William D. Krikava

Tampa Police Dept. — Tampa, FL

Felonious

End of Watch January 1, 1965

Age 35

Tour of Duty 10 yrs

The Vigil Panel 100 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 28

Incident

Officer William Krikava was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in progress at a store at 1714 South Dale Mabry Highway. He was flagged down by a dress shop owner shortly after midnight. As he entered the rear fitting room of the business, he surprised a man and his wife stealing clothes. The male suspect opened fire, striking Officer Krikava six times. Officer Krikava was able to return fire and wound the suspect. Both suspects were apprehended and charged with first-degree murder. Both were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on July 20th, 1965. In 1979 the man had his appeal for a new trial denied. Officer Krikava had served with the Tampa Police Department for 10 years.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and five children.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-FL-67327F85
Stewardship: Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Krikava gave the Tampa Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tampa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Krikava.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Tampa Police Dept.

Location Tampa, FL

Platform Identity tpd.hillsborough.fl.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch January 1, 1965

Tour of Duty 10 yrs

Age 35

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber

Offender Sentenced to life

Officer William D. Krikava is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.

At Tampa Police Dept., 21 of 29 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.4% of this agency's fallen.

Tampa Police Dept.

of 29 officers

72.4% Felonious

FL — Statewide

539

of 1,008 officers

53.5% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious