Legacy Fund To Benefit Family Of Fallen Pierce County Deputy

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has set up a legacy fund to benefit the family of Deputy Dominique "Dom" Calata, who passed away Wednesday from injuries he received in the line of duty earlier this week.

The Sheriff's Department says it teamed up with Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers to organize the fund, which will give 100 percent of proceeds raised directly to Deputy Calata's wife and his young son.

>> View the Dom Calata Legacy Fund.

Calata and another officer, Sergeant Rich Scaniffe were both shot during a SWAT operation in south Spanaway early Tuesday. Scaniffe had to undergo emergency surgery, but is expected to fully recover. However Calata suffered "grave" injuries, the Sheriff's Department said, and passed away the next day. The suspect was killed in the altercation.

"We are heartbroken to inform our community that Deputy Dom Calata has passed away," the department said Wednesday. "Our department members remain grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. Please keep Deputy Calata's family in your prayers during this difficult time."

Calata, 35, had been with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for six and a half years, and was most recently assigned to patrol with the Edgewood Police Department. Before that, he served in the National Guard for seven years, and spent five years in the U.S. Army. He was married and has a young son, the Sheriff's Department said.

Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer told The News Tribune he will remember Calata as a "big-hearted, great guy" who got along with everyone.

"We are heartbroken to inform our community that Deputy Dom Calata has passed away," the department said. "Our department members remain grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. Please keep Deputy Calata's family in your prayers during this difficult time."

Memorial details are expected to be announced shortly. Meanwhile, the community continues to offer its condolences to Calata's family and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.

"Devastating. Please lift up Deputy Dom Calata’s family and law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers," wrote East Pierce Fire & Rescue. "Our hearts hurt for the Edgewood Police Department and PCSO."

"We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of our brother, Deputy Dom Calata. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, son, and you, our brothers and sisters at the Pierce County Sheriff's Department," tweeted Washington State Patrol's Robert Reyer. "Thank you for your dedicated service to the Pierce County community, Deputy Calata."

"We are devastated by this news and acknowledge the impact this extraordinary loss has on Deputy Calata's family, and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department," Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Tacoma Council Member Conor McCarthy said in a joint statement. "We appreciate the incredibly difficult work that officers across our community do every day to protect and serve and express our utmost support during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Deputy Calata’s family and to all the brave men and women who serve in uniform."