COMM U N I T Y
BY: JOY HAMPTON
Service Spotlight:
Capt. Michael Finley
M
ichael Finley didn’t take a direct route into law enforcement.
“I joined the volunteer fire department in my community,” Finley said. “During the five years, I was a member of the Little Axe Fire Department, and I interacted quite a bit with the sheriff’s deputies. One day, seeing a burglary in progress, I pursued the suspect.” Because of his role as a volunteer firefighter, he was able to talk with a dispatcher in the sheriff’s office, which allowed deputies to catch up and apprehend the thief. “A few of those deputies convinced me to join the sheriff’s office,” he said. Growing up, Finley had been a fan of shows like “Emergency” and “CHIPS Patrol.” He knew he wanted to help people. He started with the sheriff’s office in 2005, working at the jail. He worked his way up the ranks to captain. As a captain, Finley is part of the command staff and reports to Chief Deputy of Operations, Jose Chavez, who reports directly to the undersheriff and to Sheriff Todd Gibson.
“Mike Finley leads from the front,” Gibson said. “The example he sets for the men and women under his supervision is as an engaged leader who won’t ask more of them than he’s willing to give himself.” Finley has served under four different sheriffs, and he’s always been a handson, show them how to do it kind of guy. Finley is quick to assist the agency when high-risk calls come in, whether he’s on duty or not. From fires and tornadoes, to the high pursuit of a suspect in traffic, the captain frequently responds to help protect the rural areas that are the agency’s primary jurisdiction.
In addition to moving up the ranks at the sheriff’s office, Finley started a side business with members of his family. Now, due to growth in that business, he is retiring from the sheriff’s office.
“If I know of a situation unfolding where I think I could make a difference and help, I’ll join in whether I’m off duty or on duty,” he said.
Still, Finley’s interested in protecting and serving remains, so he will continue to serve the county as a reserve deputy.
Finley was the oldest of four children raised by a single mom.
“We are saddened to see Mike leave, but we wish him well in this new endeavor,” Gibson said. “As a reserve deputy, he’s going to still be in the field, leading by example and helping with major events where his experience, leadership and training will be invaluable.”
“I grew up very poor. I can remember eating a lot of bologna sandwiches,” he said. “I made a decision early on that I wasn’t going to live like this when I was able to do for myself.”
This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.
42 | March 2020
