Fund created for family of Pierce County deputy killed during SWAT operation
A legacy fund has been established to help the family of Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputy Dominique Calata and honor his memory, the sheriff’s department announced Thursday.
Calata, 35, was shot Tuesday during a SWAT operation in Spanaway. He died from his injuries Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, leaving behind a wife and 4-year-old child.
All flags in Pierce County were ordered on Thursday to be flown at half-mast until further notice, County Executive Bruce Dammeier announced. He urged residents to “reflect on his tragic sacrifice.”
Deputy Jeff Papen said the legacy fund will help give Calata’s family the ability to focus on themselves as they mourn their loss and begin to face life without their loved one.
“We understand the risks that come with this job, and we know there are no guarantees,” Papen said. “That’s a difficult reality to face. And these legacy funds provide an opportunity for people in the community or people who have a heart for this situation and these families to assist them.”
The legacy fund was established in partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers, and 100 percent of the funds will go to Calata’s wife and son. People interested in donating can find the fund on PayPal.
Calata was with the Sheriff’s Department for 6-1/2 years. He was also in the National Guard. Before his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he served five years in the U.S. Army. Calata was a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University.
This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 1:06 PM.
