Adam Finseth

Firefighter and Paramedic Adam Finseth of the Burnsville Fire Department in Minnesota acted without hesitation in his last moments. He was assisting a SWAT team at a domestic violence call when he was shot to death after rendering aid to the police at the scene. Two police officers were also shot and killed, with another injured. He lost his life heroically on February 18, 2024 at the age of 40. 

Finseth was born in Faribault, Minnesota, to his parents, Brad and Brenda. The family moved to Rochester shortly after his sister, Amber, was born. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 2001. He was active in many sports at school and throughout his life. He loved hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing and could always be found swimming. He was known as a “daredevil,” even from a young age. 

Having a servant’s heart, Finseth enlisted in the United States Army shortly after 9/11, where he served with the 101st Airborne Division. He completed two tours in Iraq, spending 12 months there on his first tour and 15 months on his second tour as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant with strong leadership qualities and exemplary service. After earning his Fire Science and Paramedic degrees, Finseth served in various fire departments, including the Lacrosse Fire Department, the Hastings Fire Department, and the Savage Fire Department, where he worked for six years. In February of 2019, he joined the Burnsville Fire Department. He was very proud to be part of the team and was active on the Health and Wellness Committee, caring about the health of all members of the department. Finseth joined the SWAT team as one of their two SWAT medics. He excelled in this position and was a hero to his entire community.

Finseth met his wife, Tara, at his going-away-to-the-military party in 2005, prior to his deployment to Iraq. They kept in touch throughout his deployments and married shortly after his return. They had two children together, Liam and Nora. He loved them with all his heart. He was a light in everyone’s lives and his caring and loving attitude left an impact on everyone he met.

Firefighter and Paramedic Adam Finseth of the Burnsville Fire Department in Minnesota is survived by his loving wife, Tara, his son, Liam, and his daughter, Nora, his parents, Brad and Brenda, his sister, Amber, and many other loving family members.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Finseth family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.