Memorial growing for fallen Tacoma officer, Jake Gutierrez

TACOMA, Wash. — The officer killed Wednesday night in a domestic violence incident was identified as Reginald Jake Gutierrez.

Gutierrez was 45 and worked with with Tacoma police since 1999.

People are paying respects by stopping by the Tacoma Police headquarters and leaving flowers and mementos to honor him.

>>PHOTOS: Mourners leave flowers for fallen Tacoma officer

Ever since word of the officer’s injury – and later, death -- Wednesday night spread, people have been stopping by the Tacoma Police Department.

Governor Jay Inslee paid his respects as well Thursday morning.

>>See our breaking coverage of the shooting and standoff here.

Tacoma police Chief Don Ramsdell spoke to give condolences to the officer and his family in the wake of the death in the line of duty.

“I had an opportunity tonight to witness the outpouring of support by our law enforcement community, our medical professionals at Tacoma General Hospital, and the men and women of the Tacoma Fire Department. They supported us in so many great ways tonight. Also, the outpouring of support by the citizens of this community,” said Ramsdell.

One of the most emotional moments was when the body of the officer killed was moved from Tacoma General Hospital to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office.

 See photos from the procession here.

Dozens of officers from all agencies involved, passersby and hospital staff lined up to pay their respects.

It's been nearly two decades since the City of Tacoma lost a police officer to gunfire in the line of duty, but some of the circumstances are strikingly similar.

On August 28, 1997, Officer William Francis Lowry was with the SWAT team, responding to a domestic violence call, less than a mile from the scene of Wednesday’s shooting.

A man was threatening his wife with a rifle.

The suspect pretended he was surrendering, and then opened fire. Lowry was killed. His killer is serving life in prison.

Cox Media Group