[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E186-E187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING PAUL ELMSTRAND, MATTHEW RUGE, AND ADAM FINSETH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2024

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I joined thousands of people in 
Minnesota who gathered for the public funeral for Burnsville Police 
Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter-Paramedic 
Adam Finseth who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
  On Sunday, February 18, 2024, these courageous public servants 
answered a call to protect a family and our community, and were gunned 
down in a horrific act of violence. This heartbreaking incident occurs 
amid a crisis of gun violence and domestic abuse, and our first 
responders are on the front lines every day.
  Officers Elmstrand and Ruge dedicated their lives to protecting our 
community. Firefighter-Paramedic Finseth was committed to saving lives, 
as he was attempting to do that day. He also served our Nation proudly 
in the U.S. Army, twice deploying on tours of duty in Iraq. Their 
deaths in the line of duty are a devastating tragedy that touches their 
families, their fellow first responders, the Burnsville community, the 
state of Minnesota, and our Nation.
  I extend my deepest condolences to their families and friends who 
loved them. Their heroic sacrifice will always be remembered and 
honored.

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