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Long procession escorts remains of fallen Pierce County deputy to celebration of life

By The News Tribune

Law enforcement officers, members of the military and emergency-services workers from across the United States and Canada gathered Friday to escort the remains Dom Calata and his family to a celebration of life for the fallen Pierce County sheriff’s deputy.

With emergency lights flashing, the long procession left the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup and streamed along 112th Street East to the Church For All Nations in Parkland.

Boy Scout Thomas Faria, 10, with Troop DXVI holds an American flag in honor of deputy Dom Calata as Calata’s hearse passes by during the procession to his celebration of life at the Church for All Nations in Tacoma on Friday, March 25, 2022. Calata was killed in the line of duty during a SWAT operation on March 15, 2022.
Boy Scout Thomas Faria, 10, with Troop DXVI holds an American flag in honor of deputy Dom Calata as Calata’s hearse passes by during the procession to his celebration of life at the Church for All Nations in Tacoma on Friday, March 25, 2022. Calata was killed in the line of duty during a SWAT operation on March 15, 2022. Cheyenne Boone cboone@thenewstribune.com

Vehicles in the procession activated their emergency lights. An officer led a riderless horse, and white-gloved sheriff’s deputies walked alongside the hearse carrying Calata’s body when it arrived at the church.

People lined the route, hold American flags and signs with words of appreciation, including, “I back the blue” and “Thank you.”

A mounted patrol horse passes by with Deputy Dominique Calata’s name displayed on its saddle cloth, as part of the procession in honor of Deputy Calata outside of the Church for All Nations in Tacoma, Wash. on Friday, March 25, 2022. Deputy Calata was killed in the line of duty during a SWAT operation on March 15, 2022.
A mounted patrol horse passes by with Deputy Dominique Calata’s name displayed on its saddle cloth, as part of the procession in honor of Deputy Calata outside of the Church for All Nations in Tacoma, Wash. on Friday, March 25, 2022. Deputy Calata was killed in the line of duty during a SWAT operation on March 15, 2022. Cheyenne Boone cboone@thenewstribune.com

Tacoma resident Denise Gallion was among them.

“I came out here today because I think it’s really important for the community to show our love and appreciation and respect for any officer, and especially one who’s given the ultimate sacrifice,” Gallion said.

This story was originally published March 25, 2022 at 3:21 PM.

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