The state of Washington and the entire law enforcement community are mourning today as they prepare to honor the life of a dedicated public servant, fallen Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, in Tacoma to celebrate the brief but impactful career of Trooper Guting, who died in the line of duty just one week ago. The tragic loss, which occurred while she was responding to a crash, is a sobering reminder of the constant dangers faced by first responders on the nation’s roadways.
Trooper Guting, badge #720, was only 29 years old and had been a commissioned State Trooper since October 30, 2024. On the evening of December 20, she was investigating a two-vehicle collision on southbound State Route 509 near Port of Tacoma Road when she was struck by a driver while standing outside her patrol vehicle. It has been reported that after the initial impact, a dark-colored pickup truck struck her while she was on the ground and then fled the scene. Trooper Guting is the 34th member of the Washington State Patrol to die in the line of duty throughout the agency’s 105-year history.
A Life Defined by Service
While her time with the State Patrol was short, her commitment to service ran deep. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Tara-Marysa Guting was a veteran, having honorably served eight years in the Army National Guard as a Signal Intelligence Analyst. Friends and colleagues remember her as a selfless, vibrant, and devout Christian woman with a profound call to serve others.
This dedication to public service was a shared value in her family. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Guting, who is also a first responder serving as a Deputy State Fire Marshal. The pair were married in 2019.
“We will never forget Badge #720 – Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste following the tragedy.
Honoring the Fallen
The memorial service will be held this afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Life Center Central Campus in Tacoma. Out of respect for the family’s wishes and due to limited space, the Washington State Patrol has announced the event will be a private, intimate gathering focused on family, friends, and colleagues, without a traditional law enforcement processional. However, for the many people across the state and country who have offered condolences, the service will be live-streamed.
The incident that claimed Trooper Guting’s life underscores a disturbing trend for the agency. Officials have noted that the month of December alone saw 11 incidents where a WSP trooper or patrol vehicle was struck, with seven occurring in the last week leading up to the service. This tragic context highlights the call from officials for the public to heed “Move Over” laws and exercise extreme caution around all emergency responders on the roadside.
As the community gathers to bid farewell to a young life lost too soon, the hope remains that the memory of Trooper Guting’s dedication will inspire greater awareness and safety for all those who protect and serve.