“Tragedy strikes Burnsville, Minnesota as two police officers and a paramedic were killed in the line of duty on Sunday morning. The victims have been identified as officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth. The response came as a result of a call about an armed man, later identified as Shannon Gooden, who was barricaded in a residence with family members, including seven children.
City officials stated that the situation escalated into gunfire, resulting in the fatal shooting of Elmstrand, Ruge, Finseth, and injury to Sgt. Adam Medlicott. Gooden was also killed in the confrontation, with family members managing to escape safely. Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2017 and was known for his active involvement in various units and the University of Minnesota Police Department. Ruge, 27, was a recent addition to the department, while Finseth, 40, was a firefighter, SWAT paramedic, and military veteran.
Medlicott, 38, a long-time member of the BPD, was wounded in the shooting but is expected to recover. Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen responders. A vigil was held on Sunday evening to honor and remember the victims. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies in the region, as the tragic loss of these brave individuals is mourned.”
This tragic event is not the first time Minnesota has mourned the loss of first responders. Since 2015, there have been five instances of Minnesota police officers being gunned down in the line of duty. The death of Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth highlights the very real dangers and sacrifices that law enforcement and emergency responders face on a daily basis. Their dedication to serving and protecting the community should never be forgotten.