Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rick was an outstanding DEA Agent and everybody knew it. He was humble and strong and steadfast. He looked out for our brothers and sisters who needed a little help. He was noble and beautiful and powerful. He was a true warrior heart and a light for everyone around him. His light shines on.

Alan Dean, Special Agent DEA retired
Snowcap Eagle Team-Peru 1989

May 21, 2023

I first met Agent Rick Finley in April of 1989 as we both participated in mount out training in Quantico in support of DEA Operation Snowcap. Rick was preparing to deploy for operations in Huallaga Valley, Peru and I to Chapare, Bolivia. I only knew Rick for those 10 days of training and preparations, but 33 years later and I can still easily remember his infectious smile, charismatic personality and dedication to Operation Snowcap. I also recall, DEA leadership had identified Rick's leadership abilities and assigned him the arduous responsibility as Acting Team Leader for his final Snowcap tour to Peru. Rick's fellow agents will always remember Rick as an outstanding agent at the Detroit Division Office and as a courageous warrior with Operation Snowcap.

Retired SA Stephen Gunzenhauser
Comrades in Operation Snowcap

March 28, 2022

S/A Rick Finley and Family,

Your service and heroism to your country are not forgotten.

To the Finley family, may you find peace and thank you for sharing Rick with our country.

Charlie

March 2, 2021

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 20, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to yuo through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 20, 2012

I attended college with the help of the Rick Finley memorial Scholarship. I now have a degree in Criminal Justice and have been in Law Enforcement for fifteen years. Thank you for your service! May God bless your family!! Rest in peace.

Cpl. Mike A Hagar
Arkansas State Police

January 9, 2010

My father knew Rick Finley as a very kind hearted man who would allow newly transfered DEA agents to stay at his home until they could find a more permanent residence. My mother was a former secretary of Mr Finley. I believe I was told that I met this man when I was only an infant, at the age of one, I could be wrong. Anyway, although I am not going to state the location of this building, I will say, he has an entire DEA building named in his memory. I never had the pleasure of knowing this man myself but the stories my father has told me about him, has made this man a hero of mine and has been ever since I was a young boy.

Sean Valentine
Son of former co-worker

May 6, 2008

SA Finley...Thank you for your service to our society. May you name and memory be everlasting. R.I.P.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

March 31, 2008

It's 2008 and not many days go by that I don't think of you and the priceless friendship we had in college. My heart is still in a loss and when I pray at night, I always try to remember to ask God to tell you hi. You were and still are my brother. When you went "home" we all grieved but God smiled. Your job here was done.

Steve K

March 7, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 19, 2008

Your service to the citizens of the U.S. will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Sir.

A citizen

May 4, 2007

This was one of the nicest persons I ever met--bar none

Special Agent, Retired
DEA

August 11, 2005

My cousin, Clyde Bayless was also on the flight with Agent Finley. Clyde was only a couple of weeks within returning to the U.S.. This was such a tragedy. The sacrifice these men made will not be forgotten. May God continue to bless the families of those left behind.

Patrolman D.E. Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

April 11, 2005

Rick - you were my best friend. I will never forget the many things you taught me about life. I think of you often and miss you dearly. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to be your friend.

Rosemary

November 11, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Rickie

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

May 20, 2004