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Family still copes with officer's death
One year later: Park, fund named in honor of slain policeman
Karen Imamura, Spartan Daily Writer
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Monday Oct. 28 marked the one-year anniversary of Fontana's death.
Fontana was cornered and shot after stopping a car on a quiet cul-de-sac in Lake Almaden, according to San Jose Mercury News article and the Officer Jeffrey Fontana Memorial Web site.
"The officers are still reluctant to talk about it," said Sgt. Steve Dixon of the San Jose police department. "They're still having a hard time dealing with it themselves."
A ceremony was held in honor of Jeffrey Fontana by the San Jose police department Monday.
Fontana's mother said she is trying to take it one day at a time.
"I still have a huge void," said Sandy Fontana, who said she has bouts of depression. "It has been difficult, and I don't see it getting any better. Some days are worse than others."
The Jeffrey Fontana Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was established last year, has seen a decline in the number of donations, said Kris Ellithorpe, the administration support coordinator who handles the fund. The Scholarship Fund is awarded to San Jose State University students who are majoring in administration of justice and are intent on joining the police force.
"'We've had one huge deposit recently, and the first recipient was awarded at a graduation ceremony last year," she said.
Sandy Fontana was notified yesterday that Steve Mariucci, the head coach of the San Francisco 49'ers, would be making a $10,000 donation to the fund. The money was raised at his annual bocce ball tournament that took place in June.
A second printing of a memorial T-shirt with Jeffrey's badge is also in the works if there is enough interest. The money from the sale will go toward the fund.
The Fontanas, who personally write thank you notes to all of those who contribute, appreciate all of the community support that they have received in the last year.
During a candlelight vigil Monday at the Almaden Valley park that was named after Jeffrey Fontana, the Fontanas walked with friends and family from the park to the place were Jeffrey was killed. Neighbors who live in the area presented the Fontana family with an etching of the memorial plaque that lies in the spot where he was killed. It was signed by everyone in Jeffrey's academy class and the neighbors.
"It was a time for friends and family to be together and rejoice in the fact that he was such a great person," said Greg Fontana, Jeffrey's younger brother.
Coming from a close family, Greg said he finds it hard to return home every day and not have Jeffrey around.
"It shouldn't have happened. It could have been avoided," he said.
Memories of Jeffrey are what Sandy cherishes now.
"There are lots of memories, lots of things that make me smile," she said, recalling a little league game her son worked. "The play was made to first base and Jeffrey, who was umpiring, called Gregory out in an effort to remain unbiased."
The trial of shooting suspect DeShawn Campbell, who has pleaded not guilty to capital murder in the Fontana case, is scheduled for Sept. 2003, according to an article that came out in the Mercury News in May.
Sandy hopes for justice.
"Jeff can never be replaced. Honestly I'm not sure that we will see justice. Our judicial process is so long there are are years of appeal," she said.
Interest in the Jeffrey Fontana memorial T-shirt may be directed to (408) 562-4908.
Donations may be sent to: San Jose State University Foundation, Jeffrey Fontana Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Administration of Justice Department, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0050
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