APPLE VALLEY, Minn. — It's been nearly seven months since two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter/paramedic were killed in the line of duty. Since then, grief has been hard to overcome for many in the departments.
"The memories are intense," Beth Eilers, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 14, said. "It will stick with them forever, it just get's lighter, gets a little bit further back."
Eilers says a potential source of closure will come as the names of those three – Adam Finseth, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge – are enshrined on national memorials in Washington, DC, next year. Getting there is expensive, though.
That's why hundreds came to Bogart's in Apple Valley Thursday for a fundraiser to get those departments there next year.
"This is dedicated to getting the whole force to Washington, DC, for the dedication," Chris Loth, co-owner of Bogarts Entertainment Center, said. "It's a way to honor those who risk their lives to take care of us, to keep us safe."
Money raised from tickets to get in for a show by Good for Gary, along with a silent auction, will all go towards that goal. Amy and Tom Strese came from Farmington to show their support.
"Super important that they can honor their brothers that we lost," Amy said.
"You can't take back that engraving," Tom added. "So when it gets engraved, and everybody can view it, that solidifies their sacrifice."
While hearts were heavy inside Bogart's Thursday night, Eilers knows that money will help.
"It's a sad night that has a good ending," she said.
Loth says they'd like to hold more events like this in the future.