Sheridan community mourns loss of Sgt. Nevada Krinkee

Via Wyoming News Exchange

SHERIDAN - Sheridan Police Department staff and the Sheridan community is mourning the death of Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, who was shot and killed while attempting to serve a trespass warning on a male subject Tuesday morning.

Krinkee, a veteran of the department for more than six years, was transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Suspect barricaded, not in custody

The male subject fled the scene around 11 a.m. Tuesday and was located a short time later in the area of Sixth Street and North Sheridan Avenue. Sheridan Police Department, Sheridan County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Highway Patrol officers established a perimeter and determined the subject was barricaded inside a residence.

Members of the Gillette Police Department tactical unit and crisis negotiators responded to assist and a standoff ensued, with assistance from other agencies around the state.

As of Wednesday morning, the scene is still active and the suspect is not yet in custody.

The investigation is being turned over to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Additional information regarding the incident will be available through the DCI public information officer.

Police shocked, saddened

"The entire department is shocked and saddened by this senseless act and appreciates all the thoughts and prayers from our community," SPD Chief Travis Koltiska said. "Please respect the privacy of our brother Nevada's family through this trying time."

Krinkee's legacy

Krinkee was hired as a Sheridan Police Department officer in October 2017 and quickly promoted to the ranks of corporal in December 2018 and sergeant in April 2022, where he was currently serving as a team lead at the time of his death.

Before joining the Sheridan Police force, Krinkee spent eight years in the U.S. Army as airborne infantry. While deployed in Afghanistan, part of Krinkee's job was to protect children going to and from school, The Sheridan Press reported Nov. 9, 2018.

"Some of the things I experienced overseas made me want to make a difference in my community," Krinkee said. "...Now those kids can grow up and make a difference in their country, so I wanted to be able to do that but here in the United States."

Krinkee told The Press he found similar camaraderie among peers in law enforcement as he did in the military.

"It's hard to come by (the camaraderie) in a non-uniformed job," Krinkee said. "...They're your brothers and sisters in arms. The camaraderie was the most similar thing (between the military and law enforcement)."

In an article about what makes a good officer published by The Sheridan Press April 3, 2023, Krinkee said to adequately fulfill the role of a law enforcement officer requires two different ends of a wide spectrum of personality - a delicate balance that can be tough but critical to uphold.

"Most cops, if you ask them - especially if they're new - 'Why did you become a cop?' [They'll say] 'Well, I wanted to help people.' You genuinely have to have some aspect of that, of 'I want to help people,' but you also need to have another side of you that loves going out and catching bad guys," Krinkee said. "We're asking for a lot of humility and compassion and caring, but at the same time, you have to be aggressive and capable of going into really violent situations and taking control of it. There's not really, I think, any other job that requires that big of a sway."

Krinkee leaves behind his wife and Sheridan Police Cpl. Karla Krinkee, and their infant daughter.

Community condolences

Several community leaders shared condolences to Krinkee's family and the Sheridan community Tuesday.

Gov. Mark Gordon, one day after noting mental health concerns impacting law enforcement who have to respond in his State of the State address, joined Wyoming in the mourning of his loss. He also ordered flags to be lowered to half staff at the Wyoming State Capitol and throughout Sheridan County Wednesday.

"This senseless act is a solemn reminder of the selfless risks our law enforcement officers take each day when they put on the badge. Jennie and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Sergeant Krinkee, the Sheridan Police Department, and the entire law enforcement community," Gordon said.

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis shared her condolences.

"Wyoming law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and this is the solemn reminder of the dangers they face serving the Cowboy State," Lummis said. "My prayers are with all of those mourning this tragic and senseless loss and with the Sheridan Police Department as it works to bring the suspect into custody."

Local legislators also shared statements and initiated moments of silence and prayers on the House and Senate floors during Tuesday's legislative session.

"We are devastated by the tragic shooting in Sheridan today. As a community, we never expect this kind of senseless violence to strike so close to home. Our town lost a dedicated husband and father, a more than six-year veteran of the Sheridan Police Department, and a courageous public servant," Sens. Dave Kinskey, R-Sheridan, and Bo Biteman, R-Parkman, said in a press release. "Our prayers go out for Sergeant Nevada Krinkee's family and loved ones, especially his wife, Corporal Karla Krinkee, and their young child. We cannot begin to fathom their loss, but we join them in their mourning. May they find some comfort in knowing that Sergeant Krinkee's service in the line of duty will not be forgotten by our community.

"As the aftermath of this tragedy continues to unfold, we remain in communication with Mayor Bridger, law enforcement, and first responders. They have our full support and the full support of the Wyoming Legislature.

"In these dark hours, we are uplifted by the faith and unity that binds our community, and we know that Sheridan will emerge from this attack stronger and safer."

Local representatives Cyrus Western, R-Big Horn, and Barry Crago, R-Buffalo, also sent statements.

"Today's tragic event is a solemn reminder of the commitment our law enforcement makes every day to keep our communities safe. We thank the officers and first responders who answered the call of duty, today and every day, and we reiterate our commitment to honor and support them in their mission to serve and protect," Western said.

"Sergeant Krinkee's passing is made even more pronounced by his presence in our community - a loving husband, young father, dedicated veteran of the Sheridan Police Department, and a beloved friend and neighbor. It's impossible to imagine a greater loss," Crago said.

Mayor Rich Bridger asked for privacy for the family and shared his condolences.

"His loss serves as a solemn and heartbreaking reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Krinkee's family, loved ones, the Sheridan Police Department, and other first responders during this difficult time," Bridger said.

This story was published on February 14, 2023.