Tributes Flow for Fallen Officers and Firefighter in Burnsville Tragedy

(KNSI) — Tributes are pouring in for the two police officers and firefighter paramedic who died in the line of duty Sunday after responding to a domestic violence call at a home in Burnsville.

The St. Cloud Fire Department posted a letter to the Burnsville Fire Department saying what happened is a “somber reminder of the risk first responders take every day to protect their communities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Firefighter [Adam] Finseth, Officer [Matthew] Ruge, Officer [Paul] Elmstrand, our brothers and sisters at IAFF Local 2910, the Burnsville Fire Department, and the Burnsville Police Department. We wish those injured a speedy recovery and will continue to pray for all of those affected by this senseless tragedy.”

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said, “Prayers for Burnsville. Two officers and a firefighter/paramedic killed in the line of duty today.”

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office says, “Today we stand with our brothers and sisters as we have learned and are saddened, that 2 Burnsville Police Officers and a Paramedic were killed earlier this morning. As facts gather, our office sends out our condolences to everyone involved and everyone affected by this.” It added in a separate post, “Rest in Peace, gentlemen, thank you for your service. Please help us honor these heroes and pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. It’s our duty to remember their selflessness and pay our gratitude. Prayers to their colleagues, family and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”

The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office said, “Our hearts are with the Burnsville community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and colleagues of the two officers and paramedic who lost their lives today.”

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burnsville Police Department, Burnsville Fire Department, the families of the victims, and the community of Burnsville with the loss of their officers and paramedic/firefighter.”

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office says, “Our hearts are heavy after hearing of the loss of two Burnsville Police Officers and a Burnsville Fire Department paramedic. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.”

The Sartell Police Department said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, officers, medics, first responders, and their communities who were impacted by tragedy this morning.”

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis posted on his Facebook page calling the news “devastating,” adding his “thoughts and prayers are with the Burnsville community and all first responders.” He said the “tragic loss of these selfless heroes weighs heavily on us all. We must continue to support and uplift those who serve and protect us every day.”

Police were called to the home by someone inside about 2:00 a.m. The suspect reportedly was wanted on a warrant for second degree criminal sexual conduct. Negotiators were brought in, but the suspect barricaded himself inside with seven children ages two through 15 and refused to let them out. At around 5:30, they entered the home and found the suspect, who opened fire. Sgt. Adam Medlicott was also shot. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

The suspect was found dead inside the home, but officials haven’t given a cause or manner of death.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has not formally identified the suspect. Seven kids between the ages of two and 15 were inside the house at the time, but none were hurt.

Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said officers “go to work every day knowing that it’s a possibility we’ll lose our life to protect yours. And we still show up. It’s something you won’t understand unless you do it.”

Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann issued a statement saying, “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. It’s a tragic day. We are all grieving, and we are all trying to understand what happened and why.”

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