Wives Of Fallen Burnsville Responders Speak Out: 'Until We Meet Again'

BURNSVILLE, MN — The wives of Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth and Police Officer Paul Elmstrand released public statements for the first time over the weekend since their husbands were killed in the line of duty.

Finseth, Elmstrand, and Police Officer Matthew Ruge were shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a reported sexual assault early in the morning on Sunday, Feb. 18.

A joint, public memorial service has been scheduled for Wednesday. The service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. It will take place at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie.

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.

People who would like to make a non-monetary contribution as a show of support can bring contributions to Prince of Peace Church, 13801 Fairview Dr. Burnsville, MN 55337