Community outpouring of grief over slain Fil-Am deputy

BY FILAM CHRONICLE STAFF 

An outpouring of grief has engulfed the community over the killing of Filipino-American Pierce County Sheriff Deputy Dom Calata, who was shot while serving an arrest warrant in Spanaway. 

A memorial service was held March 25 at the Church of All Nations in Tacoma. 

According to the a Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Office, on March 16, Deputy Calata died from injuries sustained during a shooting on March 15 while he was part of a SWAT operation. Sergeant Rich Scaniffe was critically injured during the incident. He was released from the hospital on March 18 to recover at home.

Deputy Calata, 35, served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for 6.5 years and was assigned to patrol with the Edgewood Police Department. He was a U.S. Army veteran (5 years) and served in the Washington National Guard for the last 7 years. 

Deputy Calata was a member of the SWAT team for 4 years. He leaves behind a wife and young son. On his LinkedIn page, Deputy Calata was proud of his ability to speak Tagalog.  

Sergeant Scaniffe, 45, is a 21-year veteran of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and is assigned to the Mountain Detachment. He has been a member of the SWAT team for 14 years and has been the team’s commander for 1 year. Sergeant Scaniffe is married and has a young daughter. 

A legacy fund has been established in memory of Deputy Calata. This is the official legacy fund and is created in partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers. 100% of all funds will go directly to Deputy Calata's wife and young son. 

A support fund has been established for Sergeant Scaniffe, who suffered a life-threatening injury in the line of duty. Sergeant Scaniffe is facing a long journey toward recovery which will require a great deal of support. 100% of all funds received will go directly to Sergeant Scaniffe and his family. 

(April 2022)