Rick Finley

Sergeant Rick Finley was shot and killed on December 14, 2024, while responding to a suspicious person complaint. The subject was attempting to break into a home. When Finley arrived at the scene, the subject attacked him, shooting him multiple times. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. At the time of his death, he was working part-time for the Selmer Police Department. He was also serving with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. Finley was a six-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. 

Finley was born in Savannah, Tennessee, to parents Robin and Terry Finley, and had a brother, Tim. The loss of his mom, Robin, was difficult, and she was missed throughout his lifetime. He pursued his passions with unwavering determination. At the young age of 16, he embarked on a journey in mixed martial arts. He honed his skills and achieved his goals, earning a 6th degree black belt. This dedication mirrored his relentless spirit and the grit that defined his life.  

He entered the military in August 2006, in the 252nd MP Company, earning the rank of Specialist. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for six years, during which he was deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2009 to 2010. Upon honorable discharge, he wanted to continue serving others and embarked on his law enforcement career. He joined the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office in 2011, first as a jailer and then as a full-time deputy after graduating from the police academy in 2013. He served with kindness, bravery, humility, and selflessness, in the military for his country and as a law enforcement officer for his community. He was 100% committed in every aspect of his life. He believed in the seven virtues of Bushido (the “Way of the Warrior”), which emphasized honor, self-discipline, and ethical conduct. They are Integrity, Respect, Heroic Courage, Honor, Compassion, Honesty and Sincerity, Duty and Loyalty. He lived his life by this code, and it was a driving force in all his endeavors. In 2020, Governor Bill Lee awarded him a certificate of appreciation for saving an individual from a burning car. 

Finley met his future wife, Amber, in karate class. They became best friends for 10 years before dating, always enjoying each other’s company. They had two children together, Caiman and Ronin. Ronin was born after his father’s death. He had three older stepchildren from a previous marriage, Christen, Mitchell, who he considered his own. He always included them in his life. His older son, Kai, passed away from cancer six months before Finley’s death. He left a legacy of love and was a man of integrity with a beautiful heart. 

Sergeant Rick Finley is survived by his loving wife, Amber, his young sons, Caiman and Ronin, his older stepchildren, Christen and Mitchell, grandsons, Elian and Ahlias, his father, Terry Finley, his brother, Timothy, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Finley family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.