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Firefighter Who Died In The Line Of Duty Was Drunk At Time

Associated Press0

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A volunteer firefighter who died fighting a house fire in Brandon that also killed the homeowner was legally drunk when he died.

Police say 38-year-old Steven Ackerman had a blood alcohol level of nearly 0.19, more than twice the legal limit for driving.

The 14-year volunteer with Valley Springs Fire and Rescue died April 12 while fighting the fire that also killed 47-year-old homeowner David Smith. Police say the fire started in a first-floor vent pipe enclosure that served a basement furnace and water heater. It’s been ruled accidental.

Ackerman’s body was found in the home’s basement. He was the 43rd firefighter to die in the line of duty in South Dakota since 1924, and the 22nd volunteer firefighter to be killed. Hundreds of people turned out for his funeral.

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