Trooper Fink Died Helping People
PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2024) — FHP Trooper Zachary Fink killed died in the line of duty on Friday, February 3rd, 2024.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has sadly announced the passing of Trooper Zachary Fink from Troop L in Indian River County. Trooper Fink, who graduated from the 146th recruit class and completed training at the FHP academy on December 18, 2020, initially served in Troop D before being transferred to Troop L in Port St. Lucie. He leaves behind his mother, father and fiancée, all residents of Port St. Lucie.
In the early hours of Friday morning, deputies from St. Lucie County noticed a white Kia driving at a high speed. When they tried to pull over the vehicle for a traffic stop, it fled from them.
Trooper Fink happened to be nearby and observed the car making an illegal U Turn before driving in the wrong direction. In an attempt to respond appropriately, Trooper Fink also made a U Turn but tragically collided with a semi truck near mile marker 120 southbound.
Both Trooper Fink and the driver of the semi truck sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. The suspect vehicle exited the interstate and eventually crashed before its occupants abandoned it on Commerce Center Drive near Brandywine Ln.
“Today is a sad and difficult day for the profession of law enforcement,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “FHP has a proud history, and Trooper Fink is a hero who died while helping people, something he was passionate about since the age of six. This dedication and love for helping others defines FHP and the FHP family honors his service and pray for everyone who lost a loved one today.”
“Trooper Fink died a hero protecting and serving his community,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “After speaking with his family, I can say that Trooper Fink was living his dream as a Florida State Trooper when a felon tragically took his life. As a first responder, sacrifice is not new; it is daily and experienced while living, when missing breakfast with family, or when at work instead of with family. We appreciate Trooper Fink’s sacrifice and know that the people of Florida are safer because of his commitment to keeping them safe.”
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers worked together with law enforcement officers from St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office to apprehend someone who is considered relevant to this case.
The criminal investigation is being handled by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, while the traffic homicide investigation will be conducted by FHP traffic homicide investigators. We will provide further details once we have made appropriate notifications and as more information becomes available. Rest assured, the investigation is ongoing and in progress.
