Fallen Officer - William Krikava

Just minutes into the New Year, Krikava, a traffic officer, stopped by Bernice Originals, a dress shop on South Dale Mabry Highway, to investigate a burglary in progress.

When he opened the door of a rear fitting room, he surprised a Cincinnati couple stealing clothes. Billy Ray Babson, 33, opened fire on Krikava, hitting him in the chest, stomach and legs with five of six .38 caliber bullets.

Krikava managed to return fire before dying, wounding but not killing Babson. Both Babson and his wife, Janet, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Tampa Police Memorial Committee, Inc.