BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Police Department is honoring and remembering Officer William Leonard Sikola, who died in the line of duty on this day 43 years ago.
On July 17, 1983, Sikola — also called “Pepsi Cola” by his friends — was responding to assist a call and drove north on Highway 99 trying to catch a fleeing car.
When he was just south of the 24th Street off-ramp, Sikola lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the center divider, according to officials.
Sikola died of major head and chest injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, BPD said.
He left behind his wife Becky and three children — Danny, April and Amber.
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