A convoy in support of first responders took place Sunday in Burnsville.

The event was inspired by a convoy that took place a year ago to honor three first responders who were killed in the line of duty that February — Burnsville officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth.

The community came out in full force for last year’s event, with over 2,000 people attending to support the fallen first responders. This year’s event continues to honor the fallen while celebrating first responders, service members and those who work in correction facilities.

Chopper 5 flew over the Burnsville Center as the lot began to fill with red, white and blue on Sunday.

“I had mentioned that we possibly would do a second year, and everybody said, “Let’s do it!” kind of thing. And so, I kind of rounded up some people and created a Facebook event, and here we are now,” said organizer Austin Wacheldorf.

“You know, it’s not going to be as big as the last year. That’s almost super hard to beat.”

Austin Wacheldorf and a few of his friends started this event in February 2024.

The inaugural convoy drew thousands of vehicles, and it took place days after three Burnsville first responders laid down their lives on the job.

The loss of officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, took an entire town’s breath away as support poured in from across the state.

“They’re my age, 27, 26, and it’s terrifying,” Wacheldorf told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS in 2024. “You know, it can happen anyone, and it hits so close to home, it’s almost like you were friends with them.”

A year later, a hundred or so vehicles lined up to take off across town in unison in support of first responders everywhere.

“Yep, first responders, correction nurses, military, anyone in uniform,” Wacheldorf said.

“Not enough people say thank you,” said Taylor Pearson, joining the convoy with a few colleagues from Eagan company, Mark’s Towing.

As Pearson climbed aboard his “Back the Blue” — themed tow truck, he said Elmstrand, Finseth, Ruge and their families are always on his mind.

“We still think about it every day, especially me, driving in the first responders’ ‘Back the Blue’ truck, I think about it every day. But you just gotta stay strong and stay appreciative,” he said.

Wacheldorf said he plans to make this an annual event going forward.

“It’s like a never-ending thing. We just got to be there for these guys,” he said.

Event organizers are taking donations for fallen first responder families and Law Enforcement Labor Services program HERE.