Fallen Falmouth Native Remembered as "Selfless" Hero

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FALMOUTH – A sea of blue lined Main St. in Falmouth Wednesday as hundreds of law enforcement officers gathered to honor the life of John R. Kotfila Jr., the Florida deputy sheriff and Falmouth native who died on March 12 in the line of duty.

Officers from across Cape Cod, Massachusetts and the country stood at somber attention as Kotfila’s flag-draped casket slowly proceeded down Main St. and into St. Patrick’s Church.

Kotfila’s father, John Sr. is a sergeant in the Massachusetts State police and his brother, Michael Kotfila, is an officer on the Falmouth Police Department.

Delivering the homily, State Police Chaplain Father William Hamilton said that sometimes death comes when someone’s life is “scarcely halfway through.”

He praised Kotfila for “selfless dedication” and “selfless acts of love.”

The deputy sheriff was killed when his cruiser was struck on a Florida highway head-on. A witness has said Kotfila drove his cruiser into the path of the wrong-way driver to save another motorist.

Falmouth Police Chief Edward Dunne praised Kotfila for his service and his family’s dedication to law enforcement. Prior to joining the State Police, his father, John Sr., was a member of the Falmouth Police Department.

“John Robert made the ultimate sacrifice…this comes as no surprise to people who know the Kotfila family,” said Dunne.

Following burial services at the cemetery, John Kotfila Sr., spoke emotionally about his son.

“He was a very caring, compassionate kid. He’s always going to be my kid. Always giving to other people, always helping people out, which is probably why he got into the profession he did,” said Kotfila.

FALMOUTH — 032316 — Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff John R. Kotfila Jr.’s casket is led out of Saint Patrick’s Church followed by his family after Wednesday’s funeral Mass.
A funeral Mass was held for Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff John R. Kotfila Jr. Wednesday. The Mass was held at Saint Patrick’s Church in Falmouth. Kotfila was killed March 12 when his vehicle collided with a wrong-way driver near Tampa, Florida. Pool Photo/Merrily Cassidy

“There are no words to express the sorrow that we feel from losing our son, brother, grandson and colleague,” Kotfila said.

During a tear-filled eulogy, Katie Kotfila talked about her older brother, saying people were constantly asking what she needed and how they could help. Her response, an emotional, “I need my brother back.”

She said her brother was always ready to help anyone in need. “He had this way where you didn’t even need to ask. He was already there doing what you needed, helping you when you really needed help.”

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Gary Herman Jr. said Kotfila was dedicated to the profession.

“He just endeared himself to everyone and before you knew it, he was part of your life.” Herman said Kotfila was one of those guys who was always there when you needed him, with no questions asked and no expectations.

Kotfila’s family, his colleagues from the Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff’s Department, members of the Massachusetts State Police and Cape Cod police departments sat in pews and filled the aisles inside the church.

Major Rob Bullara with the Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff’s Department had Kotfila under his command for 15 months. “A good troop, excellent law enforcement officer who served his community very well,” Bullara said.

During eulogies delivered in the church, Kotfila’s uncle, Bobby Cahoon, also a member of law enforcement, wondered why his nephew’s life was cut so short.

“I think heaven needed another angel to look over us. So I say to you John Robert, you continue to walk that thin blue, and save me a spot, because when I get there I’ll be proud to walk right beside you,” said Cahoon.

During burial services at the cemetery, a cruiser from every Cape Cod police department and vehicles representing the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department and State Police took part in a procession by Kotfila’s gravesite. The ceremony also included a gun salute, the playing of Taps and Amazing Grace, and a flyover by three State Police helicopters.

By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.Com News Director