A Burnsville firefighter killed while attempting to save the life of a Burnsville Police Department officer worked for 3-1/2 years as a firefighter in Hastings.
Bloomington firefighter and SWAT paramedic Adam Finseth died in the line of duty early Sunday, along with Bloomington officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge.
A fourth police officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, also was injured. Medlicott is from Cottage Grove and played baseball for years with the Hastings Hawks. He is being treated at a Twin Cities hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to the City of Burnsville.
The City of Hastings released the following statement Monday:
“The City of Hastings grieves with Burnsville in the tragic loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth and Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge. Our collective hearts go out to their families. Please keep them in your prayers.
“Adam, Paul, and Matthew chose professions of public service and providing for the safety of their community. They were true heroes, and their loss is deeply felt.
“Finseth was previously a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Hastings from August 2015 to February 2019. He was a good man and a leader, respected and loved by his co-workers at HFD. His loss is heartbreaking.
Hastings Police and Fire Departments have offered to assist the City of Burnsville as needed.”
Burnsville police were called for a domestic abuse situation shortly before 2 a.m. where the shooter was barricaded in a house with family members, including seven children ages 2-15. The incident “escalated into gunfire.” The shooter, who authorities haven’t identified as of press time, reportedly took his own life after exchanging gunfire with police.
Finseth, 40, reportedly was rendering aid to a downed officer when he was shot. He also worked with the Savage Fire Department prior to joining the Burnsville department in 2019.
A gofundme.com account was set up to raise money for Finseth’s family, and it had raised more than $55,000 by Tuesday morning.
“We come together with heavy hearts to honor the life and legacy of our dear friend, Adam Finseth, who tragically lost his life in the line of service as a firefighter and EMT. With over six years of dedicated service to our community, Adam exemplified bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to helping others.
“Not only was Adam a devoted first responder, but he was also a cherished veteran who continued his commitment to service long after his military service had ended. He bravely faced danger to ensure the safety and well-being of those around him, and his impact on countless lives will never be forgotten.
“Beyond his role as a public servant, Adam was a beloved father and loving husband. He cherished his family above all else and worked tirelessly to provide them with love, support, and security. His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, and our hearts ache for his family as they navigate this unimaginable grief,” the website states.
Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Brian Peters said, “We’re just devastated at the horrific loss. These heroes leave behind loved ones and a community who will forever remember their bravery and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe.”
Gov. Tim Walz issued the following statement Sunday:
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day. Today, the families of these public servants received the call they knew was possible but hoped would never come. My heart is with those grieving families – the State of Minnesota stands ready to support in any way we can. This is a tragic loss for our state.”
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation.
Medlicott was honored with the 2020 Meritorious Service Award for valor, service, professionalism and leadership from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association.
He is a graduate of Park High School in Cottage Grove.
The Hastings Hawks released the following statement:
“For those that are unaware, our friend and former catcher was one of the officers injured in today’s shooting in Burnsville. Sergeant Adam Medlicott was taken to a nearby hospital and is recovering.
“Meds is one of those guys that you just naturally look up to and he played a very important role with our younger players. He set a great example as an awesome teammate and friend.
“Please keep him and all of the police, fire and EMS in Dakota County, but especially Burnsville, in your prayers. This has affected many communities and will do so for quite some time.”
