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Incident
Officer William Sikola was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to assist in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Highway 99. Officer Sikola was driving home from finishing his shift, and a call came on the radio about a stolen vehicle from a local car dealer. Officer Sikola joined the pursuit and got a "high-speed wobble" from the motorcycle. He received extensive head injuries from his shorty bell helmet and died 4 hours later. Officer Sikola had served with the Bakersfield Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Sikola gave the Bakersfield Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bakersfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sikola.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bakersfield Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1983, 1 officer at Bakersfield Police Department was lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 1983, 6 officers in CA were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 1983, 74 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1983, 92 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 34th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 27. Of the 7 lost to accidents at Bakersfield Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 35.5; the middle age was 29. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
William was 27. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 27. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 28.6% of these deaths at Bakersfield Police Department; June holds the most, 42.9%. Sundays: 42.9%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 13.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Bakersfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Bakersfield Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Bakersfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
