(The Associated Press circulated the following story by Greg Risling on February 1.)
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — More than 1,500 people paid their respects Tuesday at a memorial service for James Tutino, who was among 11 people killed in a commuter train derailment last week.
Tutino, 47, was not only a family man, he was a sheriff’s deputy respected by inmates and was revered as an assistant high school football coach, friends and family members said.
After hearing of Tutino’s death, dozens of inmates and former inmates called or wrote letters expressing their condolences, sheriff’s Sgt. Roger Ross said.
Ross, who was Tutino’s supervisor and friend, described the deputy as hardworking and respected among his peers. He had some last words for Tutino.
“Jim, take a break, get some rest and we’ll take care of things down here,” Ross said.
Authorities believe the train wreck was triggered by a suicidal man who parked his SUV on the tracks. Tutino was aboard the train, heading to work from his Simi Valley home, because he didn’t want to further strain his knee while working the clutch of his Ford Mustang.
The pews at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church were packed with family and friends and awash in a sea of green and gray – the traditional colors of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where Tutino worked for 23 years.
Affectionately known as “Jim” or “Tut,” Tutino was able to balance his work at the Men’s Central Jail and his personal life, some of which was spent coaching football players at Simi Valley High School and running in law enforcement’s annual Baker to Las Vegas run.
The church foyer was adorned with flowers, handwritten notes of appreciation to Tutino and his family, and pictures of him at work and play. One of the photos sat alone – a childhood portrait of Tutino and his two siblings.
Tony Tutino followed in his brother’s footsteps in law enforcement and is now a sheriff’s deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
“I knew my brother touched many lives but I didn’t know it was of this magnitude,” said a tearful Tony Tutino.
“Jim has ran his last race on earth. And the billy goat, as I nicknamed him, has run up his last hill. He is now with God looking down upon us … while saying to everybody, ‘Everything is OK, carry on.'”
Some of Tutino’s players at Simi Valley High School wore their football uniforms in honor of their fallen coach.
“He was a mentor to me,” said Jeremy Smith, 17, who tried to fight back tears after the service. “I’ll never forget the way he never wanted me to give up.”
Dozens of sheriff’s deputies wearing black bands over their badges stood rigid and saluted the flag-draped casket as it was carried to a waiting hearse. His casket was followed by Tutino’s wife, four grown children, his parents and his brother and sister. Tutino was buried at a nearby cemetery.
Sheriff Lee Baca said Tutino showed respect to all people.
“There are many ways to be a hero,” Baca said. “Jim showed us a way we can all respect.”