Prev
Incident
Officer Kenneth Nauska was shot and killed from ambush while investigating a stabbing call. After checking on the victim Officer Nauska began walking back to his patrol car. He heard movement coming from a nearby bush and turned and pointed his flashlight towards the sound. The subject then opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun, striking Officer Nauska in the chest. As Officer Nauska turned to retreat the man fired again, striking him in the back. The man fled but was arrested hiding under a nearby building several hours later. The man was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison on September 1st, 1966. Officer Nauska had served with the Craig Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpmvj4vqb2sy7x6v7cc5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Kenneth. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Nauska gave the Craig Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Craig community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Nauska.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kenneth is the only officer of Craig Police Department remembered here.
Kenneth is one of 35 officers killed feloniously in AK, 70% of the 50 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 1 officer in AK was killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1974, with 2.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kenneth was 32. Of the 34 killed feloniously in AK whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 41.8; the middle age was 34.5. Kenneth had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Kenneth was 32. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Kenneth had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kenneth was 32. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Kenneth had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 17.1% of these deaths in AK, more than any other month. Sundays: 11.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Craig Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70% of all 50 deaths in AK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Craig Police Department are honored on badge.nw.