Harris: Coutchie's "Whole Life Exemplified Service to His City"

The state's top law enforcement official today saluted Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie during a memorial service for the city's first officer to die in the line of duty in 60 years.

"Officer Coutchie's whole life exemplified service to his city, to his community and to his family," Attorney General Kamala Harris said at the memorial service at Mariner's Church in Irvine.

"He was a devoted son and brother, and he was a committed public servant serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and then as a police officer," Harris said. "To John's family and to the Laguna Beach family, I extend my deepest condolences."

After the service, Coutchie's body will be flown to Yuma, Ariz., where he will be laid to rest next to his grandfather. A Laguna Beach resident who asked to remain anonymous donated the services of a private jet to transport the body.

Laguna Beach city employees plan to drive to Yuma Saturday to attend Sunday's graveside service.

Donations are being sought to help defray funeral expenses for the family, according to Kimberly Edds of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, which is collecting money on behalf of the Laguna Beach Police Employees Association.

Donations can be made through the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs Memorial Fund. Checks may be made payable to AOCDS Memorial Fund, 1314 W. Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Ana, CA, 92703. Coutchie should be written in the memo part of the check. Online donations may be made through aocds.org.

-- City News Service