Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

April 25, 2024

Thank you for your service Officer Ruge. Rest in heavenly peace.

In honor of our fallen heroes,
Lisa Lane

April 21, 2024

We know from the Holy Scriptures that Peace Officers have a sacred task to enforce the laws of the land to protect the innocent and punish the guilty:

"For the policeman [Peace Officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him [her]. So, if you don't want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [Peace Officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [she] will have you punished. He [She] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should." [Romans 13: 3-5 TLB]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed/Certified Independent Christian Clergy
Independent Christian Law Enforcement Chaplain
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

April 17, 2024

Officer Ruge, may God and St. Michael watch over you, Officer Elmstrand, and Firefighter Finseth in Heaven.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 11, 2024

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Ruge. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Burnsville Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

March 5, 2024

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain


Pittsburgh PD

March 3, 2024

Rest in Peace, your Legacy of Courage and Compassion will Forever be Etched in our Hearts.
May Police Officer Matthew Ruge's Memory be a Beacon of Inspiration, reminding us to Cherish those who risk their lives daily to ensure our Safety.
God Bless the Family and Colleagues.

Survivor / Wife Chrisy Henderson
Polk County Sheriff’s Office GA.S-6 Barry Henderson eow 3-9-2021

March 1, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC)
Orlando Field Office
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 29, 2024

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.
Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

February 25, 2024

Our dearest Matthew responded to the evil that descended upon Burnsville as all of brother officers would have expected. Getting to know Matthew and family, growing up as an enjoyable young man, and then as a Burnsville Officer, was a blessing to our family and the entire law enforcement family. We are grateful to have the memories to cherish the life that was lived and the life taken to short. We are heartbroken and offer the family the ability to move towards healing and pray to the lord that violence against our peacemakers stop!

Chief Deputy John M. Sweeney (ret)
Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Wisconsin

February 24, 2024

Dear Chief of Police Tanya Schwartz:

I hope this letter finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Police Officer Matthew Ruge, a brave and dedicated professional.

The news of Police Officer Ruge’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly comprehend the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Police Officer Ruge’s family, friends, and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.
In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Police Officer Ruge on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

To you, Chief Schwartz, and the entire Burnsville Police Department, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.

Having served 44 years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support you and your department during this difficult period.

May the memories of Police Officer Ruge be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

February 23, 2024

Rest in peace buddy

Carson loveless

February 23, 2024

Rest In Peace Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

February 22, 2024

To the family, both by blood and by badge and friends of Officer Matthew Ruge; My deepest sympathy for your loss. As I watched this unfold in Minnesota, I shed tears for the three fallen hero's. May they all Rest in Peace.

May Matthew's family find comfort knowing that God has a special place for Matthew. It states so in the Bible.

God's Speed Sir!

Reserve Deputy Brian Jacobsen
Mahaska County Iowa Sheriff’s Office

February 22, 2024

Peace to all the families and to the Burnsville PD

Jerry Hutchinson - retired
Burnsville PD

February 22, 2024

May God's hand of peace and comfort be on the surviving family and the rest of the Department.

Chaplain Jesse White
Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D

February 20, 2024

Thank you for your service. Sending warm hugs

Becky Andes

February 20, 2024

No words can express the grief and sadness because of this senseless act.
Rest in peace Officer Ruge who was taken from us far too soon.

Terry Gliniany
Savage, Minnesota PD/ Retired

February 20, 2024

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

February 20, 2024

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

February 20, 2024

Another senseless tragedy..

RIP Hero

Sgt Richard Tamez
LAPD (retired)

February 20, 2024

Rest, brother.

Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

February 20, 2024

Matt
Thanks for serving with distinction and honor. I pray for your family and friends. You served in a noble and honorable fraternity, which benefitted others in your community. Rest assured that your sacrifice shall forever be remembered.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nevada) & NVDPS (current)

February 20, 2024

RIP my Brother,
I will pray for your Family, Friends & Law Enforcement Family.
Thank you for, your Service, Honor and Sacrifice ><>

Major J.D. Nolin (Ret.)
Chaplain ><>
Brotherhood of Christian Law Enforcement Officers

February 20, 2024

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

February 20, 2024