Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A pure and absolute sacrifice without hesitation. My prayers are with your family.

Stacey Andrews, Investigator
State of Missouri

March 16, 2016

Rest In Peace.......

John Ruth, AEMD Comm. Specialist
LLEMS, Richardson TX

March 16, 2016

You are truly a hero. God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

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

March 15, 2016

Rest In Peace brother! Thank you for your service to the citizens of Hillsborough County. Your legacy and memory will continue to live on!

Firefighter/EMT
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

March 15, 2016

Rest in peace brother.

Officer Kyle Groose
Laramie PD, WY

March 15, 2016

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service and dedication.

Cpl. M. Davis #2614
Prince George's County Police

March 15, 2016

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Sgt E. Kemmer
Nevada Highway Patrol

March 15, 2016

Thank you for your incredible show of heroism, and the selfless service to the driver you protected and your community. Thank you from a brother in service, and a fellow classmate while at Westfield State College. Rest easy now- we'll take it from here.

Warden Nathan Cristofori
Department of Marine & Environmental Affairs
Plymouth, MA

March 15, 2016

Deputy Kotfila's actions that day took his life, but what he did saved the life of a fellow citizen, and as such, he represents why WE in Law Enforcement put on the uniform each and every day to SERVE and PROTECT. He is a true HERO and is now in a better place. RIP

Mstr. Cpl. Lee Garfield
HCSO

March 15, 2016

A selfless hero. You will always be remembered brother!

Officer Andrew Seligman
Tampa Police Department

March 15, 2016

R.I.P. BROTHER Kotfila!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

March 15, 2016

Our prayers to Officer Kotfila's Family at his loss and may he be blessed for his service to his Department and City.
R.I.P Sir!

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic & Escort Unit

March 15, 2016

Thank you for your sacrifice, brother. Rest easy, we'll take it from here.

PPO I Samantha James
Oklahoma Department of Corrections

March 15, 2016

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff John Kotfila during this very difficult time. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and support from those around you. May God help heal your aching hearts. Rest in peace, Deputy Sheriff John Kotfila.

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04

March 15, 2016

My parents live in Florida and they told me what really happened here. It was on the news. Apparently this courageous brother in blue was following another vehicle up the on ramp, when he observes the wrong way driver heading at her. He accelerated his cruiser to get in front of The vehicle In front of him, and he took the impact. He heroically gave his life to save the unknown motorist in front of him. The ultimate sacrifice to lay down your life for another. May you rest in peace!

Montgomery IL PO Christopher Kudla
Montgomery IL

March 14, 2016

May you Rest In Peace, Officer Kotfila. Praying that God watches over your family, friends and your brothers and sisters in blue during this difficult time.

DMER

March 14, 2016

To the family and friends of Deputy Kotfila, Jr.,

My agency; my family, and my church are all lifting you up in prayer during this difficult time. Thank you for raising; teaching, loving and supporting a man of such influence and service. He will be greatly missed.

Special Agent Ryan Bailey
Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement

March 14, 2016

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. REST IN PEACE.

POLICE OFFICER
NAPERVILLE IL POLICE DEPT

March 14, 2016

John was a coworker and a friend. I have since moved on from HCSO, but when I heard the news I was in disbelief. I still kept in contact and it's crazy to think ill never talk to him again. He was the nicest and selfless person and would do anything you. I pray for his family and my family at HSCO. I will miss you and please watch over everyone in blue.

Officer Tapper
Former HCSO, current Rosemount PD

March 14, 2016

My condolences to Deputy Kotfila's family and friends, as well as his brothers and sisters with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. RIP brother.

Chief Deputy Steve Bennett
Iowa County Sheriff's Office

March 14, 2016

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Police Department

March 14, 2016

I read that a nearby driver said that Deputy Kotfila intentionally put his cruiser between that driver and the wrong-way driver, thus saving her life.

I never met this man, nor was I on the road that night, but I sit here in tears, as I am sure he would've done the same for me had I been there.

May God Bless You, Deputy, and may He hold your loved ones close.

James (not LEO)

March 14, 2016

God Bless !!!

Officer Esteban Morua, Jr.
Miami-Dade Police

March 14, 2016

God bless!!!

Officer Esteban Morua, Jr.
Miami-Dade Police

March 14, 2016

Rest in eternal peace, brother, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.

Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Prison System

March 14, 2016