Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
On this day in 1941, we remember Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies Lawrence Bunce and Arthur Varco, who lost their lives in a tragic collision while responding to an emergency in downtown Tacoma. Their patrol car collided with a Tacoma Police vehicle as both agencies rushed to separate urgent calls — a crash that also claimed the lives of Officer Paul Trent and, two days later, Officer Martin Joyce.
Deputy Bunce, 29, was a devoted husband and father, and had served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for two years. Deputy Varco, 45, was also a husband and father of two, and had dedicated a decade of service to the department.
Today, we honor their sacrifice, remember their courage, and keep their families and fellow officers in our thoughts. Their legacy of service and commitment to community will never be forgotten.
On this day in 1941, we remember Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies Lawrence Bunce and Arthur Varco, who lost their lives in a tragic collision while responding to an emergency in downtown Tacoma. Their patrol car collided with a Tacoma Police vehicle as both agencies rushed to separate urgent calls — a crash that also claimed the lives of Officer Paul Trent and, two days later, Officer Martin Joyce.
Deputy Bunce, 29, was a devoted husband and father, and had served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for two years. Deputy Varco, 45, was also a husband and father of two, and had dedicated a decade of service to the department.
Today, we honor their sacrifice, remember their courage, and keep their families and fellow officers in our thoughts. Their legacy of service and commitment to community will never be forgotten.
