The wife of a police officer killed in the line of duty released a statement about her husband Saturday as several commemorative convoys traversed the city streets in memory of the three Burnsville first responders slain last week.

Police officers Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, 40 were killed responding to a domestic disturbance Feb. 18. The gunman, who later died by suicide, was barricaded in a home with his family, including seven children.

Burnsville police officer Paul Elmstrand. (City of Burnsville via AP)

Elmstrand’s wife released a statement, the first from any family members, on Saturday:

“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,” wrote Cindy Elmstrand-Castruita. “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.”

At least one convoy comprised of hundreds of cars, fire engines, tow trucks and semi-trucks crawled the Burnsville streets on Saturday to remember the three first responders.

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