Deputies from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office have decided to use their Secret Santa funds to support the family of a fallen officer. The annual Secret Santa program, which typically helps local individuals in need, was instead used this year to raise money for the family of Sgt. Rick Finley, who died while on duty, as reported by WSMV.
On December 14, Sgt. Finley was shot and killed by Daniel Jeremiah Holmes after responding to a suspicious person call in Selmer, TN. Holmes reportedly fired multiple times before being confronted by law enforcement. Sgt. Finley was killed in the exchange, and Holmes was also found dead at the scene, according to WKRN. Sgt. Finley, a deputy with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office, is survived by his wife, Amber, their three children, and a fourth child expected in March.
The idea to support Sgt. Finley's family was suggested by Patrol Sgt. John Wauchek and was supported by the day shift deputies. "Secret Santa and Mrs. Claus agreed with the idea," said the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post.
Patrol Sgt. Robert Horne was responsible for delivering the donation to Selmer Police Department Lt. Ted Roberts, who accepted the funds on behalf of the Finley family. Roberts, a former officer with the Eagleville and La Vergne Police Departments.
