Fallen Burnsville, Minneapolis officers recognized at memorial

TWIN CITIES

Officers Paul Elmstrand, Matt Ruge, Jamal Mitchell including the National Police Week

Photos of fallen Burnsville police officers, from left, Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth are displayed during a community vigil Feb. 20, 2024, at the Burnsville Police Department/City Hall. MARA H. GOTTFRIED — PIONEER PRESS

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By Mara H. Gottfried

mgottfried@pioneerpress.com

The names of three Minnesota police officers killed in the line of duty last year have been engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and they’ll be remembered in ceremonies this week.

Burnsville Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matt Ruge were fatally shot by a suspect during a standoff, while multiple children were in the home, in February 2024. Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth also lost his life in the incident.

In Minneapolis, Officer Jamal Mitchell was shot in killed last May.

More than 160 Burnsville officers and family members traveled to D.C. “with generous donations” from Burnsville residents, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Burnsville Police and Fire Foundations and donors across the country, according to a statement from Burnsville police.

“Paul and Matt were incredible police officers who worked tirelessly to keep our community safe,” Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said in a statement. “They were dedicated officers, teammates and friends to everyone who served alongside them. They saved the lives of seven children that tragic day and their sacrifices will never be forgotten, their lives will always be remembered, and their spirit will live on in our department and our community.”

Surrounding police departments are working in Burnsville for officers while they’re attending the memorial. Allowing Burnsville officers to gather “as part of a larger police family is an important part of grieving, healing, and remembering,” Schwartz said.

National Police Week

Mitchell, Ruge and Elmstrand are among 148 officers who died in the line of duty in 2024 and whose names were added to the memorial, along with 197 names from previous years. They are being recognized during National Police Week.

In D.C., there will be a candlelight vigil at the memorial at 7 p.m. CST Tuesday. Livestreaming links can be found at nleomf.org/events.

In Minnesota, the St. Paul Police Department will hold its annual memorial day service at noon Wednesday; it’s usually held in Mears Park but will be at the Minnesota Peace Officers Memorial on the state Capitol grounds this year.

Also at the state memorial site, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association will host its annual service at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Finseth, the firefighter/paramedic was memorialized at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Maryland May 3-4, and his name was unveiled at the memorial there.