Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest well my brother for your sacrifice was not in vain. As you take the watch in heaven we've got it from here. May God bless the family both physical and law enforcement with peace and comfort.

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Rev. Carlos Stapleton
Chaplain, Jackson Co. TN SO

September 22, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, friends and colleagues.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

September 22, 2013

On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Police Officer Jon Coutchie and the extended law enforcement family of the Laguna Beach, California Police Department. Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.
I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Chief Joseph Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

September 22, 2013

RIP brother Jon.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Det. Bevenour, USAF Ret.
Gettysburg Police Department

September 22, 2013

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Officer Jon Coutchie and the Laguna Beach Police Department during this time. Thank you, Officer Coutchie, for your service.

Staff
National Police Wives Association

September 22, 2013

I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization. I have given my life so that others may live in peace. I have lived my life as a dedicated member of the greatest profession. There is no greater honor.

As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.

You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE HERE ON EARTH.

Doug Gist, Captain (ret) Washoe NV. S.O.
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, Virginia City, NV.

September 22, 2013

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service to this Great Country in the US Army. My condolences to your Family and the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Sgt Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

September 22, 2013

Please pass on my condolences to his family and loved ones. It is never easy when one gives the greatest sacrifice in the line of duty. I am a retired firefighter and know the pain of loss.

Volunteer V-21
Clearlake Police Dept.

September 22, 2013

Thank you for paying the costly price of my freedom.

Dallas Area
Texas Highway Patrol

September 22, 2013

My solemn condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of PO Coutchie. No doubt clear blue skies and open road will be his reward for having made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ride on brother, ride on.

PO 947
Suffolk County PD, Highway Patrol

September 22, 2013

Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. Rest easy Officer Coutchie.

MONICO GARZA EMT-I
Salt Lake City, Utah

September 22, 2013

God Bless You Officer Jon Coutchie. Thank You for your service to your country in the U.S. Army and for your years that you patroled the streets of Laguna Beach California. God Bless your family, friends and fellow officers. I am sure your loss has left a hole in alot of people.s hearts. Rest in Peace Brother.

Ed S.
Grateful Citizen

September 22, 2013

A police officer should be remembered not by how he died, but how he lived! A great man has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family and the Laguna Beach Police Department. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace Brother.

Anonymous

September 22, 2013

I met Jon when he started motor school training with Irvine P D . My shop is 2 bay doors down from were the motors store their bikes and were they would meet every day for the days training. I build and maintain the Patrol cars for the Department so I am there every morning at 6 am. I remember that day because he was out there all ready waiting for everybody to show up. He came into my shop and introduced himself. We started talking and I found him to be friendly and an all around nice guy. Everyday he was fascinated with what ever car or project I was building. I always thought I would run into Jon again someday because my wife and I frequent our favorite restaurant in Laguna Beach. I am still in shock by the news, it hit hard because I have a lot of friends in the department I work for and my brother is a LA County Sheriff. My prayers go out to his family and friends in there time of sorrow. I wish to extend to them my deepest condolences.

David Puetz Vehicle Installation Tech
Irvine Police Department

September 22, 2013

This poem was written after getting my wife’s 19 years perspective of being a police officer’s wife.


“He Does it For You!”

He doesn’t do it for the money,
Cause surely there’s something better to do,
He says, “Someone has to do it!”
So really, he does it for you.

His eight to twelve hours is from call to call,
From a murder to a cat in a tree,
You say he’s never around when you really need him,
But without him, where would you be?

You curse him when you get a speeding ticket,
And scream there’s something better he could do,
But have you looked at how many deaths there are on the highways,
So really, he’s doing it for you.

He’s always seeing so much bad in the world,
He really doesn’t know what to do,
He wonders sometimes if it’s even worth it,
But he knows he has to do it for you.

Each day when he leaves for work,
And I always kiss him good-bye,
I don’t know if I’ll see him again,
Cause the day might be the day he dies.

So many times he comes home from work,
And I see a small tear in his eyes,
I ask him what is the problem dear?
And he says another innocent person has died.

You always say a cop isn’t human,
Cause at a tragedy he’s cool from the start,
But you don’t have to live with him,
And watch his mind and heart break apart.

I remember one hot June night at work,
His supervisor came, “Your husband’s been hurt!”, he said,
It was such a long ride to the hospital,
They wouldn’t say if he was alive or dead.

Crime is always on the increase,
The streets a battle ground,
And when one in “Blue” is slain,
At the funeral-taps will sound.

He’ll lay in a flagged draped coffin,
An honor for those who die for this land,
Just like the Army, Navy and Marines,
He died by the enemies hands.

Most ordinary citizens won’t be at the funeral,
But you’ll see plenty of people wearing blue,
You’ll see dozens of marked patrol cars,
Honoring the one who died for you.


Written by David L Bell Copyright © 1991
Retired Deputy Sheriff after over 38 years
Richland County Sheriff’s Dept
Columbia, SC

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept. Columbia, SC

September 22, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 22, 2013

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
This may be re-posted in the Honor of his death and the death of any Law Enforcement Officer!

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept. Columbia, SC

September 22, 2013

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“ uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place. As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say its ok you’re with your eternal partners. A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.

A brother law enforcement officer
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Ret.) LAPD (Ret.)
Jerome County, Idaho (Ret.)

September 22, 2013

May the good lord welcome you with open arms, for you have done your job well.

Reserve Deputy Douglas J. Maykowski
Macomb County Sheriff Mt. Clemens Michigan

September 22, 2013

May God give comfort to your family, friends, and fellow law enforcement men and women and may you rest in peace.

Jan Taylor, Det, Retired
Dallas P. D.

September 22, 2013

Thank you Officer Coutchie for your years of hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of Caifornia. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever, rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

September 22, 2013

RIP Brother, Prayers are with your family & Friends.

Sgt. Chris L. Corteville (Ret)
Berrien County Sheriff, St Joseph, Michigan

September 22, 2013

RIP Officer Coutchie

Resident of Malden, MA

September 22, 2013

My prayers go out to you and yours. We fight not because we hate what is in front of us but because we love what is behind us. Walk your beat in Heaven my brother. We have you covered here.

BPA Carr, Jason S
US Border Patrol

September 22, 2013

Thank you for your time of service. I salute you and your family.

Randalyn Benson
Survivor Daughter of Chief James Leonard Speer

September 22, 2013