should i have truck towed to shop or could i drive it without damaging the engin

How far to the repair shop? Do you have a car savvy friend? May be able to repair it where it is now.

if your vehicle has a direct misfire and the check engine light is "flashing" i would not drive it very much distance. the unburned fuel dumping into exhaust can melt a converter in a very short time. if the light is just on you should be safe to drive it to a shop and have it repaired