Submitted by his Family
David was born in Monroe‚ Wisconsin on December 4‚ 1964. He was the youngest of four‚ joining two sisters and a brother. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1983 and became a certified electrician. Following in the footsteps of several family members‚ he joined the Monroe Fire Department October 16‚ 1986 at the age of 22. The Monroe Fire Department is a rural southern Wisconsin department consisting of 43 volunteer/paid on call members. David served on the department as a motor pump operator and was a team member of the Safety Committee. He was a certified Firefighter I‚ Firefighter II‚ Motor Pump Operator‚ and Aerial Operator and was very proactive and specialized in rescue situations. He honorably wore the badge number 38.
David found his passion in vehicle extrication and served as Vice President of Safe and Fast Extrication‚ Inc. (S.A.F.E.) supporting their mission to lead the way in extrication training‚ research and development. Through his connection with S.A.F.E.‚ he directed‚ and was instrumental‚ in the first post vehicle extrication research in the country in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin…a facility dedicated to enhance the team skills of emergency personnel and reduce the time it takes to get victims to trauma centers as well as improving how they deal with serious injuries. David instructed hundreds of firefighters‚ EMT’s and first responders on current rescue practices and procedures. In addition‚ he competed in regional competitions and participated in International Vehicle Extrication Competitions and Learning Symposiums providing interaction with extrication specialists from around the world. He was also a team member of the Milwaukee Mile Fire Rescue Team responsible for fire suppression and vehicle rescue during practices‚ time trials and races.
On June 12‚ 2007‚ during a routine training exercise‚ a hose drill with SCBA’s‚ David collapsed between evolutions from a heart attack. His brother firefighters were unable to revive him.
You were too young to leave your post.
A happy day this is not.
Remember that day was hot.
I talk to you out loud.
Your memory stands out proud.
I think of you this day…
But I do that everyday.
Your brother – Mark
David leaves behind his family of two sons‚ a daughter‚ parents‚ two sisters and a brother and their spouses‚ plus three nephews. Your unconditional love and funny little laugh are missed by all you touched.
Your sisters – Ruth Ann and Linda
You were a good friend . I think about the fun times we had . I remember how much you loved the fire department .
– EricYou will always be deeply missed but never forgotten!!
– Lacey Pfund