UPDATE: Suspected Sheridan Cop Killer Remains Barricaded In House As Standoff Nears 24 Hours
Gov. Mark Gordon and a pair of Sheridan state legislators said they were shocked and saddened at the Wyoming Capitol on Tuesday afternoon when they learned Sheridan Police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee was shot and killed in the line of duty Tuesday. Tuesday.
Krinkee was attempting to serve a trespass warning on a man in downtown Sheridan when he was killed, local police report.
Gordon and the legislators, in Cheyenne for the 2024 legislative session that began Monday, put out separate statements Tuesday afternoon reacting to the incident, expressing remorse and shock.
The governor and first lady Jennie Gordon expressed their deepest condolences to Krinkee’s family and the entire Sheridan law enforcement community.
“I join all of Wyoming in mourning the loss of Sheridan Police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, who was killed in the line of duty today,” Gordon said in the statement. “This senseless act is a solemn reminder of the selfless risks our law enforcement officers take each day when they put on the badge.”
Locals Devastated
The Sheridan delegation to the Wyoming Legislature said they’re devastated by the news.
Sheridan Republican state Sens. Dave Kinskey and Bo Biteman also made a joint statement to Cowboy State Daily.
“Our prayers go out to Sgt. Nevada Krinkee’s family and loved ones, especially to his wife, Cpl. Karla Krinkee, and their young child,” Kinskey and Biteman said. “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.”
According to a 2022 Sheridan Police Department report, Karla Krinkee is a handler for the department’s K-9 unit.
State Rep. Cyrus Western, R-Big Horn, also said he was rocked by the news.
“This is incredibly saddening news,” Western said. “I feel deeply for Sgt. Krinkee and his family. It’s a harrowing reminder of the danger law enforcement faces everyday. We must never forget those who make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Kinskey and Biteman urged the Sheridan community to maintain faith in a trying time and issued full support of Sheridan law enforcement, Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger and local first responders.
“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,” they wrote.
Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, said he is “greatly saddened to hear of Sgt. Krinkee's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as well as his fellow first responders.”
Neighboring Johnson County Rep. Barry Crago, R-Buffalo, issued a statement as well.
“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," Crago said. "It’s impossible to imagine a greater loss.”
Law Enforcement Reacts
As the news of the officer’s death spreads, the Wyoming law enforcement community also is reacting.
Two Wyoming county sheriffs have issued condolences.
"Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Sheridan. Our deepest condolences to the family of Sgt. Krinkee,” said Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken.
“Our hearts go out to the city of Sheridan and the family of Sgt. Krinkee. May he rest in peace,” said Washakie County Sheriff Austin Brookwell.
From Lummis
Wyoming U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis also issued a statement from Washington, D.C., upon learning of Krinkee's killing.
“My heart breaks for the family and loved ones of Sgt. Nevada Krinkee who was killed in the line of duty," Lummis said. “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. 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.”
Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.
