Fergus Falls State Officials have commented on the incident that occurred early Sunday (February 18th) in Burnsville, MN, when an armed man was barricaded inside a home with seven children.
27-year-old Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and 40-year-old SWAT paramedic Adam Finseth were shot by the suspect in the home.
Sergeant Adam Medlicott was also shot, but is expected to survive.
Officials say the suspect was found dead in the home several hours later and all the kids got out safely.
Senator Jordan Rasmusson posted the above photo on Facebook, captioned, “My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and Adam Finseth, who lost their lives in the line of duty. Please keep Burnsville Police and Fire in your prayers and all those affected by this tragedy.”
State Representative and volunteer EMT Jeff Backer issued the following statement on the tragic deaths.
“My heart breaks for the families of the first responders and the entire community of Burnsville,” said Backer. “Yesterday’s tragedy is a sad reminder of the dangers that first responders and law enforcement face every day as they go about their jobs protecting and serving Minnesotans. All of us need to do our part to make sure that we continue to build a culture that values and respects those that have sworn an oath to protect our communities.”
“Please continue to keep the families, Burnsville, and the entire community of officers and first responders in your prayers.”
Backer has served as a volunteer EMT since 1995 and is currently a member of the Legislative Task Force on Emergency Medical Services.