Watch: Burnsville First Responders' Funeral, Procession

BURNSVILLE, MN — The public is invited Wednesday to attend, watch a live stream, or find a spot along the procession route to show their support and honor three slain Burnsville first responders.

The funeral service for Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth, was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Eden Prairie's Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road.

"Officials are expecting thousands of attendees at the public safety memorial service at Grace Church for the fallen heroes," read a statement from the city of Burnsville. "At the family’s wishes, family and public safety personnel will be seated first."

Find the Burnsville Public Safety Memorial Service program below:

Matthew Henke Ruge

Burnsville Police Department
Badge 183
EOW: February 18, 2024

Adam Loren Finseth

Burnsville Fire Department
Badge 83
EOW: February 18, 2024

Paul Henrik Elmstrand

Burnsville Police Department
Badge 176
EOW: February 18, 2024

Processional

Posting of Colors

Welcome & Invocation | Chaplain Mark Patrick

Speakers: Mayor Elizabeth Kautz | Sergeant Adam Medlicott

Music: Officer Down | Hannah Ellis

Eulogies: Officer Mueller | Deputy Chief Smith | Captain Johannsen | Chief Schwartz | Chief Jungmann

Scripture Readings

• Lamentations 3:17 〜 24 | Michael Ruge
• Romans 12:9 〜 21 | Mike Seafolk
• John 15:12 〜 17 | Brad Finseth

Meditation — Chaplain Mark Patrick

Music — There will be a Light

Prayers and Benediction — Chaplain Mark Patrick

Firefighters Prayer

Bell Service

Music — Amazing Grace

Flag Fold & Presentation

Last Call

Retire Colors

Recessional

Outdoor Honors

Firing of Three Volleys | Taps | Fly Over

Pallbearers

Nathan Elzen | Ryan Schaefer | Dan Wical | Riley Yule | Pete Mueller | Andrew Forsman
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Austin Smith | Eric Yngsdal | Mark Richardson | Lucas Kammerer
Andy Atwater | Andrew Slama | John Wisniewski | Tim Wiebusch | Tim Nordstrom
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Erik Johnson | Pat Cassidy | Carissa Elmstrand | Nate Mortenson | Erik Castruita
Gabby Castruita | Carlos Castruita | Brianna Miller | Fil Gilbert | Mike Seafolk | Caleb Giesk

Funeral Service Overflow Parking and Shuttle Bus

Overflow parking and a shuttle bus for members of the public who want to "attempt" to attend the memorial service at Grace Church, according to officials.

However, the public should expect traffic congestion and delays in the area, and officials are asking the attendees to carpool.

Overflow parking and bus transportation will be provided at two locations in Eden Prairie: Miller Park and Staring Lake Park.

However, Grace Church "may fill before people from these lots are transported to the church," the city said. "People may be turned away to the alternate location, even after they park. "

Miller Park overflow parking spot

• 8208 Eden Prairie Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
• The only entrance to Miller Park is from Eden Prairie Road/County Road 4.

Staring Lake Park overflow parking spot

• 14800 Pioneer Trail Eden Prairie, MN 55347
• The only entrance to Staring Lake Park is from westbound Pioneer Trail

Procession route

• East on Pioneer Trail from Mitchell Road leaving from Grace Church
• South on Highway 169 from Pioneer Trail
• East/North on Highway 13 from Highway 169 southbound
• East/North on Highway 13 to County Road 11
• South on County Road 11 to 122nd Street
• West on 122nd Street to Parkwood Drive, past Burnsville Fire Station #2
• South on Parkwood Drive to Burnsville Parkway
• West on Burnsville Parkway to Nicollet Avenue
• South on Nicollet Avenue to Civic Center Parkway
• East on Civic Center Parkway to 134th Street East, past the Burnsville Police Department
• West on 134th Street East to Nicollet Avenue
• South on Nicollet Avenue to County Road 42, past Prince of Peace Church
• West on County Road 42 to Interstate 35W north ramp
• Interstate 35W north ramp, dispersal

Find a map of the procession route here.

The families of Fiinseth, Ruge, and Elmstrand released public statements.

The full statement from Sean Ruge and Christin Henke, family of Matthew Ruge, is below:

Matthew was the light of our lives. From the time he was born, he showed signs of “perfecting the art of kindness” and was a joy to everyone around him. He never hesitated to drop what he was doing to help a neighbor or friend in need. He was the “glue guy” who made everyone around him better. From the earliest age, Matt wanted to help and protect people. He found his true calling as a Police Officer, becoming an even greater force for good in the world. He said he wanted to be there for people when they were having the worst days of their lives and help them overcome their challenges. Matthew was a true hero. He was proud to call his fellow officers at the Burnsville Police Department his brothers and sisters. He did not hesitate to risk himself to save others. He was part of the solution, not part of a problem. He continues to be the light of our lives; he is greatly missed, but will be with us always and will continue to inspire us to be kind and make the world better every day. Thank you all for your overwhelming and constant support. Please continue to pray for us and all the grieving families, friends and especially the incredible law enforcement and first responder community.

The full statement from Tara Finseth, the wife of fallen Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth, is below:

To say that our family is devastated at the loss of our Adam is an understatement. We are broken. Our children will grow up without their “papa.” My soul mate is no longer here to wrap me in his arms and live out the life we had so intimately planned. His parents are without their son and his sister is without her big brother and best friend. So many friends and family are left with a void in their hearts. Adam was one of the most selfless and humble individuals you would ever meet. His dedication to his family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, community, and country was unwavering. His warm smile, contagious laugh and genuine personality will be deeply missed by so many. Although our forever hero is no longer with us, his soul will live on through me, his children, family, friends, and community. We know he is by our side everyday until we meet again in heaven. On behalf of our family, thank you for the overwhelming and heartwarming support during this very difficult time.

The full statement from Cindy Elmstrand-Castruita, the wife of fallen Burnsville Police Officer Paul Elmstrand, is below

Our family is heartbroken at Paul’s death. He was an amazing husband, father, son, and friend to many. He loved to laugh and loved to play. He was the most generous, loving, patient person I've ever known with the biggest smile. He would stay awake so others could sleep. He could make anyone in a room feel welcome. He wore the same pair of pants and the most basic clothes so that he could spoil me and our children. He had a servant’s heart and would drop everything to help someone who was in need, whether it be family, friend or someone on the street. He loved his job as a police officer and had a strong bond with those he worked with, but he always placed his family first. He had an inner-confidence that was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ.

How To Donate To Families Of Slain Burnsville Officers, Firefighter/Paramedic

The city of Burnsville has released resources for community members looking to donate to the families of the two officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty on Sunday.

"If you would like to offer support to the families of our fallen heroes in the coming days, please direct monetary contributions to Law Enforcement Labor Services," the city said Tuesday.

"This is the only contribution site we have verified on behalf of the families. Please be aware of scam fundraisers seeking to exploit this tragedy."

According to city officials, contributions sent to Law Enforcement Labor Services will be delivered directly to the families.