Our condolences to the Rufer family and the Monroe Fire Department of Wisconsin. FireFighter David Rufer, 42, a 20 year veteran of the Monroe Fire Department, died Tuesday June 12, 2007. David was perfoming a routine training exercise, a hose drill with SCBAs, when he collapsed from an apparent heart attack between evolutions. His brother firefighters attempted to revive him but he was pronounced when after he was transported to Monroe Clinic Hospital.

     David joined the department October 16, 1986. He was a motor pump operator with the department and was also a member of the safety committee. He was a certified Firefighter I, Firefighter II, motor pump operator and aerial operator. He also taught extrication at other departments. David's father, Ken Rufer was a former Assistant Chief, and his two cousins Alan and Jeff Rufer are also Monroe firefighters.

     Our brother David leaves behind his sons Derek and Jacob, and his daughter Danielle. A visitation will be held for David on Friday June 15, 2007 4-8PM at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe. A funeral will be held for David on Saturday June 16, 2007 1PM at St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe followed by a burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to: