BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Thousands came out to Burnsville Center Saturday morning to show support for fallen officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth.
The three were killed inside a Burnsville home while responding to a domestic situation call last Sunday.
"I'm 27, they were my age," organizer Clint Svendsen said. "Putting myself in their shoes, and the families and everything, I just want to show that the community is here for them."
Saturday's convoy started with a post on Facebook. Organizers say they were expecting roughly 50 to 100 people.
"Being that the community is all here together, it's crazy," Austin Wacheldorf, another organizer, said. "I cannot express enough words for that. It's unreal."
Most of the Burnsville Center parking lot was filled with vehicles. Wacheldorf and Svendsen estimate nearly 2,000 people were in attendance for the memorial convoy.
Sky11 captured the convoy from up above as it stretched for miles and lasted several hours.
"When we come out together, you know, it's a big family," William Lemus said. "People care, a lot."
Many in attendance say they also have first responders in their families and felt compelled to be here, whether they knew the three men killed or not.
"It's dangerous and we need people like that to step up to the plate," Jill Lucas said.
It was an emotional day for many, and one that's bittersweet.
"It just makes me sad, but happy at the same time," Laura Dahlen said of the large turnout.
"I hope they know that we're here for them," Kim Ibsen said. "We're here. We're together as a community."