Three slain Minnesota first responders are honored as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice

By STEVE KARNOWSKI
Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three Minnesota first responders who were gunned down while responding to a report of a domestic incident at a home with seven children inside are being remembered as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their memorial service Wednesday drew thousands of law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics. The Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville has been in mourning since Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, were slain. Investigators say a man opened fire on them without warning during a standoff at his home, then killed himself. Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.