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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
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- 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Irvington Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1922, 5 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 44. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 44. 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. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Saturdays: 10.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Irvington Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Irvington Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Irvington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
