WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor to honor Wyoming law enforcement during National Police Week.

Law enforcement officers from across Wyoming were in the Senate Gallery during Senator Barrasso’s remarks. Those in attendance included Sheridan Police Chief Travis Koltiska and members of law enforcement agencies from Rock Springs, Afton, Pinedale, Douglas, Gillette, Sundance, Sheridan, Casper, Cheyenne, Cowley and Evanston.   

During his remarks, Senator Barrasso paid tribute to Sergeant Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan Police Department who was tragically killed in the line of duty last year. His wife, Karla, and daughter, Bella, are in Washington, D.C., for Police Week to honor his service and sacrifice. Sergeant Krinkee’s name will be etched onto the Roll Call of Heroes at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“I rise today during Police Week with a message our law enforcement officers don’t hear enough: Thank you. Thank you for the job you do each and every day, and not just to you but to your families as well. Thank you for protecting our communities. Thank you for protecting our children. Thank you for protecting our country.

“In Wyoming, we are blessed to have law enforcement officers of bravery, professionalism, and capability. There are 2,340 police officers in Wyoming. They serve across 77 departments in 23 counties. For these protectors of peace, keeping our communities safe is more than a job. It is a way of life.

“It comes with unique challenges. Wyoming is a state with vast distances. That means officers face long drives, harsh winters, and moments where back up can be many miles away. There are also hiring challenges. We see these challenges nationwide. They mean longer shifts, heavier burdens, and fewer hands to answer calls for help. Law enforcement officers are tested each and every day. They deserve our nation’s strong support.

“Today, we honor one such hero: Sergeant Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan Police Department. He was a man of strong faith and selflessness. His colleagues said he ‘always put other people first.’ Tragically, last year, he became the first Sheridan officer to lose his life by homicide in the line of duty. He is also the first Wyoming police officer since 1997 to die in the line of duty. He was only 33 years old.

“I attended his funeral last year in Sheridan. The same community he vowed to protect and serve showed overwhelming support. More than 1,800 people attended. It was the largest single event in Sheridan since Queen Elizabeth’s visit more than 40 years ago.

“Strangers stood shoulder to shoulder, often four deep, as a car bearing his body drove by. They waved American flags. They lined the streets as police cars escorted the family to the memorial service. People came from all around the country to attend, even though they had never met and did not know Sergeant Krinkee. The local newspaper asked one of them who had come from a long distance why he came. He said, ‘I stand for those who have stood for us.’ That’s the Wyoming spirit. That’s the Cowboy Code – take pride in your work, live each day with courage, do what needs to be done.

“Sergeant Krinkee was a shining example of what it means to serve others. Fittingly, his name will be etched onto the Roll Call of Heroes at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington D.C.

“To pay tribute to Sergeant Krinkee, 39 law enforcement officers and their families from 13 Wyoming communities are here in Washington. Many are joining us in the Senate Gallery. With them is our Sheridan Chief of Police Travis Koltiska. He has worked at the Sheridan Police Department for 24 years. His job has allowed him to make his hometown a safer community and raise his 5 children with his wonderful wife Mandy. They are also here. When Sergeant Krinkee was killed, Chief Koltiska led the department through its darkest hour.

“Thank you, Chief Koltiska, for all of your actions and for your leadership. Your actions helped so many in Sheridan during a difficult time – in a community where you grew up, where you were educated, where you raised your family, and where you continue to serve today. You are a high tribute to all the men and women in blue.

“It has been more than a year since that tragic day. To Sergeant Krinkee’s family – to his wife Karla and their daughter Bella – know this: your husband, your father was a hero. We will never forget him.

“Law enforcement officers face risks each and every day. The National Fraternal Order of Police reports, in the first 5 months of this year, 109 law enforcement officers were shot in the line of duty. 25 were injured in ambush-style attacks.

“The solution to safer communities is to support law enforcement. In the Senate, we are doing exactly that. This year, we passed the Laken Riley Act. It is now law. The President signed it. The Laken Riley Act included a provision from Senator John Cornyn of Texas that protects police officers from violent illegal immigrant criminals. It requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain any illegal immigrant who attacks a police officer.

“The Senate also passed the HALT Fentanyl Act. This legislation imposes tougher penalties on illicit fentanyl traffickers. It gives law enforcement the tools they need to get deadly drugs off of the streets. To address recruiting challenges, I support President Trump’s efforts to increase officer pay, improve training, and seek tougher penalties for crimes against law enforcement.

“For four years, Americans heard calls from Democrats to Defund the Police. America must leave those divisive, anti-police policies in the past. We must focus on solutions that strengthen our communities and our law enforcement. It is not enough to fully fund the police. They must know that we have their backs. They must have both the tools and the trust to serve. That is exactly what President Trump and Republicans in Congress are doing.

“This Police Week, let’s renew our commitment to our law enforcement. Senate Republicans salute you, our officers, and we will always support you.”

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