Officer Floyd James "Skip" Fink, Jr.

Officer Floyd James "Skip" Fink, Jr.

Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona

End of Watch Friday, February 18, 2000

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Floyd James "Skip" Fink, Jr.

Officer Floyd Fink was killed when his patrol car was rear-ended while he was stopped behind another vehicle on the shoulder of U.S. 60 near the McClintock Drive exit in Tempe.

Upon impact, Officer Fink's patrol car burst into flames, trapping him inside. Passing motorists were able to extract him, and he was flown to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The driver who struck Officer Fink fled the scene on foot but was captured a short time later. He was found to be under the influence of methamphetamines and marijuana at the time of the crash and charged with several felony charges. He pled guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Officer Fink had been employed with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for 28 years. He is survived by his wife and four adult children.

Bio

  • Age 53
  • Tour 28 years
  • Badge 940

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Narcotics involved
  • Offender Sentenced to 18 years

drunk driver, hit and run, traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 77 Reflections

I am a retired dispatcher with DPS. Skip was an FTO (Field Training Officer). One day right after Skip had released the Officer he was training, the new unit keyed up checking 10-8 with Skip's call sign. I didn't think much of it as I was not aware the new Officer had been released from training. Anyway, Skip came on shortly after this unit, used his correct kall sign and without missing a beat, Skip advised "I am 10-8, the unit that just checked on with my kall sign thinks he's me, but he could never be." Everyone behind the scenes was laughing and I'm hoping the new Officer was too.

Skip had a way to always make our job interesting, kept everyone laughing and if he really wanted to, could make a dispatcher either have a great day or not so good. I enjoyed Skip's humor so I always had a GREAT day.

You are thought of often Skip. Praying your forever home is having as much fun as we did with you.

Helen Jenkins / SR. PCD
Department of Public Safety

August 21, 2023

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