Tragic Loss in Burnsville: Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, Adam Finseth
The community of Burnsville, Minnesota, is mourning the loss of two police officers and a firefighter-paramedic after a deadly shooting incident early this morning.
Olivia Miller 
Tragic Loss in Burnsville: Officers and Medic Fatally Shot
Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth were fatally shot while responding to a domestic call.
Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter / Paramedic Adam Finseth killed by a gunman this morning in Burnsville, Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/keUehUpbdm — Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) February 18, 2024
The Incident
At approximately 1:50 AM, Burnsville police officers were dispatched to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South for a domestic situation involving an armed individual barricaded with family members. Upon arrival, the situation escalated, resulting in the shooting of the first responders.
The Fallen Heroes
Officer Elmstrand, 27, had been with the Burnsville Police Department since August 2017, starting as a community service officer before being promoted to officer in July 2019. He was a member of the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard, and field training unit.
Officer Ruge, also 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020. He served on the department’s crisis negotiations team and was a physical evidence officer.
Firefighter/Paramedic Finseth, 40, had been serving the Burnsville community since February 2019. He was tragically killed while trying to assist the officers during the incident.
The Aftermath
The suspect involved in the shooting was later found dead, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was injured but is expected to recover from non-life-threatening injuries.
Heartbreaking news out of Burnsville this morning with the tragic deaths of two police officers and a paramedic, killed while dealing with a domestic situation.
Our hearts, tears, and prayers go out to the citizens of Burnsville and especially the families of those lost. pic.twitter.com/Ays5H4Jm8p — Cloquet Police MN (@CloquetPoliceMN) February 18, 2024
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the community and law enforcement agencies across Minnesota. A vigil is planned, and the governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the fallen first responders.
Investigation and Community Response
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident. A press conference is scheduled to provide more details on the tragic event.
The loss of Officers Elmstrand and Ruge, along with Firefighter/Paramedic Finseth, is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders. The Burnsville community and the state of Minnesota are united in grief and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
