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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 11 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 23. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Michael was 23. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 13.8% of these deaths in NY, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 9.7%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Jefferson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
