Burnsville Legislators’ Statement on Fatal Shootings in Burnsville

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Two Burnsville police officers and a paramedic were fatally shot, and one other was wounded, in the early morning of Feb. 18 when Burnsville Police, medical services, and other law enforcement agencies responded to a domestic disturbance call. 

The state legislators representing Burnsville release the following statement:

“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. Officer Paul Elmstrand and Officer Matthew Ruge, Burnsville Police Department, and Adam Finseth, a firefighter and paramedic, were beloved community members, neighbors, and friends, and we are united in grief as we mourn the precious lives that were lost today. We also hold Sergeant Adam Medlicott, who was injured in today’s tragedy, in our thoughts, and wish for him all comfort and support in the world as he is treated for injuries by medical professionals.

“We stand in support of the children and family of those involved in the domestic abuse call and this traumatic incident. These are some of the most dangerous calls that our officers respond to, and we will continue to work in solidarity with survivors and law enforcement as they make our community safer for all of us.

“Burnsville is a place where we take care of each other, lean on our neighbors in times of need, and act together to make our city the best it can be. In the coming day and months, we will draw on the strength and resolve of our community to support the families who lost a loved one in this tragedy. We will rally around our law enforcement and first responders, who show their heroism and strength of spirit every day in their line of work, and who need our support and understanding as they navigate the trauma of these losses. As we move forward as a community, we will hold the memories of Matthew, Paul, and Adam close and honor their lives with the way we live ours: With bravery, integrity, and compassion.”

The state legislators who represent Burnsville are Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan) Senator Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville), Representative Kaela Berg (DFL-Burnsville), Representative Jessica Hanson (DFL-Burnsville), and Representative Liz Reyer (DFL-Eagan).

Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in August 2017 as a Community Service Officer and was promoted to Officer in July 2019. He was part of the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit. Ruge, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020 as part of the department’s crisis negotiations team and was a physical evidence officer. Finseth, 40, has been a Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic since February 2019. 

Burnsville officials will brief the media at 4 p.m. A vigil, organized by the community, is tentatively scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Burnsville City Hall.