Update; 7:30 p.m.: Due to weather and technical issues, we are unable to display "Homage" at the memorial site in front of Burnsville City Hall. We will evaluate options and determine another time to display the statue.
3:30 p.m.: A sculpture commissioned by the Burnsville Community Foundation as a gift to the City to honor the community’s public safety teams will be temporarily placed outside Burnsville City Hall at the memorial site for Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth.
Burnsville artist Mary Pat Lutz created the three life-size bronze sculptures of a Firefighter, Paramedic and Police Officer, collectively called “Homage.” The sculptures have been placed on a platform awaiting permanent placement. The platform will be located to the left of the entrance to the Burnsville Police Department while the temporary memorial is in front of City Hall.
“The three sculptures were not made in the image of any specific individual, but are meant to convey the spirit of reaching out and protecting those who need help,” said Brady Folkestad, President of the Burnsville Community Foundation. “‘Homage’ honors and pays tribute to all members — past and present — of Burnsville’s public safety teams.
“We know the Burnsville Police and Fire departments are hurting. We hope this temporary art display helps demonstrate the support they have from the entire community.”
Once a permanent location for “Homage” is determined, the three sculptures will be placed in a circle, facing outward and reaching out.