Burnsville first responders mourned

A processional for officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, who were killed on Sunday in a shooting in Burnsville along with paramedic/firefighter Adam Finseth, was held between the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office and the funeral home in Jordan. A vigil for the fallen first responders was also held in the evening outside the Burnsville Police Station.

By Aaron Lavinsky , Star Tribune
February 20, 2024 - 6:25 PM

The Burnsville Police Honor Guard accompanied the casket of one of two fallen officers outside Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

John van Vliet and partner Catherine Smith of Jordan were overcome with emotion outside Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation. “These guys were just doing their job,” said van Vliet.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Burnsville police officer Pete Ekenberg stood at attention across from Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation in Jordan, Minn.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Ruth and Paul Larsen of Lakeville held signs supporting law enforcement. “They don’t know if they’re coming home,” said Paul Larsen, of police when they go to work every day. “You gotta know they’re exceptional people.”

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Taylor Jacobs, center, who was with Burnsville Police for 10 years, embraced members of the department’s honor guard. “They’re the best men in the world,” said Jacobs of his fellow officers. “It was an honor to work with all of them.”

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Hearses carrying the bodies of two fallen police officers arrived at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

People watched as a procession carrying the two fallen officers passed.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Tears ran down the face of a woman, who didn’t wish to be identified, across from the funeral home.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

A procession for officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, who were killed on Sunday in a shooting in Burnsville along with a paramedic, was held between the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office and the funeral home in Jordan.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Jacob Swartout, a sergeant with Savage police, pays his respects at a fallen officer’s squad car during a vigil Tuesday evening outside the Burnsville police station. “The hardest thing is not being there at the time — being able to help,” Swartout said of Sunday morning’s shooting call.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Around 200 people listened to Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz speak outside the Burnsville police station.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

A person bowed in prayer beside an ambulance outside the Burnsville police station during a vigil Tuesday evening.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

Eric Heuer, district chief with North Memorial Ambulance, brought flowers to place during a vigil outside the Burnsville police station.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

People prayed around the squad car of a fallen officer at a vigil outside the Burnsville police station.

AARON LAVINSKY, Star Tribune

© 2024 Star Tribune

Subscribe • 99¢ for unlimited access