Remembering. Mourners, about 250 of them, including fellow police officers from many jurisdictions, gather with candles to share memories of Matt Ruge. This was under the Mississippi River bridge at Wabasha’s Heritage Park Ruge, 27, was felled by a gunman’s bullet in a drawn-out confrontation over the weekend in Burnsville. In all, three officers died.
Giant luminaria launched into night sky
WABASHA, Minn. – The theme in eulogies was that Matt Ruge was a kind and caring friend while growing up nearby Reads Landing and attending the Wabasha hug school. There many stories, mostly little but telling epsodes – like inviting a new friend to sleep over. Said retired school superintendent Jim Freihammer: “What made Matt remarkable was that he had perfected the art of niceness.” Another theme was that Ruge had wanted a life of service as a police officer even in high school. Ruge had been with the Burnsville police since 2020 and served on the crisis negotiations team. Wabasha Police Chief Joe Stark said: “Every day Matthew wore his uniform knowing the risks that lay ahead, yet he was unwavering in his commitment to protecting and serving others.”
Earlier: Vigil in Wabasha for slain Burnsville police officer
Freeing the spirit. Luminaria ever upward in vigil finale..