Summit Spotlights Retiring Officer

SUMMIT, NJ - Summit Police Officer Craig Finnegan is a second generation member of the police department who has worn many hats in his 25 years of service. Including that of police mascot McGruff the crime dog.

Now they are going to need a new officer to don the trenchcoat and dog mask as Finnegan is retiring.

A Summit native, Finnegan attended Union County College upon his graduation from Summit High School. began his career as the recipient of the 200 Club Scholarship in 1992 and initially joining the ranks as a member of the Summit Auxiliary Police Department that same year. He was hired as a part-time dispatcher in 1993, and elevated to a full-time dispatcher later that year.

In 1996, Officer Finnegan was sworn in as a police officer and entered the 75th Recruit Class of the John H. Stamler Police Academy, following in the foot steps of his father, Captain Lawrence Finnegan, who served the City of Summit for 40 years before passing in 1991. Finnegan's mother, Janette, was also an employee of the police department, serving as a Parking Enforcement Officer for many years prior to the parking agency separating from SPD.

According to officials, Finnegan is a familiar face to many, and friend to all, volunteering his time for many years with Summit PBA Local #55, the Summit P.A.L. and the Thomas I. Glasser Memorial Scholarship Fund. He was always willing to dedicate his off time for functions, dress as McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog, participate in the annual Fishing Derby each spring, or support any and every local charity function, officials said.

"To one of the most selfless individuals we know, thank you for your years of service, it's been a pleasure. We wish you all the best during your years of retirement," officials said.

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