Two police officers and a first responder tragically lost their lives in Burnsville, Minnesota, while responding to a call regarding a family in danger, according to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The city of Burnsville identified the fallen officers as Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, along with Adam Finseth, 40, a firefighter and paramedic. Another officer, Adam Medlicott, was injured but is expected to recover.
Governor Walz emphasized the bravery and sacrifices made by police officers and first responders, stating, “We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day.”
Two Officers and One First Responder (Credits: ABC7 News)
The incident unfolded when police responded to a report of an armed man barricaded inside a residence with family members. Authorities described the situation as a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, officers negotiated with the suspect while additional units responded.
Tragically, the suspect opened fire, resulting in the deaths of Officers Elmstrand and Ruge, as well as Firefighter and Paramedic Finseth. Officer Medlicott was also shot but is expected to survive.
Burnsville Fire Department Chief BJ Jungmann expressed the community’s grief, stating, “Our folks come to work every day and are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice of their life, but no one expects it to happen.”
Superintendent Drew Evans of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension noted the ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident. He praised the officers’ courage, stating, “Our police officers and our fire paramedics, they come to work every day.
They do it willingly. They know that they might have to give up their life for their partners, for someone else. They know they have to give up their life sometimes, and they do it anyways.”
The suspect, who had several firearms and ammunition, was reported dead, and the family members were safely evacuated from the home.
The tragic incident prompted an outpouring of support from officials and the community. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed her devastation and attended a vigil in honor of the fallen officers and first responder.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the day as “tragic and heartbreaking,” emphasizing that first responders are the true heroes among us.
State Representative Jim Nash expressed his sorrow, stating, “My heart is heavy for the families of these officers, the community of Burnsville, and for our country because this headline is not unique.”
In a joint statement, a group of state legislators mourned the loss, saying, “Our hearts ache for the first responders who died in the line of duty this morning,” and pledging to work towards safer outcomes for similar situations in the future.
Burnsville, a suburb of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is a close-knit community that prides itself on caring for its residents and supporting one another in times of need.
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