A somber mood has enveloped the city of Burnsville following a domestic disturbance call that resulted in the death of two police officers and a paramedic on February 18th. The incident also left another officer wounded. Responding to the early morning event, Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge of the Burnsville Police Department, and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth were fatally shot. In a statement by state legislators representing Burnsville, they expressed profound sadness for the tragedy that struck their community.
"Our hearts ache for the first responders who died in the line of duty this morning — three of our neighbors who dedicated their lives to service and keeping our community safe," the legislators said, in a statement made to quickly show their support. The wounded, Sergeant Adam Medlicott, is currently under medical care, with the community wishing for his swift recovery. According to a statement obtained by the Senate DFL, the legislators stressed the peril faced by officers during domestic calls and pledged ongoing solidarity with survivors and authorities to enhance community safety.
The late responders were remembered not only as professionals serving Burnsville but also as beloved members of the community. Elmstrand, 27, had been with the department since August 2017, promoted to Officer in 2019, and actively engaged in multiple roles within the police force. Ruge, also 27, started with the police department in April 2020, was part of the crisis negotiation team, and served as a physical evidence officer. Finseth, 40, contributed to the community as a firefighter/paramedic since February 2019.
Local officials plan to update the media at 4 p.m. on the unfolding situation. Further, a community-organized vigil is tentatively set for 6:30 p.m. at Burnsville City Hall to honor the lives of the lost responders. In their joint statement, legislators articulated a message of unity, promising to draw from the community's resolve to support the grieving families and stand by those who, every day, endeavor to protect Burnsville with courage and compassion.
