Hero from Rochester Remembered in National Ceremony
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others.”
Emmitsburg, MD (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester native will be among the fallen firefighters honored this weekend as part of the 44th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The events in remembrance of the fallen emergency responders will take place in Emmitsburg, Maryland. A news release issued by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation says this year's national tribute will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty last year and an additional 70 firefighters who died in previous years.
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten."
40-year-old Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth was killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2024 during a violent standoff involving a domestic disturbance. According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the 2001 graduate of John Marshall High School was fatally shot while coming to the aid of several law enforcement officers after they had been shot by a man involved in a lengthy standoff with police.
Two of the wounded officers, Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand died from their injuries. Officer Ruge was also from southeastern Minnesota and grew up in the Wabasha area.
Two of the national memorial ceremonies will be open to the public and will be live streamed on the foundation's website, YouTube, and Facebook. A candlelight service will be held Saturday evening beginning at 6 PM Central Time and a memorial service is scheduled Sunday morning beginning at 8:30 AM central time.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation website also includes detailed information about all of the firefighters being memorialized.
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