Aliceville Honors Memory Of TPD Officer Killed In Line Of Duty

ALICEVILLE, AL. — A couple dozen blue and white balloons were released by family and friends of Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator Dornell Cousette on Wednesday in Aliceville as his hometown ensured the fallen officer's legacy will be preserved for generations to come.

Sept. 16 marked the one-year anniversary of Cousette being killed in the line of duty, but numerous efforts have been made to honor his memory. The latest of these gestures came in the form of Cousette's hometown of Aliceville, in Pickens County, renaming a street to now be called Investigator Dornell Cousette Street. The new sign, located at an intersection on Fifth Street Southwest, also features the date of his death and a Tuscaloosa Police Department badge.

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Cousette, a 13-year TPD veteran, was killed after exchanging gunfire with a suspect the night of Sept. 16, 2019, as he attempted to carry out an arrest warrant. Apart from his public service, though, he was a father of two daughters and engaged to be married.

"It's an extension of who he was and shows us that a cousin of ours could be remembered in so many ways, like a president would," said Londrae Cousette, a cousin of the late investigator, in an interview with Patch. "It shows that somebody from a small town can really command and show so much respect. I feel that police officers are ordained by God, it's what I feel, to create peace in a chaotic world. He loved what he did and we loved him."

Londrae reflected fondly on memories of his cousin, who was a star running back at Aliceville High School and also a man who placed a great deal of importance on family.

"When we see that sign, it’s going to bring up memories," he said. "We always played softball every Sunday at the park and we’ll remember those times and laugh. The thing about him is —what he’s advertised as — he was. He was the person everybody says he is. There’s nothing you’ll find that will deter you from that. Dornell was a great person and really stood for a lot. He’s an angel now."

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Dornell's aunt Ruthy Cousette fought through tears and grief as she told of the pain felt by their family in the wake of the loss, while an uncle, Jack Cousette, also praised the support received from those in the community and in Tuscaloosa.

"Yes, it's hard for me, but I still see Dornell when I close my eyes," Ruthy said. "It's hard for me to talk and sleep. I still see Dornell. The last time he came to the house, I still see him and I know Dornell would want to come back here, but he’s in a better place and I know that, and it still hurts. I miss him. We all miss him.

Ruthy then said at family gatherings, the attitude is normally to avoid talking about their lost loved one, due to the heartbreak it brings to the surface that is still fresh a little more than a year later.

"It hurts too bad," she said. "It hurts all of us to talk about him."

TPD spokesperson Stephanie Taylor told Patch that Cousette meant a great deal to many people, not just those at the department who knew him and loved him.

"Because of what happened, so many people now know the things he did quietly to serve the people of Tuscaloosa and of Pickens County," she said. "Honoring him and his family by naming the street after him will be a reminder to people who pass every day what it means to be a true public servant and to live your life in the service of others."

Apart from his works in law enforcement, Cousette was also well-known for his work with area youth and for his kind demeanor when dealing with the public.

Tuscaloosa Police Department Deputy Chief of Community Policing Sebo Sanders spoke on behalf of Mayor Walt Maddox, who was unable to attend the dedication event, and reflected on the support the department received following Cousette's death. He then provided an example by recalling citizens lining the street during Cousette's funeral procession.

"It touched our hearts to know that we were not alone," he said.

Sanders went on to say every officer knows the dangers that come with the job and kiss their loved ones goodbye before every shift knowing it may be the last time they do so. He also thanked Cousette's family for allowing him to serve, saying it "takes a special person to loan your family to serve the community."

"As time and distance grows from Officer Cousette's passing, we must endeavor to promote and preserve his legacy," Sanders said.

While the city of Aliceville is the latest to honor Cousette, Patch previously reported that the city of Tuscaloosa renamed a portion of 35th Street that runs from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Greensboro Avenue for the officer — a route that will be taken by many TPD officers once they move back to the department's former headquarters.

"To the people of Aliceville, with this street renaming, you are ensuring that Investigator Cousette’s legacy lives," Sanders said. "Forevermore, this will serve to memorialize his courage and his conviction to serve something greater than ourselves."