ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – It’s been nearly two years since the murder of Rosario Zito, the beloved owner of Giovanni’s Pizza in Albuquerque. 

Police say a man shot and killed him during a robbery at the store. On Friday, his employees he left behind are honoring first responders.

Albuquerque police and firefighters can show up in uniform, and detectives can show their badges for a free pizza.

Zito’s family says this is their way of saying thank you. 

“Rosario was always big on brining in all of the police department and first responders,” said Harold Sammon, Giovanni’s store manager. “We thought it was a good way to remember him and do a memorial. Last year we were closed, and it was kind of sad, but this year we want to make pizzas and do what we usually do and be an inspiration like Ros was to us all.” 

The suspect accused of killing Zito, Sylvan Alcachupas, is going on trial next month.