RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — After a deadly officer-involved shooting in West Tennessee last weekend, Rutherford County authorities decided to pool their money to help the fallen sergeant’s family.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), members of the Selmer Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person outside a home in the 100 block of New Bethel Road just after 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Police said they were told a man had tried to force his way into a home, fired several shots into the door, and ran off before law enforcement arrived. After authorities learned the man was across the street, Sgt. Rick Finley from the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office — who was reportedly working part-time with the Selmer Police Department at the time — found him in a driveway.
When Finley got to the scene, he encountered 39-year-old Daniel Jeremiah Holmes, who allegedly attacked Finley before firing several shots and fatally wounding him. A second officer arrived and returned fire, striking Holmes, who was pronounced dead at the scene, the TBI said.
Law enforcement and emergency response agencies across Middle Tennessee turned to social media following the shooting to share their prayers and condolences. However, some organizations took their support a step further.
Since Finley is survived by his wife, Amber, along with three children and a baby expected in March, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sunday, Dec. 22 that Finley’s family received a donation from the “Secret Santa” fund.
“Secret Santa and Mrs. Claus share the Christmas spirit by donating money annually to sheriff’s deputies who give the cash to deserving people,” the sheriff’s office explained.
Patrol Sgt. Robert Horne said fellow day shift Patrol Sgt. John Wauchek proposed the idea for day shift deputies to pool their share of the money and donate it to Finley’s family.
According to officials, Horne delivered the money to Selmer Police Department Lt. Ted Roberts — a former officer for police departments in Eagleville and La Vergne — who accepted the donation on behalf of Finley’s family.
