Burnsville First Responders Memorial Service

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — More than 7,500 colleagues, friends, and family gathered to remember the two Burnsville police officers and one firefighter who died in the line of duty.

The loss was felt far beyond Burnsville as literally thousands of police officers and firefighters from throughout Minnesota and around the country, including officers and firefighters from both Duluth and Superior gathered in their honor.

The three were remembered and eulogized during the two-hour service. Burnsville Sgt. Adam Medlicoff, the wounded police officer, recalled that dreadful morning and the actions of firefighter and paramedic Adam Finseth. “Finseth, I didn’t know you as well as the other two,” said Medlicoff.  “But I saw you run into the line of fire to save me and my guys. You are the bravest person I’ve ever known and I will be forever thankful.”

Officer Matt Ruge was eulogized by fellow officer Pete Mueller who came on board at the same time.  “When the unthinkable happened, Matt made the ultimate sacrifice, he brought his partner Paul to safety, although he was hurt himself and Ruge repeatedly risked his life to save his friend and in doing so Matt made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mueller.

Deputy Police Chief Matt Smith said Paul Elmstrand was known for his commitment to honoring fallen officers. He was so committed that he applied to be a part of LEMA (Law Enforcement Memorial Association), the state’s Honor Guard. “I happened to run into Paul as he was coming back from one of the parts of the selection process,” said Smith. “He was so excited and proud to apply to be a part of the LEMA Honor Guard. I’m told he would polish his boots or practice formations and movements in the family living room. Paul was notified a few weeks ago that he had made the LEMA Honor Guard Team, where he would have honored the fallen, as we’re doing here today.”

The traditional sounding of the bell brought the long and mournful ceremony to a close. “So Paul, Matthew, and Adam who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow men, task completed, their duties well done, we will sound the last alarm. They have gone home.”

The end of the ceremony was marked by bells tolling.