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Fallen Firefighter Funeral Expected To Draw Thousands

Associated Press0

BRANDON, S.D. (AP) — The number of people in Brandon this weekend is expected to increase by one-fourth as thousands turn out for the funeral and burial of a fallen firefighter.

Thirty-eight-year-old Steven Ackerman died Sunday while fighting a house fire in Brandon that also killed 47-year-old homeowner David Smith. Ackerman is the 43rd firefighter to die in the line of duty in South Dakota since 1924, and the 22nd volunteer firefighter to be killed.

His funeral is Sunday at the Brandon Valley High School gymnasium. Fire trucks will line the route from the gym to the cemetery, and Minnehaha County Emergency Manager Lynn DeYoung says the number could surpass 100 as officials from fire departments around the country make plans to attend the services.

Bagpipe groups and ladder truck towers also are planned.

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