As this is being written Thursday morning, one of what I’m sure was one of the worst days in the history of Sheridan, and throughout the state, is over and a killing of a police officer that turned into a lengthy standoff is over, with the suspect shot dead.

Flags are at half staff now at the state capitol in Cheyenne and in Sheridan, but on the day of Sheridan Police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee’s internment, they will be lowered across the state. Because this is a statewide tragedy.

Now I’m sure we will learn more about the suspect who shot Krinkee while he was trying to serve an eviction notice, but it’s more important to remember the officer who daily put his life on the line.

As per the Sheridan Press, 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. 

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

This was a man who lived to serve and protect. In his role as an officer, he was simply trying to enforce the law, laws we’ve agreed to as a society for common safety and security. We need people like him, so his death is both an outrage and a profound loss.

You can see how that loss is being felt across the state. On social media, law enforcement agencies are honoring him, and our elected officials are expressing their condolences.

I’m sure this outpouring will continue, I hope his family will be well taken care of by the community, and I hope this response sends a message to all of those in this state who serve us that you are vitally important to the safety and security of our community.