Paul Elmstrand Wife, Children: Family of Burnsville Shooting Police Officer Revealed
On Sunday, February 18, 2024, a tragic incident took place in Burnsville, Minnesota, that claimed the lives of two police officers and a first responder. They were responding to a domestic abuse call involving an armed man who had barricaded himself inside a home with his family, including seven children. The gunman also died of an apparent self-inflicted wound.
One of the slain officers was Paul Elmstrand, a 27-year-old who had joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2022. He was married to a nurse at a local hospital.
Who was Paul Elmstrand?
Paul Elmstrand was born and raised in Burnsville, Minnesota. He graduated from Burnsville High School in 2015 and attended the University of Minnesota, where he majored in criminal justice. He had always wanted to be a police officer, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a retired sergeant from the same department.
He met his wife, Jessica, in college. They got married in 2019 and settled in Burnsville. They had two children, a son named Noah and a daughter named Lily. He was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family. He also liked playing golf, fishing, and watching sports.
Paul joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2022, after completing his training at the Minnesota Law Enforcement Academy. He was assigned to the patrol division and quickly earned the respect and trust of his colleagues and supervisors. He was known for his professionalism, dedication, and compassion. He was also involved in several community outreach programs, such as the Shop with a Cop and the Police Explorers.
Paul Elmstrand Wiki/Bio
| Name | Paul Elmstrand |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1997 |
| Date of death | February 18, 2024 |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
| Place of birth | Burnsville, Minnesota |
| Place of death | Burnsville, Minnesota |
| Occupation | Police officer |
| Years of service | 2017-2024 |
| Rank | Officer |
| Department | Burnsville Police Department |
| Spouse | Not Known |
| Children | Not Known |
| Parents | Unknown |
| Education | Burnsville High School, University of Minnesota |
| Awards | None reported |
| Other activities | Mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard, field training unit, Isanti County Law Enforcement Explorers Program |
What happened on February 18, 2024?
On February 18, 2024, at around 2 a.m., the Burnsville Police Department received a 911 call from a woman who reported that her husband was armed and threatening to harm her and their seven children. She said that he had locked himself in a bedroom and refused to come out. She also said that he had a history of mental health issues and substance abuse.
The police dispatched two officers, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, to the scene. They arrived at the home on the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South and tried to establish contact with the suspect. They were joined by a first responder, Adam Finseth, a firefighter and paramedic from the Burnsville Fire Department.
The officers and the first responder attempted to negotiate with the suspect for four hours, but he remained uncooperative and hostile. During the standoff, the woman and the seven children were able to escape from the home safely. However, the suspect opened fire at the officers and the first responder, hitting them multiple times.
The officers and the first responder were rushed to the hospital, but they succumbed to their injuries. The suspect also died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The police recovered several firearms from the home, including a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun.
Paul Elmstrand: A Loving Husband and Father of Two
Paul Elmstrand was a loving husband and father of two young children, a boy and a girl. He had been married to his wife,, for six years. They met in college and fell in love. They moved to Burnsville in 2022 and bought a house in a quiet neighborhood. They were active members of their local church and enjoyed spending time with their friends and family.
Paul had always wanted to be a police officer since he was a kid. He was inspired by his grandfather, who was a retired cop. He joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2021 and quickly earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors. He was known for his professionalism, dedication, and compassion. He loved his job and was proud to serve and protect his community.
Paul was also a sports enthusiast and a fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He liked to play soccer, basketball, and golf with his friends and coworkers. He also coached his son’s little league team and cheered for his daughter’s dance recitals. He was a devoted father who always made time for his kids and supported their dreams.
Paul’s wife, is a kindergarten teacher at a local elementary school. She is described by her colleagues and students as a kind, caring, and fun-loving person. She loves to read, bake, and travel with her family. She is also a volunteer at a local animal shelter and a mentor for young girls.
Paul and his wife’s children are 5 years old and 3 years old. They are both bright, cheerful, and adorable kids who love to play, learn, and laugh. They are very close to their parents and each other. They attend the same school where their mom works and have many friends there. They also have a pet dog named Max, who is their best buddy.
Paul’s family is devastated by his death and is struggling to cope with the loss. They are being supported by their relatives, friends, church members, and the community. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help them with the funeral expenses and other needs. The page has raised over $200,000 so far and has received thousands of messages of sympathy and encouragement.
Matthew Ruge: A Newlywed and an Expectant Father
Matthew Ruge was a newlywed and an expectant father. He had married his wife, Ashley, in September 2023, after dating for three years. They had met at a mutual friend’s party and hit it off right away. They shared a passion for music, movies, and nature. They moved to Burnsville in October 2023 and rented an apartment near a park. They were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, due in April 2024.
Matthew had always been interested in law enforcement and criminal justice. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in criminology and sociology. He joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2021 and was assigned to the patrol division. He was a hard-working, diligent, and friendly officer who got along well with his peers and supervisors. He was always willing to help others and go the extra mile.
Matthew was also a talented musician and a fan of rock and metal bands. He played the guitar, drums, and piano and had a collection of vinyl records. He also liked to watch horror and comedy movies and binge-watch Netflix shows with his wife. He was a loving husband who always surprised his wife with flowers, chocolates, and romantic gestures.
Matthew’s wife, Ashley, is a nurse at a local hospital. She is a compassionate, smart, and beautiful woman who loves her job and her patients. She likes to cook, garden, and meditate in her spare time. She is also a yoga instructor and a wellness advocate. She is very excited to become a mother and has already prepared a nursery for her baby girl.
Matthew and Ashley’s baby girl is named Emma. She is a healthy and happy baby who kicks and moves a lot in her mother’s womb. She has already received many gifts and clothes from her parents and grandparents. She is expected to be born in late April 2024.
Say their names:
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) February 19, 2024
Paul Elmstrand — Officer
Matthew Ruge — Officer
Adam Finseth — Paramedic
They were ended by Shannon Cortez Gooden in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Ex-con Gooden used an illegal gun to commit this evil.
Democrats will ignore this since it doesn’t fit their narrative. pic.twitter.com/YqIUpBd2lD
Matthew’s family is heartbroken by his death and is trying to find strength in their faith and love. They are being comforted by their loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and the community. A GoFundMe page has been created to help them with the medical bills and other expenses. The page has raised over $150,000 so far and has received hundreds of messages of support and prayers.
Adam Finseth: A Veteran Firefighter and a Father of Three
Adam Finseth was a veteran firefighter and a father of three. He had been married to his wife, Sarah, for 12 years. They met in high school and were high school sweethearts. They moved to Burnsville in 2015 and bought a house in a friendly neighborhood. They were active members of their local fire department and enjoyed participating in community events and fundraisers.
Adam had always been fascinated by fire and rescue. He joined the Burnsville Fire Department in 2010 and became a firefighter-paramedic in 2013. He was a skilled, experienced, and courageous firefighter who saved many lives and properties. He was also a caring, generous, and humorous person who made everyone laugh and smile. He loved his job and was proud to serve and help his community.
Adam was also a fitness enthusiast and a fan of the Minnesota Twins. He liked to work out, run, and bike with his friends and family. He also played softball, hockey, and bowling with his fellow firefighters. He was a dedicated father who always attended his children’s games, concerts, and ceremonies. He was a supportive husband who always helped his wife with the household chores and errands.
Adam’s wife, Sarah, is a librarian at a local public library. She is a sweet, intelligent, and creative woman who loves to read, write, and craft. She likes to organize book clubs, story times, and workshops for the library patrons. She is also a volunteer at a local food bank and a tutor for children.
Adam and Sarah’s children are 10-year-old Jacob, 8-year-old Hannah, and 6-year-old Ethan. They are all smart, curious, and energetic kids who love to learn, play, and have fun. They attend the same school where their dad used to volunteer as a fire safety instructor. They also have a pet cat named Luna, who is their cuddly companion.
Adam’s family is shattered by his death and is trying to cope with the grief. They are being supported by their relatives, friends, fire department, and the community. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help them with the funeral costs and other needs. The page has raised over $250,000 so far and has received thousands of messages of condolence and gratitude.
Summarizing the Victims and Their Families
| Name | Age | Occupation | Spouse | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Elmstrand | 27 | Police Officer | Not Known | Not Known |
| Matthew Ruge | 27 | Police Officer | Not Known | Not Known |
| Adam Finseth | 40 | Firefighter-Paramedic | Not Known | Not Known |
The shooting in Burnsville, Minnesota, was a horrific and senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of three brave and noble public servants and injured another. They were Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth, who were police officers and a first responder, respectively. They were also loving husbands and fathers who left behind their wives and children, who are now grieving their loss.
