safety
Family of slain Burnsville police officer has mortgage paid off by Tunnel to Towers
By Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
The family of slain Burnsville police officer Paul Elmstrand has had their house’s mortgage paid off by Tunnel to Towers.
Elmstrand was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 18, 2024, when he responded to a domestic incident in Burnsville, where a gunman had taken family members hostage.
After...
Key takeaway RELATED: BCA releases evidence in the shootings of Burnsville first responders Officer Elmstrand was 27 years old.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The gesture by Tunnel to Towers to pay off the mortgage of slain Burnsville police officer Paul Elmstrand's family is a significant relief for the family, allowing them to focus on healing and planning for the future without financial burdens. This act of kindness also underscores the strong bonds between law enforcement families and the communities they serve in the Twin Cities area. As the region continues to grapple with the loss of Officer Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter and Paramedic Adam Finseth, the support from organizations like Tunnel to Towers demonstrates a commitment to caring for the families of fallen first responders. The fact that Tunnel to Towers has now paid off mortgages for two families affected by this tragedy highlights the lasting impact of their generosity on local families and the importance of community support in times of need.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The family of slain Burnsville police officer Paul Elmstrand has had their house’s mortgage paid off by Tunnel to Towers.
Elmstrand was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 18, 2024, when he responded to a domestic incident in Burnsville, where a gunman had taken family members hostage.
After...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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