Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief John Finnell and Detective Sergeant Charles Gradwell were shot and killed while attempting to question two burglary suspects in a rooming house on Baldwin Street. The two men they went to question were suspected in a string of recent burglaries. Both officers were shot in the room where the men were staying. Both suspects fled the scene. One was apprehended a short time later but the other was identified but never apprehended. The suspect was convicted of murder in the second degree of Sergeant Gradwell and sentenced to 20 years to life. He was paroled in 1930 and sent back to Chemung County to face a 1915 burglary charge. He was convicted of burglary, sent back to prison, and released in 1935.
Survivors
Chief Finnell was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-A23DFBEC- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Finnell served with the Elmira Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elmira community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Finnell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police John J. Finnell is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Elmira Police Department, 2 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John J. Finnell's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Finnell Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Finnell is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Finnell was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Elmira Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
