Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Bananola was shot and killed while serving a narcotics-related search warrant at a house at 902 E 52nd Street in Tacoma. Deputy Bananola was the first of a six-man team to enter the house. He was confronted by the suspect and identified himself as an officer. The suspect fired at least ten shots with a 9mm handgun, striking Deputy Bananola nine times. Deputy Bananola was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the groin. The suspect was found guilty of drug charges but there was a hung jury on the first-degree murder charges. A second trial found the suspect guilty of second-degree murder and he was sentenced to a total of 40 years. During an appeal of the conviction, he was found guilty and given an even longer sentence. Deputy Bananola was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for eight years.
Survivors
He is survived by his daughter and stepson.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-ABCC371C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Bananola gave the Pierce County Sheriff's Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tacoma community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John Bananola served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Sheriff John Bananola is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In WA, 187 of 339 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.2% of this state's fallen. That is 1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 6 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 54.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Bananola's cause is highlighted.
How John Bananola Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 40 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Bananola is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Bananola was killed by handgun; 9 mm.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Pierce County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
