Community Responds With Support for Fallen Officer

When a community loses someone to death, it takes a toll on the community as well as the family. When the life of a law enforcement officer is taken, the family and community are joined by those who share that line of work.

Such is the case with the tragic death of Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, of Sheridan, Wyoming. Krinkee was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 13th, leaving behind his wife, Karla, and young daughter, Bella.

Tony and Emily Simonsen, owners of River's Bend Assisted Living facility, are friends of the Krinkee family, and upon returning home from the funeral services, decided to help make a difference.

They organized a Benefit Luncheon to be held on Mar. 13th. They planned for a silent auction in conjunction to the lunch.

The Simonsen's did a bit more than set up and organize the fundraiser for the Krinkee family, they decided to honor all those in the line of service to the public that can be overlooked. Simonsen's invited the local Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Firemen, as well as the Border Patrol and National Guard.

Wednesday the 13th of March rolled around and the Simonsen's were pleased with the response.

Donations from the luncheon and donated silent auction items brought in a total of $6,050, which will be sent to the family. Tony stopped in at the PC News office on Wednesday afternoon with the update, and said, "It was GREAT!"

Needless to say, the Law Enforcement, First Responders, Firemen, Border Patrol and National Guard all came in support of the family and cause as well.

A small community with big hearts can be thankful that our officers and those who serve and protect, all come home at the end of shift.

The auction items ranged from a beautifully crafted bird house, to meat, hay, pies, quilts, variety buckets, tools, needle beaded artwork, and all in the spirit of love, generosity and from the goodness of the heart.

Volunteers arrived and helped with getting people in and seated, assisted serving and cleanup. Music was provided by Bill Abrahamson, Jay Southwick and Warren Taylor.

Simonsen's said they fed 140, they had 150 burgers starting out and ended up with ten, so it was a close count.

The Simonsen's will present the check for $6,050 to the Sheriff's Office, who plan to include a letter of condolence to the Sheridan Sheriff's Office and send it off; Tony said a trust account has been set up for family.

For being part of the community since August or so, people of Phillips County have wrapped their arms around the Simonsen's and they are glad they chose Malta as their new home. Thank you, Tony and Emily, for your commitment and contributions to our community we both call "home".