Angie Craig: “We rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation to honor three heroes from my Minnesota community: Burnsville Police…”

“We rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation to honor three heroes from my Minnesota community: Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth. These three public servants gave their lives protecting us on February 18. Officer Ruge is remembered as quick to lend a helping hand and make his community a better place. Officer Elmstrand is described by his loved ones as a man with a servant's heart. Putting others first was never a choice for Paul. It was just who he was. Firefighter/Paramedic Finseth, who gave his life trying to save his colleagues, was a caring husband, brother, father, and friend, who spent decades serving his community and his Nation in Iraq. There are no words to describe the void that this loss has left for their families, Minnesota's law enforcement community, and for the city of Burnsville and our entire State. Nothing we say today will bring Paul, Matthew, and Adam back. They gave their lives to save seven children from harm in that house that awful morning. Nothing could be more heroic. We can honor their lives by giving the police officers and first responders who keep our communities safe the respect and the support they deserve. I ask Members to join me in a moment of silence from a grateful Nation to honor the lives of Paul Elmstrand, Adam Finseth, and Matthew Ruge. ____________________”