Fundraiser to honor fallen Laguna officer on Sunday

Laguna Beach police officer Jon Coutchie, who died in the line of duty two years ago, will be honored Sunday with a celebration fundraiser to benefit homeless, runaways and at-risk youths.

The memorial fundraiser will bring Orange County law enforcement, firefighters and the community together in a Halloween-themed event in celebration of Coutchie’s favorite holiday.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume, and prizes will be awarded for creativity.

Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen will speak at noon, followed by live music, face painting, food, wine tastings and a live demonstration of how to make pasta from scratch by chef Alessandro Pirozzi of Pirozzi Corona del Mar.

Silent and live auctions will feature items such as a Mike Trout autographed jersey, tickets to the Angels-Mariners game on Sept. 25 and eight autographed baseballs from the New York Yankees.

Merchandise sales from the event will benefit the Laguna Beach Police Department Honor Guard and the city’s youth shelter.

Coutchie was 41 when he died Sept. 21, 2013, while responding to a call of a speeding motorist. His is the department’s first on-duty death since 1953.

The celebration fundraiser is being held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Admission is $5; children age 12 and under are admitted for free.

For more information, visit cspinc.org

—Kathleen Luppi