Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Today marks 30 years since Deputy John Bananola was killed in the line of duty while serving the residents of Pierce County. Deputy Bananola was shot while serving a narcotics related search warrant at a residence in east Tacoma on October 16, 1995.
Deputy Bananola was 36 years old, a proud father, a sheriff’s deputy, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was very popular amongst our department members, and was well known for his big smile and friendly personality. Our South Hill Precinct is located on “John Bananola Way” and there is a beautiful memorial site for John that is in Kona, Hawaii.
We hold John, his daughter, his family, and his friends in our hearts today. We remember.
~ Ke Koa Poina Ole ~ Brave Unforgotten Hero ~
Today marks 30 years since Deputy John Bananola was killed in the line of duty while serving the residents of Pierce County. Deputy Bananola was shot while serving a narcotics related search warrant at a residence in east Tacoma on October 16, 1995.
Deputy Bananola was 36 years old, a proud father, a sheriff’s deputy, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was very popular amongst our department members, and was well known for his big smile and friendly personality. Our South Hill Precinct is located on “John Bananola Way” and there is a beautiful memorial site for John that is in Kona, Hawaii.
We hold John, his daughter, his family, and his friends in our hearts today. We remember.
~ Ke Koa Poina Ole ~ Brave Unforgotten Hero ~
