Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Finnigan was shot and killed as he and his partner transported a prisoner to police headquarters. The officers spotted the known car thief at near his home on Grove Street and arrested him. As they transported him police headquarters a concealed handgun fell from the man's clothing onto the floorboard of the vehicle near the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Bruen Avenue. A struggle ensued in which Patrolman Finnigan was shot. Despite being mortally wounded Patrolman Finnigan was able to subdue the subject. He was transported to a local hospital where he died in surgery several hours later. A month later the 20-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. Patrolman Finnigan had served with the Irvington Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-49A9C6F1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Finnigan gave the Irvington Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Irvington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Finnigan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William J. Finnigan is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Irvington Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Finnigan's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Finnigan Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Finnigan is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Finnigan was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Irvington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
