Gov. Ferguson orders flags lowered for WA trooper killed on duty
WSP trooper killed in Tacoma crash remembered for 'life of service'
Washington State Patrol is mourning Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was killed Friday night after being struck by two vehicles while investigating a crash on SR 509. Guting, an Army National Guard veteran who joined the WSP two years ago, is being remembered by colleagues and the community as a hero dedicated to public safety.
OLYMPIA, Wash. - All Washington and U.S. flags are being ordered to be flown at half-staff across the state this weekend.
What we know:
Governor Bob Ferguson issued the directive on Tuesday, requiring all state agencies to lower state and American flags in honor of the trooper killed in the line of duty last week.
The flags are to be lowered on Saturday, Dec. 27, and remain lowered until close of business. The governor also added that agencies and businesses may lower their flags beginning at the end of business on Friday.
Additionally, those lowering flags may leave them lowered for the weekend. They should be raised again by the opening of business on Monday, according to the order from the office of the governor.
Gov. Bob Ferguson's full order to lower flags in honor of Trooper Guting
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Washington State Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, Badge #720, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on Friday, December 19, 2025. I hereby direct that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in her memory on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
I have no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, December 26, 2025. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, December 27, 2025, or first thing Monday morning, December 29th.
Please notify all of your field offices and facilities around the state.
Other government entities, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition."
What we don't know:
While police have announced they located and impounded a suspect's vehicle believed to be involved in the trooper's death last Friday, local authorities did not immediately announce the identity of a suspect or any arrests made in connection with her death heading into the holiday period.
Memorial growing for WSP trooper killed while helping drivers in Tacoma, WA
Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting was killed Friday night while assisting drivers involved in a crash in Tacoma. The 29-year-old, an eight-year Army National Guard veteran, is the 34th trooper killed in the agency’s history, with Tacoma police now investigating the incident.
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