by: Crystal Haynes Updated: Mar 20, 2016 - 11:24 PM

FALMOUTH, Mass. —

A police escort home today from Logan Airport for a deputy sheriff killed in the line of duty.

The streets from Boston to Falmouth were lined with people paying respect for John Kotfila Jr.

"It's just tough. It hits home,” Deputy Bourne Fire Chief David Pelonzi said.

Flanked by the Mass State Police, Hillsborough County Sheriffs, and Barnstable and Falmouth Police Kotfila was escorted home for the last time.

The 30-year-old Falmouth native was killed protecting another vehicle in a head-on collision with a wrong way driver near Tampa, Florida on March 12.

"From the Bourne rotary to the town of Falmouth here, just thousands of people coming out to honor this hero,” Falmouth Police Chief Ed Dunne said.

Kotfila had been with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida for the last six years.

"Our duty is to go and show our respect for the people that put their life on the line. And i just wanted to pay my respects,” Jeremy Sullivan, a member of the U.S. Air Force, said.

Kotfila came from a family of Bay State law enforcement officers. His father is a Mass State Police sergeant and former Falmouth Police Officer, one of his brothers is currently a Falmouth police officer.

Dunne said the Kotfila family was overwhelmed by the support they saw during the procession.

"It was beyond words. It really was. They never expected this. They greatly appreciate it,” he said.

A wake for Kotfila is scheduled for Tuesday at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Falmouth.

The funeral mass with full ceremonial honors is scheduled for Wednesday at St. Patrick's Church in Falmouth.