Burnsville Police & Fire

It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Paul Elmstrand and Officer Matthew Ruge of the Burnsville Police Department and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth of the Burnsville Fire Department, Minnesota on Sunday, February 18th, 2024.

In the early hours of Sunday, February 18, 2024, Officers and rescue personnel were dispatched to a domestic incident in which a man had taken several family members hostage and barricaded himself inside the home. As officers and rescue personnel arrived at the scene the man opened fire on them. Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth were all fatally wounded in the line of duty. During the incident a Burnsville Police Sergeant was wounded by the gunfire and is currently recovering. The suspect was located inside the home deceased. Please keep the families of Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth and the communities in which he served in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Officer Paul Elmstrand had served as a sworn officer with the Burnsville Police Department for five years and had previously served as a community service officer.

Officer Matthew Ruge had served with the Burnsville Police Department for four years.

Firefighter Adam Finseth had served with the Burnsville Fire Department for five years.

Rest in Peace Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth, We Have the Watch.

#EOW 2/18/2024