Deputy Sheriff John J. "Sonny" Kuhar, Jr., Cambria County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania

Deputy Sheriff John J. "Sonny" Kuhar, Jr.

Cambria County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, November 28, 2020

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John J. "Sonny" Kuhar, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Sonny Kuhar died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty at the Cambria County Human Services and 911 building in Ebensburg.

Deputy Kuhar had served in law enforcement for 60 years, starting in 1960. Prior to joining the Cambria County Sheriff's Office in the 1980s he had served with the Vintondale Borough Police Department, Nanty Glo Borough Police Department, and Blacklick Township Police Department. He is survived by his wife, four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

Age 79
Tour 60 years
Badge 13

Incident Details

Cause COVID19
Incident Date Not available

communicable disease, COVID-19

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Kuhar,
On today, the 5th anniversary of your death I would just like t say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cambria County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 28, 2025