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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elmira Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1915, 4 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 64th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 44. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35.
John 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.
John was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 7.7% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Tuesdays: 16.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Elmira Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 21.5% 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
Elmira Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Elmira Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
