Fundraiser Planned for Laguna Police Memorial

A memorial to honor the the two Laguna Beach police officers killed in the line of duty is in the works, but the community's support is needed to help generate the money to build it.

The Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association, along with the help of the Laguna Beach Firefighter Association, City Arts Commission and residents, is trying to raise $40,000 to get a permanent monument installed in front of the Laguna Beach Police Department to honor Police Officer Gordon French and Motor Officer Jon Coutchie.

"As the healing process has progressed, there has been tremendous support for a memorial for Officer French and Coutchie and a place to reflect on the sacrifice our Police Department members make each day for this town," Larry Bammer, president of the Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association, said in a released statement. 

Coutchie, 42, died on Sept. 21 in a traffic accident on Coast Highway when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck. It was the first line-of-duty death of an LBPD officer since 1953 when French was killed in a fatal shooting.

The police memorial fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Allesandro and Mare Culinary Lounge, 696 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Tickets for the silent auction and dinner are being sold for $75 and can be purchased at lbpoliceofficermemorialfundraiser.eventbrite.com. 

Anyone who is unable to attend the event, can send donations to the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1628, Laguna Beach, 92652. Checks can be made to “LBCF-LB Police Officer Memorial Artwork Fund.”

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