Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Never forgotten!

F/Lt Vence Woods
Michigan DNR

May 15, 2024

Denny, every Police Memorial Day I reflect on your service and friendship. Never forgotten my friend.
"Hakiem"

F/Lt. Vence Woods
MI DNR/EGLE Law Enforcement Division

May 15, 2023

Sgt. Finch,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 13, 2023

Dear Dad
It's been many years and the pain has faded thankfully, but an ache remains. I'm now 4 years older than you were when you were killed, which amazes me. I still feel young and you had much life yet to live. It is so sad to see how many lives, (including children!) are cut short each year from the same types of weapons that ended yours. Maybe it is better you weren't around to see that. But oh how I wish you were here to see your grandchildren grow up and make more memories together. It is so comforting to read the messages people post about you and know that you are not forgotten. I hope to see you again some day and fish together on a peaceful lake or play a good game of Scrabble. Love always and forever,

Roxanne Mannello
Daughter

July 31, 2022

Denny, I still keep your memory alive with me. I am still at it after 33 years and your memory is right along side me.

Hakiem

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
MI DNR EIS

May 14, 2020

I pass by your grave everyday that I go to work. I always say hello. Thanks for guiding me where I need to be. You will never ever be forgotten.

Sgt.

December 20, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Finch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2019

Denny, you are still with me my friend!

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
Michigan DNR Environmental Investigation Section

May 14, 2019

Denny, I think of you often my friend and hope your family is doing good. As I passed the milestone of 31 years and turn 52 I am able to relate even more to what a loss and senseless death. To those who read this, please know Denny is never forgotten.

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
Michigan DNR Environmental Investigation Section

May 15, 2018

Sgt. Finch.
7 years after your death I started my career in Law Enforcement just down the street from where you were killed. Some of your fellow officers shared stories with me about what a great man and officer you were, and I wished I would of had the chance to meet you. Today I drove by the house where you made the ultimate sacrifice for your community. I thought of you and said a quiet prayer. And for some reason I looked you up on this sight just to say thank you for your service and sacrifice. That tells me the lord meant for me to have this reflection today. Your boys in blue and in my case brown will always honor your memory. Rest easy friend we will take it from here.

Sgt.
Grand Traverse County

December 2, 2016

Denny, you were a hero to those of us that worked with you. You were an amazing leader and a true support to all of us. You had the greatest stories (along with Butch) from the "old days". I went to DC and traced your name, but you will never be forgotten. You were so loved and you are so missed.

Kara OKeefe

October 17, 2016

I went to the memorial page today just to feel like I was a part of the activities in Washington DC. Then I felt the urge to go to your name and then here. During my computer travel I thought, "This has to be around the day Denny was lost" and as your face came up, it was in fact today 17 years ago. You are still with me my friend always nudging me and encouraging.

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
DNR LED

May 13, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 13, 2015

I attended Sergeant Finch's funeral. Every school and business was closed. Children in school uniforms, merchants and families lined the streets for the extended procession from the church to the cemetery. Road crews removed their helmets and stood at attention. Every changeable copy business sign bore a tribute to this beloved Officer.

I have never seen a more fitting or moving silent salute to a fallen Officer. We remember this courageous Veteran every year on this day. God Bless You.

Peter Stipe - Officer, Retired
Ann Arbor Police Department

May 13, 2015

Grandpa Dennis,
I miss you everyday. You gave your life to save those precious babies who came off the bus 17 years ago today. This day can never mend the hole in my heart. You are the hero who stepped on the line even though it was dangerous. I miss your gentle smile and caring heart. No one else can replace you. There's only one Grandpa Dennis and that's you. I love and miss you. Rest in Peace in God's arms.
Love, Kelsey

KELSEY LAWRENCE
adopted grand daughter

May 12, 2015

Even though it's been many years since that day, which I will never forget, I still think of you Dennis. Remembering all the fond memories I have with you weather it was work or sports. I regret not being able to do more to help you that day. You were a good man and proud to call you my friend.

Ptlm. Retired R. Sadler
Traverse City PD

December 8, 2014

Sergeant Dennis Warren Finch,
I continue to miss you everyday. Michigan changed after your selfless act of kindness for those precious babies 16 and a half tragic years ago. I still want to be a Police Officer because of your strong actions. You weren't afraid to do anything. Being the person that you were I started following in your footsteps. You were a brave man who worked as a Police Officer. You also deserve a flag because you fought in the Vietnam War.
God Bless you always.
Rest in God's arms.
Love, your adopted granddaughter Kelsey
October 23rd 2014.

Kelsey Lawrence
Adopted granddaughter

October 23, 2014

Sergeant Dennis Finch,
You saved those precious babies on that day when you put your life on the line to save those children. Your selfless actions inspired me to help save children when they need it. I miss you so much. You're alive in my heart everyday because of all the good things you did as a Marine in the Vietnam War and as a Police Officer in Traverse City.
God bless you.
Love, Kelsey

Kelsey lawrence
adopted grand daughter

October 16, 2014

Sergeant Finch,
It's been 16 and a half years since your unexpected death. I always think about you and the things you did to help others out. My heart pours out to you as you watch me from Heaven. You're my inspiration because you stayed strong while working.
Rest In peace.
Love, Kelsey

Kelsey Lawrence
student of his daughter

September 17, 2014

Sergeant Dennis Finch,
I think about you everyday. My heart still aches but I know you're watching me from Heaven. I miss seeing your face. Every summer when I go up to Traverse City it isn't the same without you being there. You're the person who gave me strength and courage. I always pray for you every night. You earned your angels wings because you gave your life saving those children.
Love, Kelsey

Kelsey Lawrence
student of his daughter

September 17, 2014

Sargent Finch,
Not a day goes by where I think about you. I miss you so much. You gave your life. I'll always remember you. I love being your adopted grand daughter because you're like a grandfather to me. You looked so handsome during the Vietnam War but as a Police Officer as well.
I love you.
God bless always.
Love Kelsey

Kelsey Lawrence
student

September 17, 2014

Dennis you're my hero. Next month it'll be sixteen years since you left. Rest in Peace.
Kelsey

kelsey lawrence
rachelle finch

April 3, 2014

Denny it has been fifteen years since you left us. I still carry the pocket knife you were part of buying for me when I left the Narc team. Last year I visited the memorial in DC during police week and found your name, I was honored and proud to call you my friend and chilled at little seeing you there with all the others. I hope your family is doing well this week and know you are not forgotten.

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
Michigan DNR

May 16, 2013

Your bravery and service are remembered this day...rest in peace my brother.

Sergeant Don Barton
Garden City PD

May 6, 2013

I used to go to Traverse city all the time when I lived in Mancelona. I was 17 days from my first birthday when this happened. He shall never be forgotten thanks to this website. I hope that your family is well. It would have been great if you could see your grandchild grow up. To Protect and To Serve. Rest in Peace to a great cop and even better man.

Sabrina
Morgantown,WV used to live In MI

March 10, 2012