The small, tightly-knit community of McNairy County, Tennessee, is reeling from the tragic death of Selmer Police Officer Rick Finley, who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, December 14, 2024, during a violent altercation on New Bethel Road. The fatal encounter unfolded after police responded to a report of a suspicious person outside a rural residence, marking one of the darkest days for local law enforcement and residents alike. Preliminary investigations conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reveal chilling details about the incident, which ended in the deaths of both Officer Finley and the suspect, 39-year-old Daniel Jeremiah Holmes.
According to official reports, the events began just after 3:00 p.m. when a 911 call was made by a concerned resident reporting the presence of an unfamiliar individual loitering outside their property on New Bethel Road. Officer Rick Finley, a respected part-time member of the Selmer Police Department and a full-time deputy with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office, was the first responder to arrive at the scene. Witness accounts and early findings suggest that upon Officer Finley’s arrival, Holmes became confrontational, ultimately escalating the situation into a violent attack. The TBI confirmed that Holmes physically assaulted Officer Finley before drawing a firearm and shooting him multiple times. The attack left Officer Finley critically injured.
Within moments of the initial confrontation, a second law enforcement officer arrived on the scene. Witnessing the attack on Officer Finley, the backup officer engaged Holmes in an attempt to neutralize the threat. After Holmes fired additional shots, the second officer returned fire, striking Holmes and fatally wounding him. Holmes was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, despite the swift arrival of emergency medical services, Officer Finley succumbed to his injuries. The incident has since been classified as an officer-involved shooting, and the TBI has taken the lead in investigating the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.
Officer Rick Finley, whose career in law enforcement spanned decades, was well-known and deeply respected in McNairy County. As a part-time Selmer police officer and a full-time deputy with the sheriff’s office, Finley dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community. Colleagues described him as a consummate professional who approached his duties with courage, integrity, and a profound sense of responsibility. Selmer Police Chief Neil Burks, visibly shaken during a press conference held later that evening, stated, “Rick Finley was not just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a pillar of this community. His bravery and commitment to his work were unparalleled, and his loss leaves a void that can never be filled.”
The suspect, Daniel Jeremiah Holmes, was no stranger to law enforcement. Public records indicate a history of criminal activity, including charges of assault, drug possession, and disorderly conduct. While the motive for his actions on New Bethel Road remains unclear, investigators are examining whether Holmes may have been under the influence of drugs or experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. Toxicology reports are pending and are expected to shed light on Holmes’ state of mind during the confrontation.
The tragic death of Officer Finley has sent shockwaves through McNairy County and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from law enforcement agencies, local officials, and community members. Flags across Selmer have been lowered to half-staff, and a makeshift memorial has been set up outside the Selmer Police Department, where residents have been leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in honor of the fallen officer. Among the heartfelt messages left by grieving residents was one that read, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.”
In a statement released Sunday morning, McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck praised Officer Finley’s dedication and heroism, saying, “Rick was one of the best we had—a true protector and a man who embodied the spirit of service. His sacrifice reminds us all of the dangers our officers face every day, and the incredible courage it takes to wear the badge.” Sheriff Buck also extended his condolences to Finley’s family, who are now left to grapple with the unimaginable loss of a husband, father, and friend.
The community response has been overwhelming, with residents rallying to support the Finley family and honor Rick’s legacy. Local businesses have initiated fundraisers to assist the family with funeral expenses, and a candlelight vigil is being planned for later this week at the Selmer City Park, where residents will gather to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to his community.
Officer Finley’s death has also reignited discussions about the risks faced by law enforcement officers in rural communities. While McNairy County is known for its quiet, close-knit atmosphere, incidents like Saturday’s serve as a stark reminder that danger can strike anywhere, even in the most seemingly peaceful places. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of continued training, mental health support for officers, and public awareness about the challenges of policing in today’s world.
This tragedy is compounded by the fact that Officer Finley was no stranger to acts of heroism. Throughout his career, he had received numerous commendations for bravery and exemplary service, including his role in rescuing a child from a burning vehicle in 2019—a moment that highlighted his selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting others. “Rick always put others first,” said longtime friend and colleague Deputy John Michaels. “Whether it was his family, his fellow officers, or the people of McNairy County, he gave everything he had. That’s who he was.”
As the investigation into the events on New Bethel Road continues, the TBI has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with witnesses who may have seen Holmes’ behavior earlier in the day or have knowledge of his actions leading up to the shooting. Transparency and thoroughness, officials say, will be key to understanding how this tragedy unfolded and ensuring accountability where necessary.
The death of Officer Rick Finley is not just a loss for McNairy County but a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the country. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 2024 has seen a concerning rise in officer fatalities nationwide, underscoring the inherent dangers of a profession that demands courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to duty. Advocacy groups have called for renewed support for officers and their families, including access to mental health resources, improved training programs, and public recognition of the challenges they face.
As McNairy County prepares to lay Officer Rick Finley to rest, the focus remains on honoring his life and legacy. Plans for his funeral service are currently underway, with details expected to be announced in the coming days. Law enforcement agencies from across the state have pledged their support, with many planning to attend the service to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with the Selmer Police Department and the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office.
In the meantime, the community is encouraged to remember Officer Finley not only for the way he died but for the way he lived—a life defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the colleagues he inspired, and the community he helped protect. As one resident poignantly stated, “Rick Finley was a hero, not just because of how he died, but because of how he lived. We owe it to him to carry forward his spirit of service and kindness.”
Officer Rick Finley leaves behind a grieving family, a devastated law enforcement community, and a legacy of dedication and sacrifice that will forever be remembered in McNairy County and beyond. His story is a testament to the courage it takes to serve, the impact of a life lived in service to others, and the profound loss felt when a hero is taken too soon.
