PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A memorial service was held Monday for a Florida Highway Patrol trooper who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month during a pursuit on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County.
Trooper Zachary Fink was remembered by family, friends and law enforcement colleagues during a memorial service at Christ Fellowship Church in Port St. Lucie.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., were among those in attendance and spoke at the service.
"We can say, without question, that his service made a difference," DeSantis said. "He made an impact in a great way on the state of Florida, and that'll be something where his legacy lasts for many years to come."
Mast said Fink was a selfless, dedicated public servant.
"What struck me as most remarkable is not that somebody would lay down their life for a friend," Mast said. "It's that somebody would lay down their life for someone that they barely know. That was the life of Trooper Fink daily. … To me, that is the exact definition of a dedication to duty."
Fink's cousin, Jay Fink, who is a St. Lucie County deputy, also spoke, recalling the days outside of the job.
"Our fondest memories will be the beach days," he said, fighting back tears, before continuing, "the beach days, the surfing, the fishing, the barbecues, the vacations, the air shows, the concerts and so much more."
A funeral procession led by FHP motorcyclists took place from the funeral home to the church.
As the hearse carrying Fink's body arrived at Christ Fellowship Church, escorted by four FHP motorcyclists on each end of the vehicle, law enforcement from various agencies stood and saluted.
Bagpipes played as troopers removed Fink's casket from the hearse and carried it inside the church.
Fink, 26, was killed while pursuing and trying to stop a fleeing felon who was driving recklessly and at high speeds on I-95, authorities said.
The suspect, Michael Addison, 30, faces a slew of charges, including two counts of murder, for his alleged role in the crash that took the life of Fink and a truck driver.
After the service, Fink's family received a folded American flag, as is customary. A bugle playing "Taps" signified the end of watch, followed by a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace."
The procession then carried on to a private burial service.
DeSantis ordered the U.S. and Florida flags to be flown at half-staff at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Port St. Lucie, the St. Lucie County Courthouse in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie City Hall from sunrise to sunset Monday.
The FHP said those who would like to send a gift or donation to Fink's family may do so via the information below:
Trooper Zachary Fink Family
c/o Captain Allen Sapp
Florida Highway Patrol
2929 North 25 St.
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Nonprofit organization Bleeding Blue has a challenge coin honoring Fink. All proceeds will benefit the Fink family.