Bakersfield Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, July 17, 1983
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 480
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: July 17, 1983
Weapon Used: Automobile; Motorcycle
Suspect Info: Not available
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. He was survived by his wife and three children.