Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Michael Finerson was shot and killed in Watertown after responding to a domestic dispute in which a female was attempting to remove her possessions from her home. Her estranged husband was hiding in the house, at 6240 Weaver Road, and shot Deputy Finerson when he entered. He then shot and killed himself. Deputy Finerson had served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for two years. He was to join the New York State Police in October 1970.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-C8D99045- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Finerson gave the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Watertown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Finerson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Finerson 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael J. Finerson's cause is highlighted.
How Michael J. Finerson Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. Finerson is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. Finerson was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Jefferson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
