The Sheridan, Wyoming, community, along with law enforcement agencies from across the nation, gathered on March 1 to pay tribute to Sergeant Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan Police Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 13.
Krinkee, who joined the Sheridan Police Department in 2017, was killed while attempting to serve a trespass notice at a rental home. According to authorities, the suspect initially fled to a neighboring home, where he engaged police in a 30-hour standoff. The suspect was ultimately shot by police while attempting to flee.
Krinkee became the first Wyoming law enforcement agent to die by homicide in the line of duty since 1997, and the Sheridan Police Department’s first line-of-duty death in its history.
The sergeant’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
“Like most of you, we didn’t know that may be the last time we saw him on this earth,” Pastor Adam Weatherby said at the memorial service. “We didn’t think we’d be here today.”
The memorial service, held at the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome located on the Sheridan College campus, drew hundreds of attendees, including fellow law enforcement officers, community members and supporters from various states.
The ceremony commenced with a procession of family and first responder vehicles, led by dozens of police cars from Wyoming and beyond.
Speaking at the service, Sheridan Police Chief Travis Koltiska reflected on the profound impact of Krinkee’s passing on both the department and the community at large.
“Been an extremely difficult and trying time for not only this department but this whole entire community. A tragedy like this really rocks your core and you don’t understand it,” Koltiska remarked. “Sergeant Krinkee was an amazing individual. He was an amazing officer, an amazing husband, and an amazing father. His loss has deeply affected us all, and he will be greatly missed.”
Krinkee’s commitment to service extended beyond his role as a police officer.
Prior to joining the Sheridan Police Department in 2017, he served with distinction in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant and completed two tours in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division. His dedication to protecting others, whether in the military or as a law enforcement officer, was always on display.
During the memorial service, heartfelt tributes were shared by family members, friends and colleagues, who painted a vivid picture of Krinkee’s character and impact on those around him.
Karla Krinkee, his wife and a corporal with the Sheridan Police Department, spoke of her husband’s unwavering sense of duty and love for their daughter, Bella.
“Nevada lived as a servant, to serve his country, his community, his department, his family, his God,” Karla expressed in a written tribute. “He felt called to this, and I know in my heart he would be moved beyond measure to be honored here today.”
“I still want to hold his hand and laugh at his jokes,” Karla continued. “It feels like the world’s crumbling.”
Echoing Karla’s sentiments, Krinkee’s fellow officers and friends recalled his passion for service and his enthusiasm for life, as well as his love for the community.
Lieutenant Danny Keller, a leader at Krinkee’s church and within the police department, said Krinkee deeply touched the lives around him.
“His selflessness knew no bounds, and his actions spoke louder than his words ever could,” Keller stated.
As the ceremony drew to a close, a dispatcher’s voice echoed through the stadium, calling out Krinkee’s final call sign: “Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, 10-42, we have the watch from here.”
In the wake of Krinkee’s passing, the Sheridan community has rallied together in support of his family and colleagues.
In the words of Chief Travis Koltiska: “We will continue to move forward. We owe it to our community, and we owe it to each other. We’re constantly looking for the person that fits the mold that Nevada created. That’s how I look at it. He created a mold, and we need to try and find out how to replicate that.”
