Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 9, 2008

Merry Christmas LT.
12/25/2007

P.O.
APD

December 25, 2007

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 17, 2007

Lt.,
I only met you once briefly but I just wanted to let you and those who loved you know that you will always be remembered as a symbol of honor, courage, and dedication.

Officer Edward Meyers
New York State University Police / Albany

February 28, 2007

I am a upstate resident and just seen were to day is the anniversary of your death i just wanted to say thank you for your sacrifice and that you will never be forgotten

NYS resident

February 12, 2007

Just wanted to say hello LT.

P.O.
APD

November 14, 2006

You were one of the nicest and most sincere people I have ever come across. Working for you in ASB was a true priviledge because I was able to get to know you better. We shared many laughs and you helped me through a tough time in my life! You have my respect forever! I miss you!

Kelly Parker - CIU Clerk
Albany Police Department

August 9, 2006

LT say hi to KWILL for us. We will always miss and remember the both of you.

P.O.
APD

April 28, 2006

On hearts go out to you and both your
families on this 2nd anniversary of
your death. Time has not diminished
your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 12, 2006

I have never met you, but I salute you. I am not a police officer yet, but hope to continue on in the footsteps of great men and women like you.

Robert Powell
An American

February 12, 2006

Rest In Peace LT. We will always miss and remember you.

P.O.
APD

February 10, 2006

Lieutenant Finn..just wanted to stop by to let you know you are not forgotten..please be with your family - friends & co-workers as they celebrate your 2nd birthday in Heaven..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi

February 10, 2006

It will be two years since you were called away. I wanted to let you know that you have not been forgotten and that you are a true hero. Those that love you will keep your name alive for as long as they walk this earth. The Blue Family will also keep your memory alive. Watch over your family and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

January 25, 2006

Dear John,

I was thinking of you today and I couldn't help but remember when we shared(you actually bummed them) a good cigar and a lot of laughs out in front of the station. The one thing you could always do was make me laugh. I will always remember you for being a great leader, a good friend and a wonderful husband and father. I will forever miss you and love the time we had together. I know you don't want to hear this, however, your legacy will live on with the APD and with me and my family. You left an indelible presence on some many of us it is hard to forget.
Until we meet again....

Tom Nadoraski, Sergeant
Albany, N.Y. Police Department

January 23, 2006

At the New York State Police and Fire Games I picked up a APD 286 Shirt and Pin. I have worn the two with pride.
A person at Champlain Center Mall saw my shirt, ask if I work for APD, I Said "no" I told them the story how I bought the shirt and the man's name was Finn. He new the sad story, and told me had someone close to him working for the force.
After that I told my self if I am going to where the shirt with pride, I should know the hole story and be able to tell everyone the story of the brave hero Lt. John Finn. Now that I know the hole tragic story I feel better wearing the shirt and Pin that are marmoreal in his honor.
The ambulance I in out station also wears the number 286. When I see the number it makes me think of Lt. Finn. I sleep better at night knowing men and women make out streets safe for the good people of New York.

Fire Fighter
Plattsburgh Fire Dept.

January 12, 2006

Rest In Peace.

P.O.
APD

December 23, 2005

On this, the anniversary of your tragic death I salute you.

Gone but NEVER forgotten

February 12, 2005

Even though a year has passed you are still greatly missed like it was the first day God asked for your hand. Merry Christmas LT.

P.O.
APD

December 23, 2004

Dear Lieutenant Finn,

God bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great nation.

Here is a special prayer for you:

Give eternal rest to them, O Lord,
Whose souls have taken flight.
And lead them to a better world
Where there is peace and light.
Grant them eternal freedom
From conflict, war, and care,
And fulfill for them Thy prophecy,
There shall be no night there.

Pray for us from above. We love you, dear one.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 30, 2004

Good Bye Old friend , will miss you

October 7, 2004

John,
We will never forget.
We are praying for the strength, health and happiness of your family.
God Bless the peace keepers!!

Jack McMahon
Troy P.D. NY

October 4, 2004

I was in the police academy when you were defending the streets of Albany and were gunned down in the line of duty. My recruit class was able to attend the ceremony and I could not help but notice how strong your wife and oldest daughter were. It hurt me to hear your number called out for the last time, but it was also great to see just how much a community of Police Officers and the public can come together in such a horrible time. Thanks for your service and sacrifice to the city of Albany and to your country. You are a true hero in every sense of the word. Gob bless to your wife and children. You will never be forgotten.

SSgt Thomas J Feeley Jr
United States Air Force Security Police

October 4, 2004

Dear Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I was speaking to a women that I work with in NY yesterday and we were talking about how I just lost my brother Duke Aaron III in the line of duty and she told me about your family. After what we have been thru I can realize how difficult this was for all of you. We will keep your family in our prayers. God Bless all of You.

Cindy Sister of CPL Duke Aaron III

September 1, 2004

May you rest in peace, my brother...you are a true hero. May God bless you and your family.

Sergeant Michael E Kopp Jr
New York State Police

September 1, 2004

Rest in Peace. You will never be forgotten.

P.O.
Albany PD

August 28, 2004