Here’s what to know about today’s memorial service for Burnsville’s first responders

Mara H. Gottfried, Pioneer Press
Updated ·2 min read
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The joint, public memorial service for the three Burnsville first responders killed in the line of duty is today.

Officials are expecting thousands of attendees at Grace Church and, at the families’ wishes, family and public safety personnel will be seated first. The service begins at 11 a.m. at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie. The church is now at capacity.

Watch live: Memorial service for Burnsville first-responders

The public is encouraged to gather today to watch the live broadcast of the service either at home or in Burnsville at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Drive. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

Burnsville firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, was fatally shot as he tried to aid Burnsville officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, both 27.

A gunman opened fire on them “without warning” as police tried to get him to surrender peacefully on Feb. 18, authorities have said. He also injured Burnsville police Sgt. Adam Medlicott, who has been released from the hospital.

Live video and audio of today’s 11 a.m. memorial service will be available at grace.live and youtube.com/gracechurchmn.

The public is also encouraged find a spot along the procession route to show their support and honor the fallen.

Also: Other police and fire departments step up to help as Burnsville mourns

The procession, to be held after the memorial service, is expected to start about 2 p.m. and last several hours. The route can be viewed on Canva.

Traffic delays and congestion should be expected throughout Eden Prairie most of today, especially near Grace Church, according to the city.

Also: 4,000 blue and red roses

The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 canceled school for today, saying it was “due to planned road closures and expected impacts to transportation throughout the area.” In addition, all District 191 programs and facilities will be closed to the public, and after-school athletics and activities are canceled.

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