In the winter of 2003, just two days before Christmas, the city of Albany was irrevocably altered by a violent encounter that would ultimately claim the life of a dedicated police officer. Lieutenant John F. Finn, a 38-year-old male and a 12-year veteran of the Albany Police Department, was grievously wounded in a shootout on Trinity Place. The incident occurred late in the evening of December 23rd, when Finn engaged in a foot pursuit of an armed robbery suspect.
The chase took a tragic turn when the suspect turned and opened fire, striking the lieutenant.
For 51 agonizing days, Finn fought for his life at the Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his family and fellow officers who kept a constant vigil. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, he ultimately succumbed to the gunshot wounds on Thursday, February 12, 2004. His death sent shockwaves through the community and the law enforcement fraternity, who remembered him as a pioneering supervisor and a compassionate officer held in high esteem by his colleagues. He was a decorated officer, having received two lifesaving awards and being named Police Officer of the Year in 2000 by the Kiwanis Club.
The man responsible for the fatal shooting was identified as Kashan Everett, a 26-year-old ex-convict with a lengthy criminal history. In the exchange of gunfire, Finn was able to return fire and wound Everett. Following Lieutenant Finn's death, the initial charges against Everett were upgraded. He ultimately pleaded guilty to a 10-count indictment that included two counts of first-degree murder. On August 18, 2004, Kashan Everett was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would never again pose a threat to the public.
