Burnsville Community Mourns Loss of First Responders in Tragic Shooting
- The recent tragic deaths of Burnsville first responders Paul Elmstrand, Adam Finseth, and Matthew Ruge have left a profound impact on their colleagues and the community.
- Many have come forward to share their memories and honor the service of these individuals.
- The events surrounding their deaths continue to resonate, reminding the community of the sacrifices made by first responders.
In a heartfelt interview with WCCO, Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz and Fire Chief BJ Jungmann reflected on the devastating shooting that claimed the lives of two officers and a paramedic on February 18. Chief Schwartz expressed the profound impact of the tragedy, stating, "Trying to take in the reality of what has happened, losing the guys the way we did," highlighting the emotional toll on the community and first responders. Both chiefs emphasized the importance of unity in the face of adversity. "As horrific as Feb. 18 is, I think that unison is pretty clear that we're all in this together," Jungmann remarked. They are now focused on addressing the challenges and threats that first responders face, prioritizing their wellness and the well-being of their families during this difficult time. Schwartz noted that the focus is not on assigning blame but rather on ensuring that first responders are equipped to handle future incidents. "There's not about is there something that anyone did wrong because I think our guys did everything right," she stated. The chiefs are committed to finding a balance between necessary equipment and maintaining a community-oriented presence. In a show of solidarity, the teams are also working to ensure that the names of the fallen—Officers Elmstrand and Ruge, and Paramedic Finseth—are permanently honored at national memorials in Washington, D.C., ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.