The Associated Press
(Albany-AP) -- Thousands of mourners crowded into an arena Saturday to remember a thirty-seven-year-old Albany police officer who was shot and killed while chasing a robbery suspect.
Lieutenant John Finn died February 12th from wounds he suffered when he was shot two days before Christmas. Finn had been hospitalized for two months with bullet wounds in his lower torso and leg. He died after surgery.
During the service, Finn’s daughter, eight-year-old Clara, sang “Amazing Grace.” Finn’s wife, Maura McNulty-Finn, thanked people for providing support and for giving blood while Finn was hospitalized.
City officials read condolence letters from President George W. Bush, Governor George Pataki, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Charles Schumer. Police officers who wore a black band across their badges in honor of a fallen colleague. Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard read an invocation.
A short video recounted Finn’s life.
Finn was a 13-year veteran of the Albany Police Department, a dedicated father to his two young daughters, a fearless officer and a hero to those who remembered him Saturday.
Finn was shot in the line of duty after a convenience store robbery in Albany’s South End neighborhood. Twenty-six-year-old suspect Keshon Everett, of Albany, was also shot in the chase. He is in Albany County Jail without bail, charged with first-degree attempted murder and other felonies.