Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Skip, I was a rookie officer right off FTO working the graveyard shift when I first met you back in 1994. You have forgotten more about being a cop that I will ever know. It was an honor for me to have met you because you were a true road cop, not the ones these days who work patrol for two years then go off into administration or cushy assigment positions for the rest of thier careers. You are the definition of a true old school patrol cop (The backbone of law enforcement). Not one day goes by that I don't think of you. May you rest in peace Skip, your memory will live forever.

Fellow officer and friend
Chandler Police Department

June 13, 2005

We put your picture up on our memorial wall at the office today, right next to Russell's and Mark's. Sometimes I think Mark went to heaven simply to keep things in line, what with you and Russell already there. Rest in peace, Skip.

Renee Mitchell
Arizona Department of Public Safety

April 29, 2005

Although I have never met you Skip, you must have been one fantastic person and parent. I did have the pleasure of meeting one of your sons, M.J. Fink and I have no doubt you are very proud of him. He is an utmost professional trooper but is compassionate when dealing with the public. I have tried to instill some of the outstanding ethics you have apparently instilled into your children and I will make sure they know we are missing another heroe.

Detective Matt Misener
Madison WI Police Department

March 29, 2005

What a senseless act of violence you endured. It is all to familiar to me as my husband was killed by a speeding pick-up truck (driver under the influence of drugs) while parked on the side of the highway finishing up paperwork. Both you and my husband were mentioned in an article by Craig Floyd with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

God bless you, your family, friends and co-workers.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

February 25, 2005

Skip,
Seems like just yesterday we were attending the NTC Conference in California together. Little did I know that was going to be the last time I saw you.
To me, you were the inspiration of what a trooper, union president and what a man should be. There isn't a national conference that goes by that one of us doesn't talk about you and some funny thing you did.
Although I think you really were a northerner at heart, I really appreciate you breaking me into the traditions of the west. I found that I do like spicy foods, but they don't like me.(Thanks alot Skip!)
I found a photo of us at the Amtrak station in Washington DC while we attended Police Week the May before we lost you. It brought a tear to my eye and yet, a smile to my face. I printed it in the Maine Trooper magazine. I titled the photo, "Remembering A Hero". It was titled that way because thats what you were and are to many of us across the country. God bless you Skip and please keep a watch over those of us still out on patrol.

Sgt. Mike Edes
Maine State Police

January 14, 2005

You will never be forgotten. I remember riding w/you at one time & enjoyed it. You were always fun to work with on the radio.

dispatcher kevin kesler
AZ DPS

September 18, 2004

For my buddy and pal Skip,
You helped me outfit my first wrecker, "Big Ugly" and showed me that it was always safety first. I really miss all the wise-cracks and jokes that you always had when you came to visit us at the gas station.

You touched so many lives while you were here with us on Earth and had a very positive impact on my life. Untill we meet again my friend,
GP

Gerry Prendergast
Prendergast Towing / Florence AZ.

September 1, 2004

Officer Fink, reading your reflections it's obvious that you were well-respected and well-loved. That says a lot about a man. Thank you for your service to the state of Arizona. May God Bless and keep you.

A 911 Dispatcher
Houston County 911 (Georgia)

June 27, 2004

Officer Fink, I read some of the reflections that others have left and I feel that you were a wonderful man. I kept thinking about you for several days and I told my husband "I think Brian would have liked this guy very much. He seemed to have a great sense of humor" Today we went to the cemetary to visit our son Brian. I saw your headstone just above and to the right of his. I felt a deep sense of peace knowing you were close by and felt that you now knew Brian and were enjoying each others company. I know you are walking the streets of heaven together. You probably said "Damn kid how old are you?" because he looks like a very young kid. My heart goes out to your family, I understand how hard it is to lose someone you love. Rest in peace.
Kathy Mitchell
Mom to Larry Brian Mitchell
eow 4/30/2001
Gallup, NM

May 31, 2004

Skip-
Not a day goes by without thinking of you. I will always remember your tours of the desert and your efforts to teach this "Yankee" about the history of the state you loved so deeply. Gone but never forgotten.

Commissioner Philip Kurze
Colchester Police Department, CT

April 8, 2004

Rest in peace troop, while your watch is over, ours continues. On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State Police, we extend our condolences.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

February 18, 2004

Rest in peace Troop ... you are not forgotten.

Andy

November 18, 2003

It is because of you and other officers like you that I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence.

Rest In Peace, My Brother

September 29, 2003

Skip,

I have sincerely enjoyed our friendship. I remember when I was an officer, working in Hayward, Ca. when I first started chatting with you on AOL instant message. Little did I know that I would promote to an area that is close to Phoenix. This came as a pleasant surprise!!! My family and I enjoyed meeting you and Michael Ann, the pleasure was all ours!!! We enjoyed the many lunches that we had visiting the Phoenix Area.

I cannot begin to tell you how our life was shook at the news of your death. I remember hearing on KNIX, of an officer-involved death at Highway 60 near I-10. Skip, I knew that this was your first month of not being on the night shift, and I knew that this could be you. I feel the same hollow spot today! The news was not reporting the name of the involved Trooper. I immediately went home and checked the Phoenix news via the internet.

I first saw a brand new patrol vehicle that had been consumed by fire, just as it was reported by the news agencies. Skip, I knew in my heart that this car was yours….I remember talking to you about your old car that had been hit and it was replaced with a new one. You were so happy with your new “G-Ride.”

I cannot begin to express how your loss has affected my family and me. You are like a big brother to me and I am happy that I had a chance to meet you and Michael Ann. You introduced me to your son, Mike who is also a Trooper, and for this I am also grateful.

Skip, I miss you dearly my friend, this last year has been very hard!! I look forward to seeing you again on the other side!! Keep heaven safe my fiend; I will gladly walk the beat with you when I get there!!

I Miss you my friend!!
Mike King and family
California Highway Patrol, Blythe

Sergeant Michael King
California Highway Patrol

The death of officer Fink was felt throughout the State by all Law Enforcement brothers and sisters. May he rest in Peace. And to his family, find consolation that we are all one family and your hurt is also ours.

Deputy Belia Fessenden
Pinal County Sheriff's Dept.

Skip,

I was leaving the station last week to hit the street, and I walked past your funeral anouncement. I realized how long it has been since you left us, to patrol the streets of heaven.

Very often I drive past the cross left for you on the US 60 where your life was cut so short. Our agencies work together all the time, so most of us feel like we've lost a member of our family.

On behalf of the Mesa Police Department, I would like to extend our thoughts, prayers and respect for the family and friends of Officer Skip Fink. May he watch over all of us from heaven.

Officer Jody McInnis
Mesa Police Department, Az

Thank you for your long and dedicated service to the millions of Arizonans who use your highways and interstates everyday. You deserve a special place in heaven for all the things you endured here. Just a year ago you escaped a similar fate and saved another's life at the same time. You will not be forgotten. I hope you are looking down as I patrol these busy streets. Sleep well my brother, and may all the strength your family needs to go on be with them always. Good night sir, rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Phoenix Police Dept.

Skip, your loss has been huge and I miss you terribly.  Not only were you family, but you were my friend.  I never told you just how much your friendship meant to me.  Words cannot begin to describe the void that your death has left.  I love you and I think of you always.  You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

Skip,

It seems like a lifetime ago when I heard the radio traffic and knew within me that you were the officer trapped inside the fiery patrol car on the freeway.  In all the years we had been together, I never thought it would be you.  I knew how obsessed you were with officers' safety -- not only your own, but instilling it in others.  I naively never thought about the situation in which you would have no control.

I find comfort in knowing you died while doing a job you loved, and that you so enjoyed your crusade to improve law enforcement and its environment for other officers while associated with state and national organizations.  You were the epitome of a state trooper, who mentored many.  You lived every day of your life to the fullest.

I am fortunate to have shared my life with you.  Your perspectives and attitudes have given me strength to move forward with my life. I think of you every single day, and I will carry a part of you with me always.

Michael Ann

Skip:

You've made such a difference in so many people's lives, just by being you. You gave new meaning to the word "Character" - you HAD character and you WERE such a character! Thanks for being an excellent role model and for always making a conversation an event. You are missed tremendously and will always be remember with the deepest of respect and warmest of regards. I imagine you're still helping people and also finding time to share jokes with St. Peter at the Pearly Gates!

Anonymous

Skip, your death like Doug's was a shock.  You are truly missed by all those you worked with and around.  I miss hearing you answer up for calls and the car to car traffic that came with it.  I'll not forget our last discussion at SR101 and Shea and the lessons you taught me.

We love and miss you.

Anonymous

Skip,

I got the phone call and I was stunned.  I always thought of you as a mentor.  15 years ago you taught some tricks of the trade to a young guy that didn't even work for the same agency.  I've moved on im my career since then, but I've never forgotten what you did.  I never will. Rest in peace brother.   

Anonymous

It was a sad morning after hearing of Officer Fink's tragic death. He was known to many officers through out the valley, no matter the agency. A twenty eight year veteran who did not deserve to go out like he did. He gave his life serving the public, making our city a better place. To his family, our prayers are with you always. To Floyd, Thank you for your dedication to your job, and the sacrifice you made for us.

Anonymous

Our deepest heart felt sympathy to the friends and family of Highway Patrol Officer Floyd J.Fink. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the State of Arizona, and to your uncommon courage and professionalism during your career. Your service was not in vain, and you shall never be forgotten.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his godly ones." Psalm 116:15

Officer John D. Sainz
Tucson Police Department

Skip,

I will never forget the day I went into briefing and was first informed of the tragedy that took you away from us. The shock and sadness can still be felt today.

The first time I met you, you were investigating a possible DUI at US 60 and Signal Butte when you walked over to me, and without hesitation stating,"Damn, how old are you?" You had that grin on your face that I still remember today. I was still in field training and I guess with my short haircut I looked to be about 12..and you let me know it. The advise you gave me that night based on all your past expierenceis still instilled in me today. Thank you!

On behalf on my family, and the Mesa Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Thank you for having a positive impact on my life and career.

Officer Gavin Tanner
Mesa Police Department, AZ