Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and Adam Finseth: Slain cops, paramedic identified after Burnsville shooting

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA: According to heavy., on February 18, 2024, tragedy struck in Burnsville, Minnesota, as two police officers and a paramedic were fatally shot.

The victims have been identified as Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth.

In the wake of the loss of these two police officers and a paramedic/firefighter, the Burnsville community is plunged into mourning, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

This devastating incident unfolded when police officers responded to a domestic situation at 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South around 1.50 am.

The City of Burnsville wrote in a press release, "The call reported that an armed man was barricaded with family members. After arriving, the situation escalated into gunfire with responders."

The Burnsville Police Department shared profiles of the fallen officers and the paramedic/firefighter. 

Who was Paul Elmstrand?

Paul Elmstrand, aged 27, had been serving as a Burnsville police officer since 2017, initially joining as a community service officer in August of that year.

His dedication and commitment led to his promotion to officer status in July 2019.

During his tenure, Elmstrand contributed significantly to various departments within the force, including the mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard, and field training unit.

Before assuming his role as an officer, Elmstrand participated in the Isanti County Law Enforcement Explorers Program, an initiative designed to provide teenagers with exposure to law enforcement training, ride-alongs, community service, and other related activities.

According to a post on Facebook reported by Heavy.com, one individual expressed profound sadness upon learning about Elmstrand's tragic demise, describing him as a bright and intelligent young man.

The post read, “Very sad to hear about 3 first responder who were killed in the line of duty this morning in Burnsville, MN. The first picture is Paul Elmstrand. He grew up in a church that I served as pastor. A bright intelligent young man who was raised in a wonderful family.”

Who was Matthew Ruge?

Matthew Ruge became a member of the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020. Alongside his role in the department's crisis negotiations team, he also served as a physical evidence officer.

As reported by Kare 11, Robin Gwaltney, a former neighbor of Matthew Ruge, shared insights into the 27-year-old police officer's character. Ruge had formed a close bond with Gwaltney's family over time. 

Reflecting on his personality, Gwaltney remarked, "I'm not at all surprised that he became a police officer because he was all about doing nice things for people." 

She recounted a poignant memory of Ruge returning to spend time with her father during his final days. "Unfortunately, his life was cut way too short because he was a first just first-rate person," she lamented.

Who was Adam Finseth?

Adam Finseth, 40, who was also shot alongside the two cops in the Burnsville shooting, served as a Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic since February 2019 and had served in Iraq.

According to a Facebook post by Jim Etzen, Finseth served as an Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and former Infantry Squad Leader from 2003 to 2009. 

Additionally, he attended one of the nation’s oldest and finest SWAT medic training programs in 2021.

The post concluded with gratitude, stating, “Thanks to everyone standing a post here and abroad. You’re appreciated by many and truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

According to Finseth’s LinkedIn page, he stated that he worked as an emergency department technician for Abbott Northwestern Hospital for more than 13 years.

Before his current position, he was employed by Northfield EMS and served as a Veterans Resource Center representative for Hennepin Technical College.

He attended South Central College in the intensive care paramedicine program and obtained a fire suppression certificate as a firefighter EMT from Hennepin Technical College, where he participated in the Veterans Club. 

He completed his education at John Marshall High School, where he actively participated in cross country and track.

He was deployed for a total of twenty-five months with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion 327th Infantry in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was responsible for leading and training a seven to nine-man rifle squad for pre-deployment and overseas operations in Iraq.

He developed basic leadership knowledge and skills and was accountable for over $1,439,847 of assigned squad equipment.

Who is Adam Medicott injured in the Burnsville shooting?

According to the city, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, another police officer, got hurt and was taken to a hospital as per KARK11. 

His injuries weren't life-threatening. Medlicott got the title Burnsville Officer of the Year in 2020. He has served for 9 years and 5 months. 

One of his fellow officers, in a press release announcing the award, said, "Adam is the partner you want to show up on a call with you because you know he will have your back no matter what the problem may be.”

What did the police officers claim?

As the deceased were transported from the hospital, officers saluted them. They were then taken to the medical examiner’s office in a convoy. Medical staff in scrubs watched the solemn procession.

Police Chief Tanya Schwartz expressed the department's grief, stating, “We’re hurting. Today, three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes.”

Fire Chief BJ Jungmann mentioned the community's sorrow and requested privacy for the families. Relatives of the officers and the firefighter did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment,  according to the Boston Herald. 

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans stated that the medical examiner would identify the suspect, with autopsies planned for Monday.

There was no indication of past troubles at the home. “There have not been many calls for service at all,” Evans said.

Flags were lowered to half-staff, with Governor Tim Walz urging people to honor the fallen first responders. “Minnesota mourns with you,” he said and added, “The state stands ready to assist in any way possible.”

A candlelit vigil was held in front of Burnsville City Hall on Sunday night to remember the victims. Uniformed officers from various departments, including many from St. Paul, attended.

Bouquets adorned a police vehicle, with handwritten signs offering prayers.

Area resident Kris Martin expressed sadness, stating, “It’s an important community, and we feel very saddened by what happened.”

Burnsville, a city with approximately 64,000 residents, is situated about 15 miles south of downtown Minneapolis.