TPD Posthumously Promotes Pair Of Officers Killed In The Line Of Duty

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Police Department on Friday honored the lives and legacies of two fallen officers by posthumously promoting Investigator Dornell Cousette and Motorman Trevor Phillips to the rank of sergeant.

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Department leaders said the promotions recognized not only the men’s service, but the lasting impact they had on those around them.

Acting Chief Sebo Sanders, speaking on his final day in the role, called Cousette and Phillips “two of the greatest men” he had encountered in his career and said it was an honor to recognize them.

“When God made good men, He made those two,” Sanders said, recalling both officers as dedicated public servants and valued friends.

Sanders shared personal memories of both men, describing Phillips as a steady presence and natural leader, even in high-pressure moments, and Cousette as deeply committed to his community — particularly its youth.

"I can remember times when we played basketball together," Sanders said. "We’d go out of town and play in tournaments. We’d get upset, and Trevor was one that kept it together. We’d talk a few seconds after the game, and he’d be upset because we were about to lose. We argued among each other. Trevor would come back and say, 'Hey, look, we ain’t got much time. We’ve got to come up with a game plan.' And what happened? We came up with a game plan — we won."

Cousette was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant in 2019, while Phillips lost his life in a motorcycle accident while escorting a funeral procession in 2011.

Both fallen officers have since had streets near the TPD headquarters renamed in their honor.

"I’ve got many stories about Dornell," Sanders said. "But one of the things I can tell you about Dornell is that he cared about his community — the youth in his community — and it was an honor to work beside him as well. He loved his family. We all loved his family."

TPD Assistant Chief Stephen Rice echoed those sentiments, highlighting Phillips’ determination and spirit, recalling how he once ran a half marathon immediately after working an overnight shift.

This provided an example, Rice said, of his passion and commitment.

Rice also described Cousette as an investigator whose work ethic stood out among his peers, someone who could always be counted on to complete any task without hesitation.

“The irony of them getting promoted today is they probably would have never gotten promoted because they were so dedicated and loved the job they were doing,” Rice said. “We probably would have had to make them take the promotion.”

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Michael Baygents reflected on the personal loss felt across the department, describing both men as consistently positive influences who lifted others simply by their presence.

“I never saw them upset,” Baygents said. “Our community is a little bit weaker for not having them. These men were heroes."

Family members of Cousette and Phillips were present for the ceremony, accepting the promotions on their behalf as colleagues expressed gratitude for the officers’ service and sacrifice.

"I was just honored to be friends and coworkers with these two and to come here to honor them today," Sanders said. "It’s probably one of the greatest jobs I’ve ever had to do."

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