The Insider
May 2023 | Peace Officers Memorial Day Edition
Their Duty Was To Serve. Our Duty Is To Remember. ®

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th,
please join Behind the Badge Foundation in remembering the lives of four Washington State Law Enforcement Officers who died in the line of duty in 2022.

Their names have been added to the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia and the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in Washington D.C.
Officer Donald Sahota
Vancouver Police Department
EOW: 01/29/2022
Officer Don Sahota was shot and killed after a robbery suspect fleeing law enforcement ended up outside his home.

Officer Sahota served the Vancouver Police Department for nearly eight years and was assigned to the training division. Prior to VPD, Officer Sahota served with the Port of Portland and Gresham Police Departments in Oregon. His law enforcement service totaled 28 years, including time in SWAT, EVOC, detectives, air support, armorer and training. He was devoted to his family and spent time with them doing many activities, traveling, coaching, and volunteering.

Officer Sahota was survived by his wife, 21-year-old daughter, 17-year-old son, mother, brother, and many more family and friends.

Officer Donald Sahota was posthumously awarded the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. 
Deputy Dominique Calata
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department
EOW: 03/16/2022
Deputy Dominique “Dom” Calata was shot and mortally wounded on March 15th, 2022. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Deputy Calata had served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for 6 years and was assigned to the Edgewood Police Department, a contract city for the agency. He was also a member of the National Guard and an active member of his church. He and his family were very active and spent as much time together as possible.

Deputy Calata was survived by his wife, 3-year-old son, parents, sister and a large extended family. As an organ donor, Deputy Calata’s sacrifice gifted numerous other individuals and families.

Deputy Dominique Calata was posthumously awarded the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. 
Officer Dan Rocha
Everett Police Department
EOW: 03/25/2022
Officer Dan Rocha was shot and killed after a brief fight while investigating a suspicious person. 

Officer Rocha had served as an Everett Police Officer for nearly 4 years and was assigned to north sector patrol. Prior to his commissioned service, Officer Rocha served the Everett Police Department as a Parking Enforcement Officer for over a year. Dan was a devoted family man who treasured time with his family, loved hockey, and was dedicated to serving his community.  

Officer Rocha was survived by his wife, 9- and 11-year-old sons, father, stepfather, sisters, and a large extended family. 

Officer Dan Rocha was posthumously awarded the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. 
Officer Jordan Jackson
Bellevue Police Department
EOW: 11/21/2022
Officer Jordan Jackson was struck while riding his police motorcycle and died of his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.

Officer Jordan Jackson served the Bellevue Police Department for over four years and was assigned to the Motors Unit in 2020. Prior to his death, he had been identified as the officer of the quarter, been selected as a field training officer, and was respected by his peers. Outside of work, there wasn’t an interest or activity that Jordan didn’t explore – he was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoyed sports of all kinds, and was always trying his hand at new hobbies and interests. Above all else – Jordan was a family man – fully immersed in his role as a father, husband, son, brother, and uncle.

Officer Jackson was survived by his wife, 3-year-old son, 2-year-old daughter, mother, sister, nephew, and numerous other family and friends.
National Police Week
These four officers, along with others from our state and across the country, will be honored in Washington DC, during National Police Week for their gift of service and sacrifice.
Monday, May 15, 2023

National Police Week Events
Washington DC
May 11-17, 2023
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