David Spink, Veteran Barstow Firefighter, Dies After Being Struck By Car While On The Job On Dec. 5
BARSTOW (CBSLA) — A veteran firefighter with the Barstow Fire Protection District died Sunday of the major injuries he sustained after being struck by a car in a job-related accident more than a month ago.
The desert community honored Engineer David Spink Sunday night as he was taken from Loma Linda University Medical Center to the San Bernardino County coroner's office.
Spink was struck by a car on Dec. 5 on the northbound Interstate 15 while responding to a separate crash. While crews treated patients and worked to clear the crash scene, Spink was hit by a vehicle traveling at highway speeds, fire officials said.
The crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol and Barstow police.
Following the crash, Spink was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he was taken off a ventilator after the more than month-long battle. His son, Dallen Spink, who is also a firefighter with the Barstow Fire Protection District, wrote in a Facebook post that his father had sustained major brain injuries and suffered a number of strokes while he was in a coma.
Spink began his career with the Barstow Fire Department as a paid call firefighter in 1990, and was hired full-time in 1993. He was promoted to the rank of engineer in 1999, and worked at both of Barstow's fire stations in his more than 32 years with the department.
Flags were flown half-staff in his honor at the state capitol.
"Engineer Spink's legacy lives on in the community he served for over three decades and through his son Dallen, who has followed in his footsteps at the Barstow Fire Protection District," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
He is survived by his wife Coleen, his father Walt, brothers Logan and Ryan, and his son Dallen.