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Incident
Lieutenant John Finn succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 6 weeks earlier during a foot chase of a robbery suspect.
During the chase at 11:15 p.m., the suspect turned around and opened fire, striking Lieutenant Finn three times. One of the rounds was stopped by his vest, one struck him in the leg, and the third entered his torso between two panels of the vest. The officer was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the chest several times, wounding him.
Lieutenant Finn was transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital where he remained in critical condition until his death 6 weeks later.
The suspect was originally charged with attempted murder but faced revised charges as a result of Lieutenant Finn's death. The killer pleaded guilty to a 10-count indictment, including two counts of first-degree murder. On August 18th, 2004, he was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Lieutenant Finn had served with the Albany Police Department for 13 years. He received two life-saving awards and was named the Albany Police Officer of the Year in 2002.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
Lieutenant Finn gave the Albany Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Finn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Albany Police Department has lost 12 officers; 6 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 2004, 1 officer at Albany Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1971, with 2.
In 2004, 5 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 37. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Albany Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 43; the middle age was 43. John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 13.5 years.
John was 37. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 37. 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 had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 16.7% of these deaths at Albany Police Department; January holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 16.7%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 12 deaths at Albany Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; tech-9, in 16.7% 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; tech-9, in 0.1% 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; tech-9, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; tech-9, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Albany Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, John among them.
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Walter Major Aug 16, 1921
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Francis V. Keyes
Apr 24, 1936
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William J. Fitzpatrick
Jan 5, 1945
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Samuel B. Robinson
May 13, 1957
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Francis W. Castle
Feb 6, 1961
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Thomas P. McAvoy
Jan 28, 1964
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Edward C. Stevens
Nov 26, 1971
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Michael F. McNeil, Jr.
Nov 29, 1971
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Guy John Barringer
Apr 10, 1987
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John F. Finn
Feb 12, 2004
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Kenneth P. Wilcox
Apr 26, 2006
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Douglas Henry Mayville
Apr 9, 2014
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
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