CHICAGO (STMW) – A Chicago policeman who’d been with the department for 30 years was found dead in the lobby of his South Loop apartment building Sunday night.

Det. Patrick Finucane’s death did not appear to be suspicious, police said.

Finucane, who was off-duty at the time, was found “unresponsive” in the lobby of a building in the 700 block of South Wells Street about 10:15 p.m., police said.

“Det. Finucane was a respected and dedicated member of the Chicago Police Department for 30 years, working tirelessly for both the city of Chicago and on behalf of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation,” said police spokeswoman Melissa Stratton. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Former Police Supt. Phil Cline had known Finucane for many years, working with him in the 11th District, when Cline was a lieutenant on a tactical team there and, more recently, with the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

“He was just a great cop,” Cline said. “He was the consummate professional over there. He worked hard and he was also a fun guy to be around. It’s just a shame he had to die so early.”

Cline said Finucane was a big supporter of the foundation, helping organize and taking part in two major fund-raisers annually.

A spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed that an off-duty officer had died, but declined to release additional details.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)