Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We miss you, John. You were such an amazing man and law enforcement partner. We think of you often and your legacy.

Lt. Tara
FHP

June 7, 2022

Very tragic and so unnecessary. Prayers and condolences offered for his family and friends. RIP

Nancy Reynolds

March 13, 2022

Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

March 12, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Kotfila.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 12, 2020

Rest in peace ny brother. Your memory is always alive in the hearts of all your loved ones. Blessings and strength to your loving family and members of your department.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

March 12, 2019

Rest in peace ny brother. Your memory is always alive in the hearts of all your loved ones. Blessings and strength to your loving family and members of your department.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

March 12, 2019

Thinking of the Kotfila Family today, as we remember Deputy Sheriff John R. Kotfila , Jr., a True Hero. It's difficult to believe three years have gone by already. You will never be forgotten Deputy Sheriff Kotfila. Heroes Live Forever.

Caitlin
Sister of Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. E.O.W. - 05/22/16

March 12, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 30, 2018

Rest in peace Brother. Thank you for your service to your conmunity.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

March 12, 2018

You put yourself as a human shield for God's know so many people that night. You made the ultimate sacrifice sir. I salute you!

Rest in peace...

Senior Correctional Officer
Federal Bureau of Prisons

Ex-Agent
Puerto Rico Police Department, Saturacion de Carreteras Unit

Senior Officer
BOP

August 4, 2017

I believe your sister graduated from the academy today to become a deputy. This reminded me of your sacrifice. I still cry when I look at your picture. Your sister has some big shoes to fill. RIP, you will never be forgotten.

citizen
Tampa

June 30, 2017

I still remember to this day one of our last conversations we had of you trying to convince me to go to Florida and apply for Hillsborough Sheriff's and me trying to convince you to join the Air Force with me many years ago. I will always miss you my friend, you will never be forgotten.

Patrolman Bradley D. White
Westfield Police Department, MA / Friend

May 22, 2017

Today I ran a hero's 5k in your Honor Sir. YOU are not forgotten.

Det. Michele Nelson
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA

March 12, 2017

Rest in peace deputy. Thank you for your service to your community.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

March 12, 2017

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director, Florida Sheriffs Ass
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 7, 2016

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when John was killed.

To the Kotfiila family, fellow officers, and all who call John beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I know this must be a bitter blow to a family that has a tradition of law enforcement service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Kotfila gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 12, 2016.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

June 13, 2016

Rest in Peace brother.

Deputy Al Hazime
Pasco County Sheriff's Office

May 18, 2016

Rest In Peace Brother

Captain Steve Yancey
Forest Hill Police Department, TX

April 13, 2016

Rest in Peace My Brother in Blue.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be Called Sons of God."
Matthew 5:9

A/ Detective D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

April 7, 2016

Condolences to your loved ones and may God bless you Deputy, as God embraces you, your Dad loves you dearly, as this article depicts;

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/04/05/father-deputy-killed-wrong-way-crash-plays-part-arresting-wrong-way-driver-bourne/HWY5Kk74Md8A9wBUaCcWrO/story.html

As your Dad continues and has the watch!

NJD
Ret. P/O and State Inv.

April 5, 2016

God bless you my brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May His healing hand touch your family, friends, and fellow deputies. Rest easy my brother, we'll take the watch from here.

Trooper Steve Olson
Michigan State Police

April 3, 2016

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff John Kotfila. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.

Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dept., Barnwell, SC

March 30, 2016

Will miss ya buddy!! You were always calling me when you had an impaired driver for me! I'm working for you to get the drunks of the road in your memory, this craziness has got to stop! RIP BROSKI.

Deputy D. Shea
Hillsborough County Sheriff/Friend

March 25, 2016

Rest in peace deputy, your service will not be forgotten.

Investigator David Dewees
Volusia County Sheriffs Office
Florida

March 24, 2016

Deputy Kotfila, you've done something that went above and beyond and saved two innocent people from certain death. You're an amazing hero. How tragic and infuriating that you won't be able to continue your amazing work thanks to that other driver.

God Bless you and your entire family, and may your eternal rest be at peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

March 24, 2016