House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Forty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session 2000

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2040

 

A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

on the death of officer Floyd "skip" fink.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Officer Floyd "Skip" Fink was tragically killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2000.

On October 6, 1946, Officer Fink was born in Miami, Arizona and he was also raised there.

Officer Fink served in the United States Army from 1966 until 1968 when he was honorably discharged.  He received several commendations for his military service career including a National Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Marksman Badge.

Before his career with the Department of Public Safety, Officer Fink was a member of the Globe Police Department for two years.  Then he began his career with the Department of Public Safety in 1972, serving as a highway patrol officer in Franconia, Arizona.  In 1973 he performed similar duties in Globe, Arizona.  In 1978 Officer Fink joined the motorcycle squad of the Department of Public Safety in Phoenix, Arizona.  In 1980 he joined the Mesa district of the Department of Public Safety as a highway patrol officer.  In 1988 Officer Fink was selected for a ninety day assignment to the Governor's security.  In 1989 he worked in the Highway Patrol Bureau office.

Officer Fink received specialized hostage negotiations and crisis training.  In 1990 he was assigned to a special operations unit handling crisis negotiations.  In 1998 Officer Fink returned to his service as a patrol officer.

Officer Fink was hardworking and dedicated to serving the people of Arizona.  He received several commendations for his work, including a lifesaving award for his efforts in stopping a potential suicide and a meritorious service award.  Officer Fink was very intelligent and he enjoyed learning foreign languages so that he could converse with tourists in their native tongues.  His great sense of humor always made his job enjoyable and his colleagues could always count on him to tell a joke to brighten their moods during difficult moments.  In his free time Officer Fink got pleasure from touring the country on his own motorcycle.

Throughout his career, Officer Fink faced many risks in his efforts to enforce the law and maintain a safe and orderly community.  On February 18, 2000, after stopping a motorist on a highway, another vehicle collided with Officer Fink's vehicle.  Officer Fink died as a result of his injuries.

On February 18, 2000, the citizens of this state lost a friend who placed the safety and well-being of others above his own and who truly represented the best traits of humanity, heroism, sacrifice and the spirit of service to others.  The citizens of this state owe Officer Fink an extraordinary debt of gratitude for his tremendous service and ultimate sacrifice.

"Skip" Fink was dedicated to his family and is survived by his wife, Michael Ann, his four adult children, Michael, Matthew, Brandon and Terri, his one brother Bruce, his two sisters Donna and Susan and his three grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by his family, his colleagues at the Department of Public Safety and his many friends.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature sincerely regret the passing of Officer Floyd "Skip" Fink and extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and many friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE MARCH 6, 2000.

 

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE MARCH 13, 2000.

 

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 13, 2000.