New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“It is with great sadness that the Massachusetts State Police today learned of the tragic death of Hillsborough County, Fla., Deputy Sheriff John R. Kotfila Jr., the son of MSP Sergeant John R. Kotfila.
“Deputy Kotfila, 30, was killed early this morning in the line of duty when his cruiser was struck by a wrong-way driver on the Selmon Expressway in Tampa. Shortly before his cruiser was struck, the deputy had left Tampa General Hospital, where he had responded to gather information pertaining to a motor vehicle crash he was investigating. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
“Sergeant Kotfila, the Deputy’s father, is a veteran member of the Massachusetts State Police currently assigned to the Bourne Barracks. He is a highly-respected member of the law enforcement community. Our prayers tonight are with him, his wife, and their two surviving children — one of whom is a Falmouth Police officer. It is clear that Sergeant Kotfila instilled in his children the same sense of duty, dedication, and service to others that he himself has embraced throughout his career.
“Tonight, with heavy hearts, we grieve the loss of a hero who was a member of our extended Massachusetts State Family. May God Bless him and the loved ones he leaves behind.”
