Fallen WA state trooper’s memorial service to be held Saturday in Tacoma
A memorial is scheduled Saturday in Tacoma for Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was killed on duty while responding to a crash last week.
WSP is hosting the memorial, which will honor Guting’s life and service, at 1 p.m. at Life Center Central Campus on South Union Avenue, according to a news release from the agency.
The release said WSP is working with Guting’s family to create the memorial. The service is expected to be an intimate, family-focused event with law enforcement honors.
“Saturday’s service will not include a law enforcement processional, and will have a focus on being surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues,” the release said.
The service will be live-streamed as space is expected to be limited, according to the news release. Links for the live stream are available before the service.
“The family wishes to thank the public for the many condolences received and the widespread outpouring of support,” the release said.
Guting was standing outside her patrol car on southbound state Route 509 while responding to a crash when a vehicle struck her. The driver of that vehicle reportedly remained at the scene and was not arrested.
While Guting laid motionless on the ground, a second vehicle driving by struck her and continued driving. The vehicle was described to be a dark-colored pickup truck, according to Tacoma police.
Police found the alleged second vehicle and had it impounded this week. The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the crash.
Guting, 29, joined the State Patrol in 2024 and was assigned to District 1 in the Tacoma area.
