On March 5th, 1929, at approximately 07:55 hours, the West Bend Fire Department received a report of a chimney fire at the Charles Schaaps residence. Rudolph "Rudy" Schloemer was a volunteer firefighter for the West Bend Fire Department, and was responding to the fire station in his work truck. Rudy's truck was struck by an oncoming freight train. Rudy died from signifcant head injuries at 02:30 on March 6th, 1929, at the age of 47.

Rudy left behind his wife Rebecca and nine children. Rudy's sacrifice for the West Bend Fire Department should never be forgotten. Rudy was a dedicated husband, father and firefighter. He will always be in the hearts and minds of past, current, and future firefighters in the West Bend Fire Department.