Retired Alexandria Police Chief Daren Elise Coutee

In Loving Memory of Daren Elise Coutee

Daren Elise Coutee, 82, of Pineville, Louisiana, transitioned from this earthly life on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at his residence.

Born on January 22, 1944, Mr. Coutee devoted much of his life to public service, law enforcement, education, and his country. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 until 1968, where his duties included machinist work and supervising engine room operations and repairs aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer.

Following his military service, Mr. Coutee began a distinguished career with the Alexandria Police Department in March 1969. During his years with the department, he served as a line patrol officer and spent approximately 13 years as an investigator in the Detective Division. His responsibilities included supervisory assignments with the joint city/parish narcotics team, Homicide Division, and Burglary/Theft Division.

His commitment to law enforcement extended beyond active police work. Mr. Coutee later served as an investigator in criminal defense work and as an Investigator for Criminal Prosecution with the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. He also shared his knowledge and experience with future generations of law enforcement professionals, serving as a teacher in the Louisiana College Law Enforcement Program and as an instructor at the Alexandria Police Academy.

Mr. Coutee’s career was marked by a historic achievement when he became the first African American Police Chief to serve the Alexandria Police Department, serving as Chief of Police from January 23, 2004, until January 24, 2010. His leadership represented an important milestone in the history of law enforcement in Alexandria and remains a meaningful part of his legacy.

A graduate of Peabody High School, Class of 1962, Mr. Coutee continued his education at Louisiana College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement, and later at Northeast Louisiana University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. His professional development also included studies at LSU’s Traffic Management Institute and graduation from the FBI Academy in 1982.

He leaves his children, grandchildren, extended family members, former colleagues, friends, and a grateful community to cherish his memory and honor his many years of dedicated service.

Mass of Christian Burial

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 423 Highway 495, Cloutierville, Louisiana 71416.

Public viewing and visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow immediately in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery.

The family will also receive guests for a Public Viewing & Visitation on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Zion Hill Church Family, 312 Hunter Street, Pineville, Louisiana 71360.

In Lieu of Flowers

The family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 423 Highway 495, Cloutierville, LA 71416, or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2063 John H. King Service Road, Pineville, LA 71360.