Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure John did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and John be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Lieutenant Finn's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that John is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain John was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/01/03)

February 15, 2004

My sympathy goes to Lt. Finn, his family, and his family of co workers at Albany PD. A death in the ranks is never easy to take, so we try not to think about it until it hits close to home. Lt. Finn's family will have to live with this loss for the rest of their lives, as the rest of us go on. Make a special effort to remember him and his accomplishments at the Albany PD, and make sure the public remembers the sacrifice that he made for their safety. We can never let the public forget that he put himself at risk, so that others can live life without fear.
May Lt. Finn rest in peace, knowing his sacrifice was made for the good of the people he chose to serve.

Cpl. Christopher Brickell
Manchester Police Department Vt.

February 14, 2004

To the friends and family of Lt. John Finn, may God bless you and be with you in this time of sorrow. America lost another hero today; Lt. Finn was doing his job when he was called to heaven. Rest in peace brother your work on earth is done; go patrol the highways of heaven and guide us all to protect and serve others safely. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. God Speed!

Diane Dodge
Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida

February 14, 2004

Rest In Peace.....

Constable Dave Austin
Dekalb Co. Alabama Constable/K9 Handler

February 14, 2004

Our hearts and prayers go out to all in Albany PD. It is a very challenging time when an officer is killed. We will keep all in our prayers.
We heard about Lt. Finn's incident from our friend Officer Andrew Jackson
May you take comfort in God's love during this emotional time.

Chaplain Bill Roberts

Chaplain
Marion County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

February 14, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Finn's family and co-workers.
May the memories from over the years be your strength and comfort
during these diffucult days.

Please know that many people care a lot.

Howard E> Cooke, Jr.
State Officer - Retired

February 14, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LIEUT. FINN, HIS FAMILY
AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

February 14, 2004

To Lieutenant Finn, family,friends and co-workers, my heart and prayers are with you. May God bless you and may your love one rest in peace.

Mother of Officer Ron Jones
Prentiss Ms.EOW 12/26/01

February 14, 2004

May God be with the wife, children, family, friends and coworkers of Lt. Finn. My heart and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Lieutenant and thank you for a job well done.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Azure, EOW 08/06/02

February 14, 2004

Lt. Finn,
Thank you for your service. Please rest in peace and watch those of us still on the street and keep us from those bad guys that took your life. You are a hero!

Ofc. Shannon McBride
Lower Gwynedd PD, Montgomery Cty, PA

February 14, 2004

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
private citizen

February 13, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because it is honored by God.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for your fellow man, while serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.

To the family of Lieutenant John Finn and the Albany Police Department, your extended family of Law Enforcement Officers grieves with you during this time. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around each of you and comfort you during this most difficult time.

To all my brothers and sisters, please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Please pray for this officer's family and friends as they struggle with this tragedy.
May God be with you every day, please remember, we are a part of the largest family in the world and when one hurts we all hurt.

Though our badges and uniforms may be different, our mission is the same. Rest in peace with our other fallen Brothers and Sisters. We will continue the fight in your honor.

Florida Deputy Sheriff

February 13, 2004

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, and that will never be forgotten. May you find peace, brave soul.

Patrolman K. Barrett
Mephis Police Dept.

February 13, 2004

May GOD bless the family of Lieutenant John Finn.


The Men and Women of the Amtrak Police Department extends our deepest Sympathy to the Albany (NY) Police Department and to the family of Lieutenant John Finn.


GOD bless!!!

Criminal Investigator
Amtrak Police Department NY & NJ Division

February 13, 2004

ANOTHER SOLDIER FELL TODAY

Another soldier fell today
Not fighting in Iraq but
Fighting in a war that has been going on much longer

Another soldier fell today
CNN will not cover the story
This soldier just as important if not more important
fighting in a war much closer to home

Another soldier fell today
How many people will know
A true hero died trying to protect our own

Another soldier fell today
A true hero in my eyes
Not fighting in a foriegn land but here at home
It was not the enemy that was fighting to protect their country
But an enemy trying to take something that did not belong to them

Another soldier fell today
May God Bless him, his family, and friends
These are true heros who do not fight for fame and fortune
But fight to protect the citizens of our land
From an enemy that looks just like us

Another soldier fell today
How long must we fight this loosing war
A war against crime on our own streets
Against an enemy that keeps coming back

Another soldier fell today.....

A tribute to DEPUTY PHIL BILLINGS.... Killed in Action 4/6/03

Author: Carrol Graves

Carrol Graves

February 13, 2004

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF LT. JOHN FINN.

Anonymous

February 13, 2004

Our Greatest Fear

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,

an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.

"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,

and once again, I hold back a tear.

They patrol in the state, city, county and town,

in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.

The shape of their badges may vary,

but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.

They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,

but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.

To uphold the law is the job that they pick,

with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?

They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,

after their lives have met tragic ends.

Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,

to many have been lost when gunshots ring out.

Our Heavenly Father has called them home,

no more these dark streets do they roam.

Through trial and error they have given their best,

please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,

an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.

" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,

and once again I hold back a tear.

Rest Easy Brother John, the Watch is Ours Now and Yours was with Honor. Our Thoughts and Prayers are
with your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

APD #128
Altoona Police Dept. Altoona, Pa

February 13, 2004

The men and women of the Onondaga County (NY) Deputy Sheriffs' Police Association share your sorrow. Lt. John Finn will always be remembered.

Deputy
Onondaga County Sheriff's - Police Div.

February 13, 2004

Rest easy now, your work is done here, we'll take the watch and man the helm.
God Speed!!

Officer J. Whitmire
City of Arcade Police Dept. GA.

February 13, 2004

God bless you Lt. Finn. You will be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and the Albany PD during this very difficult time.

C. Westberry, Corrections Officer
Marion County Sheriff's Dept.

February 13, 2004

God's Speed Brother
You have served your department with pride and dignity.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, friends and fellow officers.

The watch is ours - Rest in Peace

Sheriff Steve Brown
Lunenburg/Queens Co. Sheriff's Office, Bridgewater, N.S., Canada

February 13, 2004

God bless the blue angels.
Those willing to go, everyday into the valley of the shadow.
and those who now find peaceful shelter on the other side.
You are forever in our hearts and prayers.

ACooper
Emt

February 13, 2004

We wish to express our condolence to the family, friends and co-workers of Lieutenant John Finn. Another fine officer lost in the line of duty. May God Bless each of you and may the Lord grant you peace and understanding at this terrible time. He will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,
Lyndell & Elizabeth Taylor
Parents of
Morris Lyn Taylor
Deputy Sheriff (Roseburg, Oregon)
EOW 9-14-02

February 13, 2004

Taps has sounded for you, but your memory will always survive. We ask you to watch over us as we carry on for you and all others before you. This we'll defend.

Officer Michael B. Smith
Columbus OH Division of Police

February 13, 2004

God speed warrior your shield will shine forever. You will truly be missed. Though you are not here your dedication and inspiration will carry on forever. Sincerely Ofc. Ryan Leach.

Officer Ryan Leach
Grand Blanc Township (MI)

February 13, 2004