During a police standoff on February 18, 2024, 3 first responders from Burnsville were killed, and one injured. There was an alleged sexual assault call to the 911 emergency response unit to a residence. As the police department and fire department dispatched their EMS units to the residence, a stand off ensued, during which the officers convinced the armed man inside to let them in. The call came in at 2 am, and during the standoff, the trained men were able to talk to the alleged perpetrator and tried to convince him to drop his weapon. It seemed that the offender in question was about to surrender his gun, when at 5:26 am, he shot and killed Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruger, police officers, and Adam Finseth, a paramedic for the fire department, and wounded Adam Madlicoff, another police officer. The man, Shannon Gooden, then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.
As the investigation commenced, it was discovered that the shooter's girlfriend had procured the weapon and several others for Gooden, who was a felon, and not allowed to purchase the weapons. The assault call was fabricated to get the police into the home so they could be shot in cold blood.
How does this happen? There has been a lot of talk about defunding the police departments in our country, and this is the result. Hate crimes, looting, car jacking, and many other crimes are proliferating, and it all seems so crazy. Does anyone understand the consequences of the actions that we are being called to put into play? Well, I dare say, there are still people who care about what is happening in our country, and I am proud to say that Angie Anderson is one of the Minnesota Nice people who took a stand, and showed the families of the deceased officers that even in a small town in America, people care.
After the incident was made public, Angie decided to put out a donation jar for the families who were affected by this heinous crime. Many of her restaurant patrons asked her what was going to be done with the money, and she told them that she just felt like it was a way to show there are people who care. "We wanted to show that small communities care about what is happening in the larger cities, and that kindness can triumph over evil," said Anderson. " I don't know what will be done with the funds we collected, but I assume it will go to the families." So much publicity has gone into defunding police departments all over the United States, that she wanted to show support for our local law enforcement officers and the families of the downed officers, and hopefully make a difference just by showing others that a little town like Kenyon cares.
There is a saying by Margaret Mead that goes like this....."Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." Thank you, Kenyon residents, for contributing to the good in the world. I am sure it will mean a lot to the families who will know that you cared enough to contribute to Angie's donation jar.
Today, Angie presented Chief Jeff Sjoblum a cashiers check for the families affected by this crime. Tomorrow, ine of our officers will present the check to the precinct that the men who were killed worked for. Chief Sjoblum attended the funeral given for the officers in support of law and justice in our world.
I say that we as a community are privileged to have kind and caring men and women protecting us day and night, and that we should show our appreciation whenever we can, not just when we need them to show up. So, if you have any positive ideas for actions to support others, just do it! Have a neighbor in need? Give them a helping hand. Know someone who needs a smile? Give them one of yours! You will find that the joy is in the giving.
