“It’s astounding and heartwarming to see the robust support for this local hero. Donors across the Pacific Northwest – from Eugene, Oregon to Bellingham, Washington – set a record for a virtual blood drive to honor and memorialize someone who gave his life in service to our community. Thank you to everyone who made a lifesaving donation.”
-Jenni McCoy, Bloodworks Northwest Community Liaison
Deputy Dominique “Dom” Calata, 35, served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for 6.5 years and was assigned to the Edgewood Police Department. In addition to his service in law enforcement, Deputy Calata served active duty in the U.S. Army for seven years before transitioning to the Washington State Army National Guard, and was a member of the Pierce County SWAT team for four years. In every way possible, the Pacific Lutheran University graduate, husband, and father of a four-year-old son lived his life dedicated to public service.
While serving an arrest warrant on an assault suspect in Spanaway, WA on March 15, 2022, a shootout ensued and Deputy Calata was gunned down in the line of duty.
Deputy Calata continued to serve his community even in death as an organ donor. In response to the tragic loss of Deputy Calata, a virtual blood drive was held in his honor at all Bloodworks donation locations from March 23 to April 23 that shattered records: 620 blood and platelet donations in just that month alone. Since then, as of June 10, 2022, 787 Pacific Northwest donors have used the code “DOM” to donate blood in Deputy Calata’s name. What an awe-inspiring tribute to a young man taken too soon, but who left behind a legacy of life and community service.
You can still honor Deputy Calata’s memory by making a blood donation appointment today and using the code “DOM” at registration.
Pierce County Deputy Deputy Dominique “Dom” Calata, end of watch 3/16/2022.
Gone but not forgotten.
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