March 9, 2009

Community Maker

Greg Finch: The magic behind the badge

By Shanna McLean Moore
Times Staff Writer

Even though most of us realize that stereotypes can lead to false and even dangerous assumptions, our brains can’t always help themselves from forming connections and registering patterns. It is, therefore, a pleasant surprise whenever we run across a person who doesn’t just break down a stereotype, but pulverizes it into smithereens.

Greg Finch moonlights as magician to the delight of children and adults alike. Photo by Phil Varni.

Such is the case with Almaden Valley resident Greg Finch, who will be sworn in this week as Campbell’s next chief of police.

Without focusing on the negative associations people may have with the police officers portrayed in movies, television dramas and sometimes – though rarely – even in actual news stories, it is probably safe to say that the first images that come to mind are not of a man who moonlights as a part-time magician, a talented baker, a longtime PTA board member and a get-your-hands-dirty-as-chief-concession-stand operator… year after year after year, and always with a smile.

While all of these traits can’t go so far as to make crime disappear, they certainly go a long way in explaining the essence of one man’s magic.

Finch’s eclectic talents and interests make him something of a modern-day Renaissance man who spends his on-duty hours making community connections with the people of Campbell, and his off-duty hours strengthening community ties in Almaden in relatively lighter and, at times, tastier ways.

When his badge is off, Finch is an accomplished magician who entertains adults and children alike with his sleight of hand and quick wit at private parties and school assemblies. He also bakes some of the best crème brulee around, and often donates a batch to the school silent auction. Finch, alongside his wife Tonie, is also known to organize and run the concession stand at school functions in order to provide a fun night out for the whole family. In fact, the only time the man’s serious side is evident is in his capacity as an eight-year board member for the PTA.

Lynne Wach, San Jose Unified Council PTA president, is proud to call Finch one of her closest friends after volunteering alongside him for the past nine years. “It isn’t an exaggeration to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Greg Finch. I have always been the type who prefers to be an individual contributor and get things done with a lot of people around me. But because of his mentorship and personal confidence in me, I have been empowered to take on leadership roles within PTA. In addition to that, Greg is always my go-to sounding board when difficult situations come up. He is a pillar in our community and a rock-solid support to me personally.”

Maureen Fickett, now a kindergarten teacher at Los Alamitos Elementary School, first met Finch when he served as a PTA vice president while she was serving as president. “He had a lot of good ideas, but preferred to delegate up,” Fickett said with a chuckle. “I grew to have so much respect for him because of his level head, his desire to really listen to people, and his determination to not be quick to judge. Greg and his wife Tonie are now our dear friends, and I am so proud of him. He worked very hard to get to this position, and the people of Campbell are lucky to have him,” she added.

Others got to know Finch first as a neighbor before discovering his broader sense of devotion to kids and community. Phil Varni is one such neighbor who has known Finch for 14 years. “Greg has always been friendly, helpful and one to be involved with the neighborhood community. I have had the opportunity to see him in many differing venues—from camping trips, school functions, social events and neighborhood gatherings. Whether he’s cooking breakfast for the camp after a long day on the water the day before, speaking about making healthy choices during Red Ribbon Week at the school, standing behind a barbecue pit at Los Alamitos helping to grill ribs for the annual walk-a-thon, or simply driving our son to Pioneer High School each morning, Greg is always someone to rely on to help with a cause,” Varni said.

Phil Varni’s wife, Brandy, is just as enthusiastic about describing Finch. “I have known Greg Finch for almost 15 years and have watched him grow as a person, friend, parent and volunteer in our community. Whether he is organizing dinner and treats for a movie night fundraiser at Los Alamitos or putting on a magic show at Castillero’s Last Blast carnival, Greg is involved with the children in our area. I have the utmost respect for him and know the citizens of Campbell can rest assured with him at the helm of the police department,” she said.

Finch takes on the role of chief of Campbell’s police department after 22 years in the department. Goal-oriented from the beginning, Finch set out to have a breadth of experience that would eventually lead him to the top. To that end, he has worked in every division from administration and patrol to working with juveniles in drug abuse prevention programs in the schools. In huge credit to Finch, city leaders felt no need to do a national search to replace the outgoing chief, Dave Gullo, when Finch was so well qualified and respected within the department.

Those who are well versed in Finch’s professional side, like Santa Clara County Fire Capt. Don Carlson, find the admiration for Finch to be all encompassing. “Greg Finch is and will continue to be a highly respected police officer, father, husband and friend. I have had the opportunity and pleasure of working with Greg both on duty and off and his character remains true: Confident, professional, kind and honest. He’ll serve the citizens of Campbell faithfully, and they will all benefit from his tenure as the chief of police,” said Carlson.

While it is noteworthy enough to celebrate someone who improves the lives of many within his neighborhood, it is especially gratifying to honor someone who has a great impact in two separate communities. This week, Campbell celebrates an impressive new chief while the residents of Almaden Valley give thanks to their friend and neighbor—proving there’s no need for illusion when you’re a true stand-up guy with and without your badge.