Christmas with the Chief

Sheridan Police Chief Travis Koltiska has held the position as the department’s top brass for four years. Born and raised in Sheridan, it’s always been his goal to serve the city and the residents he loves. 

Many people grow up and question what career field they want to go into, often changing during high school or college. But not Koltiska. He knew early on what he wanted to do with his life. 

Koltiska told Sheridan Media’s Floyd Whiting that he, like many he would come to serve with, felt a calling to serve his community in a law enforcement capacity.  

Chief T. Koltiska

Koltiska began his law enforcement career in 1995 with the Wheatland Police Department. In 1998, he earned the opportunity to become a member of the Southeast Drug Enforcement Task Force with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. He worked his way to a position on the SPD in 2001. Returning to his hometown was always Koltiska’s intention.  

Chief T. Koltiska

Since that time, he has served the department in many major roles, including Operations Bureau Commander, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Public Information Officer, Special Response Team Leader, and many others. But as a natural shooter, he most enjoyed his duties as the Firearms Instructor for almost 19 years, which included a guest instructor spot with the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. 

In 2020, Koltiska was named the Chief of the Sheridan Police Department, rising above 67 other candidates from around the nation. 

Koltiska came into office with two initial items he wanted to address.

Chief T. Koltiska

The second item dealt with equipment and ensuring the SPD team had what they needed to perform their duties safely. 

Chief T. Koltiska

The Chief also updated the SPD policy dealing with visible tattoos, feeling they have become more common in the modern social climate. 

Koltiska also leaned the department and its members into a focused community policing practice. Community policing is a philosophy whereby law enforcement cooperates with community groups and residents in producing safety and security. Koltiska said it’s one that he and the SPD have implemented for decades. But the Chief and his leadership at the department have put an emphasis on the organizational strategy.  

Chief T. Koltiska

The SPD Chief took the opportunity to speak on the senseless shooting of Sergeant Nevada Krinkee who was killed in the line of duty, a first in SPD history. He also thanked the community for their overwhelming support for his team and the department and for Krinkee’s family. Find that story here. 

Going into the 2025 year, Chief Koltiska said the department will continue to review and improve policies and procedures. He welcomes feedback from the community. And the Chief and his leadership work to update, change and implement new strategies that show marked improvements in making a safe and secure community.