Burnsville to Observe Public Safety Memorial Day on February 18th
Provided by the City of Burnsville.
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - The City of Burnsville will honor three fallen heroes—Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth—on February 18, 2025, in a solemn observance of Public Safety Memorial Day. The day of remembrance was officially proclaimed by Mayor Kautz on February 4, recognizing the sacrifice of these dedicated public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty.
To commemorate their bravery and selflessness, the City of Burnsville, alongside its Police and Fire Departments, City Council, and city leadership, has planned several tributes:
Three wreaths will be displayed at City Hall for 24 hours, allowing community members to gather and pay their respects.
All Burnsville city buildings will be illuminated in blue and red as a tribute to first responders.
The City of Burnsville flag will be flown at half-mast on February 18.
A special ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Burnsville City Hall (100 Civic Center Parkway). City Council members and leadership will deliver public comments honoring the memory of Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth. Members of the media planning to cover the event are asked to arrive by 1:30 p.m. for check-in and setup.
“This day is a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice exhibited by Paul, Matt, and Adam,” said Mayor Kautz. “It is also an opportunity to thank our community and partners for their ongoing support and commitment to public safety.”
Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation Fundraiser
A reminder that the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has a fundraiser to help members of Burnsville’s police and fire departments, along with their families, plan to attend national memorial services later this spring. You can find our story on the fundraiser here: Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Seeks Community Support to Honor Fallen Burnsville Heroes.
“Honoring the fallen is a privilege both within our local community and our larger national community,” said Kevin Rofidal from the MN FOP Foundation. “Attending memorial services is critical for the healing process of everyone touched by this tragedy. Getting a sense of shared support and closure is an essential part of the process. We are happy to do our part to ensure those who want to attend national memorials can do so without worry.”
To accommodate the memorial events, the regularly scheduled City Council meeting for February 18, 2025, has been rescheduled to February 25, 2025. All Burnsville city facilities will remain open during regular business hours on February 18th. Overflow parking will be available across the street at the ice center parking lot for those attending the event at City Hall.
The City of Burnsville encourages all residents to join in honoring the memories of Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth, whose bravery and dedication will never be forgotten.
Press Release from the City of Burnsville.
