Law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders started this work week with heavy hearts.
Their loved ones no doubt are again reflecting on the risks involved in public safety jobs, knowing that even in usually quiet and safe communities like a Burnsville, Minnesota, violence and death can strike.
Burnsville officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and a firefighter/paramedic, Adam Finseth, were shot and killed early Sunday morning. Finseth was shot after he went to help one of the fallen officers.
As is often the case in such shootings, the police and paramedics were responding to a domestic abuse call — a type of call responders know is inherently unpredictable and often dangerous as emotions boil over.
After they and other responders answered a domestic abuse call in which a man was barricaded in a home with a woman and seven children at around 2 a.m. Sunday, they worked for hours to try and make contact with those inside. Then the suspect began shooting, killing three and wounding police Sgt. Adam Medlicott, who was hospitalized. The suspect then killed himself.
Last year 134 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in the United States, 47 from shootings. There are not many careers that require the potential for the ultimate sacrifice.
Law enforcement and other first responders aren’t often celebrated for the jobs they do and risks they take. In recent years they’ve also had to work in an atmosphere where they are distrusted by some.
Fortunately, in most parts of the country the public is overwhelmingly supportive and appreciative of what law enforcement and other first responders do. We all know that if we ever are in a dangerous situation officers will hurry to help without thought of their own welfare.
As the flags in Minnesota fly at half-staff, it’s a good opportunity to keep the loved ones of the three fallen public servants in our hearts and prayers.
And it’s a good time to reflect on how fortunate we are for all those who protect and save lives.
— Tribune News Service
