Tuesday marks one year since Burnsville lost three first responders in the line of duty, and the city will pay tribute to them in several ways.
Police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge as well as firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were killed while responding to a domestic violence call. Earlier this month, the Burnsville City Council declared the day Public Safety Memorial Day.
“Our community continues to heal from the loss of Paul, Matt and Adam,” Police Chief Burnsville Tanya Schwartz said in a press release. “By recognizing their ultimate sacrifice and honoring their memories we hope to build upon the healing process. Burnsville will not forget these brave men, their courage, selflessness and dedication to our community.”
The public is invited to pay respects at Burnsville City Hall, where three wreathes will be laid in honor to first responders. City buildings will also be lit up in blue and red. Flags will fly at half-staff. A regularly scheduled council meeting will be postponed to make way for a 2 p.m. ceremony.
In a written statement, Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann thanked the community for the support it has already showed. Last winter, 10,000 people attended a funeral for the men; countless others watched online and at overflow locations.
“Our community has shared in our grief and they have lifted our spirits throughout this difficult time,” Jungmann says. “We are grateful for the support they have shown since that tragic day.”
Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth died in a shootout with Shannon Gooden, after they were called to his home to respond to a 911 call alleging sexual assault. Seven children, ages 2 to 15, were in the house. So was Gooden’s girlfriend, Ashley Dyrdahl, who later pleaded guilty to illegally buying the firearms Gooden used.
The children and Dyrdahl were not physically harmed in the shootout. A fourth officer was hurt but recovered. Gooden died from a a self-inflicted gunshot.
In addition to Tuesday’s events, the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation is raising funds to send Burnsville first responders to this year’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial and National Peace Officers Memorial. Red Lake police officer Jesse Branch, park ranger Kevin Grossheim and Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell will also be honored at that memorial.
Collected from Minnesota Public Radio News. View original source here.
Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) is a public radio network for the state of Minnesota. With its three services, News & Information, YourClassical MPR and The Current, MPR operates a 46-station regional radio network in the upper Midwest.
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