Authorities provide update on public safety memorial service, procession route for fallen Burnsville police officers, paramedic

KSTP KSTP

On Monday, Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz, Burnsville Fire Chief B.J. Jungmann and other public officials expressed gratitude to the community and provided an update about the public memorial service for fallen Burnsville officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge as well as firefighter and paramedic Adam Finseth.

The service is planned for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Thousands of law enforcement, firefighters and paramedic personnel are expected to attend.

The service will also be streamed on the Grace Church YouTube channel and Grace.live. Information and links will be available at Burnsville.gov/communityupdates.

As an alternative option, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville will open its doors for viewing the livestream inside the church.

People are also encouraged to show law enforcement, firefighters and paramedic communities their support by lining the route for the procession that will follow Wednesday’s service. The route is as follows:

East on Pioneer Trail from Mitchell Road from Grace Church
South on Highway 169 from Pioneer Trail
East/North on Highway 13 from southbound Highway 169
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 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 ramp for I-35W north
Disperse at the northbound I-35W ramp

The route for Wednesday’s procession in Burnsville.

As a result of the memorial service, Burnsville city offices and facilities will be closed on Wednesday. That includes Burnsville City Hall, Burnsville Ice Center, Ames Center, Birnamwood Golf Course, Burnsville Maintenance Facility, the police station and fire stations 1 and 2.

According to the city, the Burnsville Ice Center will reopen at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Normal city operations at Burnsville city offices will resume on Thursday.

The city states that public safety and emergency services will still be available to the community throughout the memorial service.

The three first responders were killed during an hours-long standoff on Sunday, Feb. 18 when the suspect, Shannon Gooden, opened fire. Gooden was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials say.

“To say that it’s been an extremely difficult week is an understatement,” said Schwartz during Monday’s press conference. “On Feb. 18, our worlds were completely shattered, it was the darkest day in our police and fire department’s history and it is still nearly impossible for us to comprehend. The loss of our brothers — Officers Matt Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth — have left a void in our hearts that will remain forever.”

Schwartz added that Police Sergeant Adam Mendlicott is continuing to recover from his injuries and asked the community to pray for his full recovery and healing.

“We want our Burnsville community… we want our brothers and sisters in public safety… and our families who paid the ultimate sacrifice and all of those who have come here to the memorials for our fallen heroes to know that we are finding hope here,” Schwartz added.

“To all of our Burnsville police and fire staff, we continue to grieve with you and we will continue to dedicate all of our strength and support to you,” Jungmann said. “And the families of Adam, Matt and Paul — your strength in the face of this tragedy has been humbling.”

“Burnsville has shown itself to be a community bound by compassion, resilience and a shared commitment to supporting one another,” added Jungmann.