BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Three first responders were shot and killed after they responded to a domestic incident in Burnsville on Sunday morning.
Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with firefighter/ paramedic Adam Finseth were killed by the gunman, according to a press release from the City of Burnsville.
Paul Elmstrand
Elmstrand joined the Burnsville Police Department as a community services officer in 2017 and was promoted to officer in 2019. The 27-year-old worked in the department's mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit. Before joining the department in 2017, Elmstrand participated in the Isanti County Law Enforcement Explorers Program, which allowed teenagers to participate in law enforcement training, ride-alongs, community service and other law enforcement activities.
Elmstrand's wife, Cindy Elmstrand-Castruita, shared a statement with KARE 11:
"Our family is heartbroken at Paul’s death," she wrote. "He was an amazing husband, father, son, and friend to many. He loved to laugh and loved to play. He was the most generous, loving, patient person I've ever known with the biggest smile. He would stay awake so others could sleep. He could make anyone in a room feel welcome. He wore the same pair of pants and the most basic clothes so that he could spoil me and our children. He had a servant’s heart and would drop everything to help someone who was in need, whether it be family, friend or someone on the street. He loved his job as a police officer and had a strong bond with those he worked with, but he always placed his family first. He had an inner confidence that was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ."
In addition to his work in Burnsville, Elmstrand worked part-time for the University of Minnesota Police Department since 2022.
"Officer Elmstrand provided a welcoming smile at campus events and was a valued member of the department," UMPD Chief Matt Clark said in a statement. "To the families, departments, and City of Burnsville, UMPD extends our condolences and expresses the deep sadness and loss felt by our department and campus community."
Elmstrand was a 2015 graduate of Cambridge-Isanti High School, where he was class president, ran cross country, and served on the student council and National Honor Society.
Matthew Ruge
Ruge joined the department in April of 2020. The 27-year-old was part of its crisis negotiations team and was a physical evidence officer, the city said.
In a statement, Ruge's family said "From the time he was born, he showed signs of “perfecting the art of kindness” and was a joy to everyone around him. He never hesitated to drop what he was doing to help a neighbor or friend in need. He was the “glue guy” who made everyone around him better."
"He did not hesitate to risk himself to save others. He was part of the solution, not part of a problem," the statement continued. "He continues to be the light of our lives; he is greatly missed, but will be with us always and will continue to inspire us to be kind and make the world better every day."
Robin Gwaltney would concur. She used to live near Matthew and says he grew close to her family.
"I'm not at all surprised that he became a police officer because he was all about doing nice things for people," said Gwaltney.
When her father was at the end of his life, Matthew came back to spend time with him.
"Unfortunately, his (Matthew's) life was cut way too short because he was a first just first-rate person," she said.
Ruge was a 2018 graduate of Minnesota State University Mankato.
"In every corner of the world, Mavericks are doing incredible and sometimes dangerous work," MSUM President Edward S. Inch wrote in a statement. "On days like these, we must remember that even in dark times, our community is strong and resilient. As an academic community, we must continue to use dialogue, engagement, and advocacy to find opportunities to reduce violence."
Adam Finseth
Finseth joined the City of Burnsville as a firefighter/paramedic in February of 2019. Finseth was 40 years old. He served the fire department as a SWAT paramedic, according to Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann. Before joining the City of Burnsville, Finseth served as a firefighter in Hastings and Savage.
Before becoming a first responder Finseth served in the U.S. Army, where he did two tours of duty in Iraq.
"Adam was one of the most selfless and humble individuals you would ever meet. His dedication to his family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, community, and country was unwavering," said his wife Tara Finseth in a statement released by the city of Burnsville. "His warm smile, contagious laugh and genuine personality will be deeply missed by so many. Although our forever hero is no longer with us, his soul will live on through me, his children, family, friends, and community. We know he is by our side every day until we meet again in heaven."
A fourth police officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott was injured and taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the city. Medlicott was named the Burnsville Officer of the Year in 2020. 9 years 5 months
"Adam is the partner you want to show up on a call with you because you know he will have your back no matter what the problem may be.” said one of Medlicott’s fellow officers in the press release announcing the award.
First responders were called to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South just before 2 a.m. on a report of a domestic situation involving a man who was barricaded in a house with family members, according to a release from the City of Burnsville.
After the arrival of the officers, the situation "escalated into gunfire" with the responders, according to the release.
The suspect was reportedly dead by 8 a.m. and later in the morning, other family members left the home safely. The police department has not said how the gunman died.
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