After 28 years of community service as a police officer, 26 of those with the Pleasanton Police Department, Capt. Eric Finn retired Friday.
Finn began his career as a deputy sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office in 1988 and was hired as a police officer with the Pleasanton Police Department two years later. He has served on a variety of assignments including patrol, investigations, field training officer and on the department's SWAT team.
Finn was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1997 and served as a field supervisor, field training coordinator and traffic unit supervisor before being promoted to lieutenant in 2002. He served as a watch commander and administrative lieutenant until 2007 when he was promoted to the rank of captain.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in management from St. Mary's College and a master's degree in public administration from Cal State Hayward, all while working full-time for the department and raising four children with Karey, his wife of 30 years.
He furthered his education by graduating from the FBI National Academy, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training's Command College, and Harvard's Kennedy School for Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
Sgt. Pat Walsh of the department's Youth and Community Services Unit (who will soon be retiring, too) said that throughout his career "Eric earned a reputation as an officer who genuinely cares; he cares about the members of our police department and he cares about the people he serves in the community."
"Eric's commitment to the community is also seen in the relationships he developed that are part of the basis of the outstanding community-police relations we enjoy in Pleasanton," Walsh added..
Finn's commitment cannot be overstated. He was involved in countless community youth organizations, he coached a variety of youth sports teams, he served as a mentor in his church and he has been a member of Rotary International, traveling to foreign countries to provide assistance to those less fortunate.
Walsh added that Finn is a passionate and outstanding leader who always challenges others to be better, and he takes pride in mentoring others and offering opportunities for personal and professional development.
Finn's personnel file is replete with commendations and letters of appreciation and recognition, which praise his professionalism, compassion and his efforts that go well beyond the call of duty.
Comments
Vintage Hills
on Oct 21, 2016 at 9:24 am
on Oct 21, 2016 at 9:24 am
Congratulations Eric! You are the best and no doubt will be missed! I loved working with you and I hope to see you around town! Your friend, Jen
Willow West
on Oct 21, 2016 at 9:58 am
on Oct 21, 2016 at 9:58 am
Congratulations Eric,
You've been a great friend and supporter of good things in the community as a board member of the Community of Character Coalition. Thanks for your support of Special Olympics and being a friend to all.
Best wishes in your retirement.
Jensen Tract
on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:10 pm
on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:10 pm
Congrats Eric, it's been a honor and pleasure knowing you and coaching against you, yes that many years ago!
Enjoy the the retirement
Don B
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:20 pm
on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:20 pm
Congratulations and all the best to one of the finest people I have ever known. Eric is one of the brightest professionals I have ever worked with. Beyond that, the epitome of what a kind and caring human being should be . He is someone anyone would want as a co-worker and friend. Pleasanton ~ and our police department has been blessed to have him!
His career success is only exceeded his love and dedication to his wonderful family.
A well deserved retirement for someone who probably worked twice the number of hours anyone ever knew!
Tim Neal
(Retired police chief)
Pleasanton Meadows
on Oct 21, 2016 at 2:56 pm
on Oct 21, 2016 at 2:56 pm
Congratulations on a well earned and well deserved retirement. Looking forward to seeing you around town!
Parkside
on Oct 21, 2016 at 4:14 pm
on Oct 21, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Great guy and served oh community very well. You will be missed. Enjoy a well deserved retirement!
another community
on Oct 21, 2016 at 11:26 pm
on Oct 21, 2016 at 11:26 pm
Congrats Captain Finn. You were always very friendly and approachable to your staff. Enjoy retirement.
Jensen Tract
on Oct 22, 2016 at 6:41 pm
on Oct 22, 2016 at 6:41 pm
You were my DARE officer in 1995!!! You look exactly the same!!! Congratulations Officer Finn!!!
Registered user
Vineyard Hills
on Oct 23, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Registered user
on Oct 23, 2016 at 2:21 pm
It does seem like only yesterday that Officer Finn was one of our Dare officers. Eric is a genuinely good guy and a good officer. Our City has been fortunate to have him on our department. Eric, it is nice to know you will still be a member of our community, glad we will still see that smile around Pleasanton. Congratulations, wish you well.
Julie
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 24, 2016 at 6:40 pm
on Oct 24, 2016 at 6:40 pm
Thank you for your service to our community! Enjoy your well deserved retirement!