Temporary Marker Sits at Proposed Police Memorial Site

A temporary memorial bearing the photo of fallen Motor Officer Jon Coutchie now sits in front of the Laguna Beach Police Department, marking the spot where a permanent monument is being planned.

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

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.

A police memorial fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27 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 $100 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/lb-police-officer-memorial-artwork-fundraiser-tickets. 

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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