Tuscaloosa Police Renames Street to Honor Fallen Officer Dornell Cousette

The Tuscaloosa Police Department honored Investigator Dornell Cousette, an officer killed in the line of duty in September 2019, with a public street renaming ceremony Friday morning.

"I don't think any of us are going to forget that day, those that were working hear when it happened," said Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley. "It's very clear with the amount of ceremonies that the public hasn't forgotten that either."

The renamed portion of 35th Street is officially named "Investigator Dornell Cousette Street." The street intersects with Trevor Phillips Avenue, similarly renamed to honor another Tuscaloosa Police Officer who was killed in a funeral escort in 2011.

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The two streets are positioned near the TPD Headquarters on Kauloosa Avenue, and most of the officers drive past the street signs every day.

"The point of that sign is that he lives on forever with his department and within this community," Blankley said.

City leaders including Mayor Walt Maddox and several Tuscaloosa City Council members were in attendance.

"Investigator Cousette was a friend... He died doing what he believed would make Tuscaloosa a better city, and for that reason we'll never forget him," said District 2 Councilwoman Raevan Howard.

"September 16, 2019 was a devastating day for the City of Tuscaloosa, and the Tuscaloosa Police Department Family," said Deputy Chief Sebo Sanders.

Sanders presented members of Cousette's two daughters, Lydia and Sylvia, with Law Enforcement Medals of Honor, the highest accolade receivable.

"Losing an officer in the line of duty is something that no community should ever have to experience," Mayor Maddox said. "For all of us, that day was a seminal moment. For me, it reminded me how fragile that line is between calm and chaos. And standing in that gap is the men and women of the Tuscaloosa Police Department."