Help for Klink
Donation protected
On Wednesday, 7/15/15, walking back to Secret Service Headquarters, David "Klink" Klinikowski was struck from behind by a truck driving in reverse down a one way street. Klink was flown up in the air and landed on his face on the concrete. Secret Service agents came to his aid and called 911. Klink was rushed to George Washington University Hospital in DC.
Klink suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including a left subarachnoid hemorrhage, a left mandible fracture, a nasal septal fracture, bilateral nasal bone fractures, left frontal maxilla fracture, left triquentral fracture, non-displaced left radial fracture, several lacerations to the face and inside of his mouth, broken teeth, and a concussion. He was admitted to the ICU, but discharged directly to home less than 24 hours later.
Since being discharged, Klink has been taken to Charles Regional Medical Center for spiking an extremely high fever, and to the Washington Hospital Center to see an oral surgeon and an ENT specialist.
Klink became sick in 2012 has been under the care of Johns Hopkins since. He was diagnosed with advanced Sarcoidosis (an incurable lung disease) and had part of his right lung removed. He was also diagnosed with hardening of the airways.
Unfortunately, due to his Sarcoidosis, the surgeries he needs are high risk and they are attempting to find other methods of fixing his injuries.
Klink is a Veteran of War and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served in Operation Southern Watch. Klink was in the US Air Force in the 52nd Combat Communications Squadron. He was honorably discharged in March 1998.
Klink began working for the US Secret Service in August 1998. He has been a part of IRMD since August 1998 through today and also served on PPD from October 2006 - 2013.
Klink became a firefighter at the age of 18 and has been a firefighter for a total of 26 years. He joined Lake Asbury Fire Department in March 1989. He joined the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department in February 1996 and is currently a Life member. Although Klink was informed by his specialists at Johns Hopkins that he could no longer perform the duties of a Firefighter in 2012, he refused to give up and he obtained his Maryland EMT Certification and became a member at EMS 3.
Klink is married to Barbra Martin-Klinikowski, who is also an EMT at EMS 3 in Waldorf. He has three step daughters, Katie Martin, Megan Martin, and Erica Martin, who all plan to follow in Klink and Barbra's Fire Department footsteps.
Klink has a long road ahead of him. He is unable to return to work yet and has multiple surgeries/procedures in his future. Between lost wages, fuel, parking, co-pays, medications, lawyers fees, etc., there will be an extreme financial burden placed on Klink and his family. Barbra has become Klink's primary caregiver and does not get paid when she takes off to care for him.
Any help that can be provided to the family during this time is greatly appreciated. Klink and Barbra are aware of this page. If you feel more comfortable giving donations directly to them, that is completely fine. You can either contact them directly, or contact me and I can get you in touch with them.
Klink suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including a left subarachnoid hemorrhage, a left mandible fracture, a nasal septal fracture, bilateral nasal bone fractures, left frontal maxilla fracture, left triquentral fracture, non-displaced left radial fracture, several lacerations to the face and inside of his mouth, broken teeth, and a concussion. He was admitted to the ICU, but discharged directly to home less than 24 hours later.
Since being discharged, Klink has been taken to Charles Regional Medical Center for spiking an extremely high fever, and to the Washington Hospital Center to see an oral surgeon and an ENT specialist.
Klink became sick in 2012 has been under the care of Johns Hopkins since. He was diagnosed with advanced Sarcoidosis (an incurable lung disease) and had part of his right lung removed. He was also diagnosed with hardening of the airways.
Unfortunately, due to his Sarcoidosis, the surgeries he needs are high risk and they are attempting to find other methods of fixing his injuries.
Klink is a Veteran of War and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served in Operation Southern Watch. Klink was in the US Air Force in the 52nd Combat Communications Squadron. He was honorably discharged in March 1998.
Klink began working for the US Secret Service in August 1998. He has been a part of IRMD since August 1998 through today and also served on PPD from October 2006 - 2013.
Klink became a firefighter at the age of 18 and has been a firefighter for a total of 26 years. He joined Lake Asbury Fire Department in March 1989. He joined the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department in February 1996 and is currently a Life member. Although Klink was informed by his specialists at Johns Hopkins that he could no longer perform the duties of a Firefighter in 2012, he refused to give up and he obtained his Maryland EMT Certification and became a member at EMS 3.
Klink is married to Barbra Martin-Klinikowski, who is also an EMT at EMS 3 in Waldorf. He has three step daughters, Katie Martin, Megan Martin, and Erica Martin, who all plan to follow in Klink and Barbra's Fire Department footsteps.
Klink has a long road ahead of him. He is unable to return to work yet and has multiple surgeries/procedures in his future. Between lost wages, fuel, parking, co-pays, medications, lawyers fees, etc., there will be an extreme financial burden placed on Klink and his family. Barbra has become Klink's primary caregiver and does not get paid when she takes off to care for him.
Any help that can be provided to the family during this time is greatly appreciated. Klink and Barbra are aware of this page. If you feel more comfortable giving donations directly to them, that is completely fine. You can either contact them directly, or contact me and I can get you in touch with them.
Organizer
Elizabeth Caswell
Organizer
Accokeek, MD
