Change of Plans For Vigil Honoring Rochester Native Adam Finseth
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A planned vigil for paramedic Adam Finseth in Rochester will take place indoors Tuesday evening.
The Rochester Fire Department says, after conferring with the National Weather Service, the decision was made to move the public vigil for the Rochester native from Soldiers Field Memorial Park to the Rochester Assembly Church at 4240 18th Avenue Northwest.
The day and time of the event are not changing. It will take place Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 PM. The plans for the vigil include a tribute from the Rochester Fire Department Honor Guard, military honors, and a bell ceremony. That will also be several speakers, including local officials , firefighters, and friends of the Finseth family.
The 40-year-old graduate of John Marshall High School was killed in the line of duty on February 18th while coming to the aid of several Burnsville police officers who had been shot while responding to a domestic incident. Finseth, who was a paramedic with the Burnsville Fire Department, along with Burnsville officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge died as a result of their injuries.
Finseth's wife, Tara, issued a statement today via the City of Burnsvillle, To say that our family is devastated at the loss of our Adam is an understatement. We are broken. Our children will grow up without their “papa.” My soulmate is no longer here to wrap me in his arms and live out the life we had so intimately planned. His parents are without their son and his sister is without her big brother and best friend. So many friends and family are left with a void in their hearts. Adam was one of the most selfless and humble individuals you would ever meet. His dedication to his family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, community, and country was unwavering. His warm smile, contagious laugh and genuine personality will be deeply missed by so many. Although our forever hero is no longer with us, his soul will live on through me, his children, family, friends, and community. We know he is by our side every day until we meet again in heaven. On behalf of our family, thank you for the overwhelming and heartwarming support during this very difficult time.
On Saturday, thousands of people participated in a memorial procession for the fallen first responders. Hundreds of emergency vehicles from throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin drove through Burnsville to honor the sacrifices of the three men and their families.
A public funeral for all three men is scheduled to take place at a church in Eden Prairie on Wednesday.
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