his positive attitude. Prior to him going out in the field, we were talking about going offroading and truck lifts that he wanted to buy. How excited he was about going on the next offroad adventure. It just kills me and i still cant comprehend that we arent going to have bbq's together anymore, no offroad trips with him, no more smile on his face, no more joking around in the locker room. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, child, and family.

Frank- I appreciate the offer to cancel the trip to help me out. It means alot to me that you would sacrafice fishing for a friend.

**branman** · Jun-14-2003, 07:27 PM

Sorry to here it, My thoughts go out to you and your dear friends family. If you need anything let me know

?? fisherman · Jun-14-2003, 09:42 PM

Rich,

I am so so sorry bro. I have lost quite a bit of people close to me and before it trully seemed their time a lot in the last few years, all I can say is hang in there. Talk to your friends and keep expressing your grief when you feel you need to, it helps a bunch. Sometimes things in life just dont seem fair and right, just remember if there is anything any of us here can do, let us know!! Hang in there bud!!

The unknown fisherman

Atun · Jun-14-2003, 11:37 PM

Rich,
Very sorry to hear about your loss. I have lived most of my life in a law enforcement family and truly understand what you are going through. My father was a very decorated officer for 31 years and everyone of those years we all wondered if when he went to work ,he was coming home. Cops get alot of crap these days but I hope all of you remember that there are good and there are bad. The good guys are the ones forgotten and the bad remembered in this profession. Now that he is retired he can rest easy that he literally dodged a bullet and can live his life. It is important that we remember this officer and never forget why he was out there, us! Anybody that wears a badge has dedicated his or her life to protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe where we live. I am sure there is a fund for the family and if possible, take a minute and make a donation, it matters. Rich, it would be great if you could give us the location to make a donation to help the family through this time. We at Bloody Decks can help make a difference in life of the family of this brave officer.

Vermonster · Jun-15-2003, 07:42 AM

Rich, I don't know what to say except that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will say that it will get tougher over the next few days, so hang in there. Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help, from your co-workers, or from any of us also. It does not seem like it now, but it will then get better and you'll be able to happily laugh at the fun times you had, and remember him with a smile.

Vermonster · Jun-15-2003, 07:42 AM

.

Hirize · Jun-15-2003, 07:45 AM

Let his family know there are many good people out there who are praying for them!!

Pete & family

**MikeyLikesIt** · Jun-16-2003, 09:11 AM

I HATE this kind of stuff, reality sucks sometimes. Rich, you know how we all feel about you and you were missed this past weekend. Of course, Mr. Zeppetella's family will be on our prayer list, you too dude. Anything you, or they, need.....well you know.

I think that the next time out, we will have to leave one troller out of the spread. Kind of our own way of flying the "missing man" formation that the airdales do when they lose somebody.....
anyone else up for that? (the answer to that is YES, my friends....) pull them like that for 10 minutes, say a little prayer, and your done.

Rich, dont know what else to say.....

hang in there bro.

Mike

SpanishMack · Jun-16-2003, 09:48 AM

Hang in there Bro. I feel for you. The loss of a friend is a hard. Youre friend is in all of our hearts and minds. He is a hero.
Max

Rich · Jun-16-2003, 05:07 PM

thanks guys for your thoughts and words. i went into work for the first time today since the incident and it was very hard. prior to going in i had lunch at a spot alot of officers go to and i spoke with the owner about the incident. she also knew him from serving him food and she was very sorry about what happened. she offered to set aside one days profit to go to his wife and son. i mean it is so cool to see how the community responds to a trajedy. i remember sundays article in the north county times was about a media person going to the homes in the area where the suspect locked himself inside. one of the residents quoted to the media leave us alone i dont want to talk to you. do you want me to call the cops? how cool is that. it made me feel so good when the public backs us when WE are in a time of mourning. there is a fund for his wife and son being set up at washington mutual. i dont know which one specifically but i believe anyone will be able to help out.Thanks again helping me out. its good to know i have buddies out there that care.

TheShark · Jun-17-2003, 07:45 PM

Love you Richie -
hang in there man

**Mstonefish** · Jun-17-2003, 08:35 PM

I'm truly sorry to hear of your friends passing, nothing said can bring him back, but hopefully you can remember all the positive effects his life had on others, and he will live on in yours and our hearts. He is a hero, he gave his life to protect everyone else's.
Our thoughts are with his and friend's families

I sincerely hope they give the bastard that did this what he has coming, he is a lifelong punk, barely out of parole