Nevada Krinkee

On February 13, 2024, Sgt. Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan, Wyoming Police Department was shot several times while attempting to serve a trespass warning on a male subject who had been evicted from a home. Sgt. Krinkee was transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was 33 years old and had served the department for over six years. He was the first line-of-duty death in the history of the Sheridan Police Department. 

Prior to his law enforcement career, Sgt. Krinkee joined the United States Army as a light infantryman during the Global War on Terror. He proudly served in the distinguished 82nd Airborne Division. During his eight years of military service, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and his Jumpmaster Wings. 

Krinkee was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to parents Wayne and Sally, and was raised primarily in Bozeman, Montana. He was one of five children, including three sisters and a brother. They blended together effortlessly, and he often spoke with pride about the bonds he shared with his family. Driven by a deep desire to serve others, he joined the Army after graduating from Bozeman High School. In 2017, he began his law enforcement career with the Sheridan Police Department, where his passion and dedication quickly became evident. He was promoted to Corporal in 2019 and Sergeant in 2022. He served as a firearms instructor and field training officer, and he was deeply committed to mentoring younger officers. 

As a Sergeant, he started a small but contagious competition on his team—not to win for oneself, but to notice and nominate others for their efforts and accomplishments. The focus was on the moments that often went unseen in daily work, yet carried a larger impact. The team would vote, and whoever was selected was awarded the “Ultimate Warrior” trophy, a small action figure passed along when a new vote took place. It was both hilarious and deeply meaningful. This was Nevada through and through. 

Krinkee met his future wife, Karla, while they worked as officers at the Sheridan Police Department. She was his field training officer, and they served on the same patrol team for several months. She discovered he was incredibly funny, kind, and gracious. They bonded over a love of games of all kinds. They married and welcomed their daughter, Bella, in 2023. In the short time he was with her, he was a devoted and loving father who cherished his family deeply. His legacy is one of honor, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. 

Sergeant Nevada Krinkee is survived by his loving wife, Karla; his cherished daughter, Bella; his mother, Sally Shea; sisters Kenzie, Keri, and Brandie; his brother, Jeremy; his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Aaron; and many other family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation as paid off the mortgage on the Krinkee family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.