Golf tournament honors memory of hero deputy

CARROLLWOOD (FOX 13) - More than 100 golfers are on the green at Carrollwood Country Club this afternoon, golfing for a good cause. 

The Mark Tucker Foundation is hosting a golf tournament in memory of Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy John Kotfila Jr.   He was killed in a crash on the Selmon Expressway in March of this year after intentionally crashing his car into a wrong way driver, saving the life of another driver.

His father, a sergeant with the Massachusetts State Police, attended today's event and says the outpouring of support for his son is incredible.

"One of the things you worry about is, will people remember your son. And you know, unfortunately, I've been involved in too many of these things for people I've known.  Obviously this one hits a little too close to home," offered John Robert Kotfila Sr.  "You want people to remember him and all the good things he did in his 30 short years on this earth."

The money raised at today's tournament will help pay for a new dog park and memorial near the Selmon Expressway and Twiggs Street.  Any money left over will be donated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.