What happened to Sgt. Rick Finley? Tennessee officials offer condolences as McNairy County Sheriff’s Office deputy dies in line of duty

Crime Scene (Image via kat wilcox / Pexels)
Crime Scene (Image via kat wilcox / Pexels)

In a recent shooting on Saturday, McNairy County officer Sergeant Rick Finley was killed in the line of duty. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the suspect was later identified as 39-year-old Daniel Holmes.

The Selmer Police Department reported Sergeant Finley confronted Holmes when he tried to break into a home in New Bethel. Homes reportedly fired several shots of fire on the door to break in. During this time, Sergeant Finley caught Holmes in the act and tried to stop him, he attacked Finley and shot him multiple times till he was dead.


Tennessee officials offer condolences as McNairy County Deputy Sergeant Rick Finley dies in the line of duty

Law enforcement agencies, along with government officials and police departments across Tennessee, offered condolences after the tragic death of Sergeant Rick Finley in the line of duty.

On Saturday afternoon around 3:00 pm, Sergeant Finley responded to a call describing a suspicious person outside a home on New Bethel Road in Selmer. After reaching the scene, he confronted Holmes, the suspect who shot Finley to death. Another officer named Ron Pilkington of the Selmer Police Department arrived at the scene and shot the suspect, causing him to die as well. Finley was a full-time employee at the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office and on Saturday, worked part-time for the Selmer Police Department. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported that they are currently investigating the case to find out the specifics of the gunfire.

Several police departments across Tennessee offered their condolences to Sergeant Finley.

The Corinth Police Department stated,"Chief Landon Tucker and the Corinth Police Department would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Sgt. Rick Finley who selflessly gave his life in the line of duty in Selmer, TN on Dec. 14th, 2024. And to our brothers and sisters at the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office and Selmer Police Dept. , you have our heart felt prayers and support. Rest easy Sgt. Finley."
"Chief Tony J. Crisp and all the members of the Maryville Police Department wish to offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Selmer Police Department Officer Rick Finley. Officer Finley worked part-time for the Selmer Police Department and was a full-time deputy with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office. Our heart breaks for the members of the Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Sheriff’s Office and the community to which Officer Finley had dedicated himself to serve. To Rick’s friends and loved ones, we grieve with you and pray for comfort during this difficult time. 'Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the children of God.' Matthew 5:9," said the Maryville Police Department in a statement.

On Sunday, Sergeant Finley was honored with a flag procession, where several officers showed up to pay respect. Deputies from Fayette, Hardman, and Hardin County Sheriff departments were seen joining the procession. Officers from police departments across Tennessee also attended. The procession started around the bypass to the 46/64 Highway intersection, before turning onto Mulberry Avenue, and finally reached Shackleford Funeral Home, where Finley's body is currently resting. Several community members also joined the procession along with the law enforcement officers to pay final respects to Sergeant Finley.

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Edited by Nimisha Bansal