Celebration of life planned for fallen Pierce County Deputy Dom Calata

TACOMA, Wash. — A celebration of life is planned this week for fallen Pierce County Deputy Dom Calata.

The 35-year-old died from injuries he suffered in a shootout as SWAT officers tried to serve a warrant in Spanaway last week.

The suspect was killed.

A second deputy, Sergeant Rich Scaniffe, is recovering after he was shot as well.

On Saturday, hundreds of people showed their support in Tacoma at an unannounced procession for Calata when his body was escorted from St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.

A celebration of life is planned for Calata Friday at the Church for All Nations in Tacoma at 1 p.m. The service is open to the public but has very limited seating. Family, friends and first responders will have priority for seating. The general public is encouraged to attend at the satellite location: Champions Centre, 1819 E 72nd St. in Tacoma.

Calata’s fellow officers said that he was always happy and proud to have served Pierce County.

“He liked talking to people, he liked serving this community. This is where he grew up, so he wanted to stay here and serve,” said Pierce County Sgt. Darren Moss.

He served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for 6.5 years. He patrolled for the Edgewood Police Department and was a member of the SWAT team for four years.

Calata served in the U.S. Army for five years and served in the National Guard for the last seven years.

He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University.

He leaves behind a spouse and 4-year-old son.

A legacy fund has been established in Calata’s memory in partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers. All funds will go directly to the deputy’s wife and son. Donations can be made on this page.

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