Support Fund Established To Help Injured Deputy As He Recovers

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has announced a support fund for Sergeant Rich Scaniffe, which aims to help support him and his family as he recovers from last week's deadly shooting in Spanaway.

Scaniffe was one of two deputies shot during a SWAT operation in south Spanaway Tuesday. The other, 35-year-old Deputy Dominique "Dom" Calata, later passed away from his injuries. The suspected shooter was shot and killed. Though Scaniffe was also shot, his injuries were less severe. He underwent emergency surgery Tuesday, and after three days in the hospital left triumphant Friday, escorted home by his fellow SWAT Team members.

"Sergeant Rich Scaniffe (SWAT Commander) has been released from the hospital," the Sheriff's Department shared in a post on Facebook. "He was expected to be in the hospital for up to a week, but thanks to the amazing work by the medical staff, doctors, and nurses, he is going home after just three days in the hospital. Sergeant Scaniffe has been determined to get better and has been working on rehabbing."

Scaniffe, 45, has worked in the Sheriff's Department for 21 years and is currently assigned to their Mountain Detachment. He has also served on the Department's SWAT team for 14 years, and has been its commander for the last year. He is married and has a young daughter.

The Rich Scaniffe Support Fund can be found online via Paypal. The Sheriff's Department says all proceeds will go directly to Scaniffe and his family.

Meanwhile, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department has announced a Celebration of Life for Deputy Calata later this week at the Church for all Nations in Tacoma. The public has been invited to attend though, because space is limited, organizers say priority seating will be reserved for family, friends and first responders.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has also established a fundraiser to support Calata's family.

Little else about the shooting that killed Calata and injured Scaniffe has been released. It remains under the jurisdiction of the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), who will continue to investigate the incident, a standard response for any situation in which police use deadly force inside the county.