DPS is remembering fallen Trooper, Floyd Fink today. He was killed on this date in 2,000-. Fink had just stopped an eastbound motorist on the Superstition Freeway in Tempe when his patrol car was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by 22-year old Robert Stavers of Mesa. Upon impact, Fink’s patrol car burst into flames, trapping the 28-year DPS veteran inside. Several people tried to rescue Fink, but his seatbelt kept them from pulling him clear of the car. Eventually fire extinguishers were used to douse the fire and 53-year old was pulled from the car; he died a short time later at the Maricopa Burn Unit. Stavers was charged with second-degree murder, endangerment, possession and use of dangerous drugs, possession of marijuana, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. In December 2000, Stavers pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to the maximum of 18-years in prison.
