BURNSVILLE, Minn. — We are learning more about the two Burnsville police officers who died over the weekend.
Both men were 27 years old, and both graduated from college in 2018.
Officer Paul Elmstrand graduated from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul with a degree in criminal justice.
“Paul had a clear sense of calling to be a peace officer and he took it very seriously,” Northwestern psychology professor Melissa Mork said.
Mork had Elmstrand as a student in a few of her classes. She was amazed by his dedication to policing and his schoolwork.
“He did all the right things in his major and his training," Mork said. "He took this so seriously and he was committed to the role."
“He was fun. He was just a fun guy to have in class, a fun presence and just a pleasure as a student.”
Elmstrand was even focused on learning outside of the classroom.
Burnsville police say Elmstrand was working as a community services officer with their department while he was attending classes at Northwestern. Police say Elmstrand was also involved in the Isanti County Law Enforcement Explorers Program as a teenager.
“Paul saw his work as more than just a job. He saw it as a vocation, a calling, that he had a role to fill to serve the public,” Mork explained.
Before going to Northwestern, Elmstrand was a 2015 graduate from Cambridge-Isanti High School.
Retired activities director and current school board member Mark Solberg says Elmstrand was class president, a member of the student council, was in the national honor society, ran cross country and volunteered for their Link Crew where he helped incoming freshmen transition to life in high school.
"It’s not surprising that he chose to be a police officer because he was already serving here years ago,” Solberg said.
Elmstrand’s colleague, Officer Matthew Ruge, followed a similar path to the Burnsville Police Department.
Ruge also attended a Minnesota university, pursuing an education degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
The president at MSU-Mankato says Ruge also graduated in 2018.
President Edward Inch says the officer who was injured during the shooting on Sunday, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was a 2007 graduate of Mankato.
“My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to the families and friends of those injured and killed, and to all those in our community who are affected and feel a deep sense of loss,” President Inch said.
“In every corner of the world, Mavericks are doing incredible and sometimes dangerous work. On days like these, we must remember that even in dark times, our community is strong and resilient.”
Cindy Elmstrand-Castruita, the wife of Officer Paul Elmstrand, also shared a statement:.
“Our family is heartbroken at Paul’s death. He was an amazing husband, father, son, and friend to many. He loved to laugh and loved to play. He was the most generous, loving, patient person I've ever known with the biggest smile. He would stay awake so others could sleep. He could make anyone in a room feel welcome. He wore the same pair of pants and the most basic clothes so that he could spoil me and our children. He had a servant’s heart and would drop everything to help someone who was in need, whether it be family, friend or someone on the street. He loved his job as a police officer and had a strong bond with those he worked with, but he always placed his family first. He had an inner-confidence that was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ."