Firefighter who died in South Dakota house fire was drunk
Officials in South Dakota yesterday (Friday) said an autopsy showed the blood-alcohol level of a volunteer firefighter who died in a house fire in April was more than twice the legal limit to drive.
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Valley Springs volunteer firefighter Steve Ackerman, 38, had a blood-alcohol level of .189, according to a toxicology test. The April 12 fire also killed homeowner David Smith, 47.
Both men died of smoke inhalation in the fire that was determined to be accidental.
“Whether this contributed to the circumstances of his death is clearly open to speculation,” Brandon police chief David Kull said. “Though his judgment to respond to this fire in the first place was arguably flawed, we have to remember Steve was the one who made the correct call to evacuate the structure, and that the two firefighters that were on the entry team with him inside the burning home were able to exit uninjured.”
The 14-year volunteer with Valley Springs Fire and Rescue died April 12, and investigators determined he likely fell through the floor in the burning home.
Ackerman was reported missing about 11 p.m. His body was found in the basement about 1:30 a.m. the next day and recovered about 10:30 a.m., when it was transported to the coroner’s office.
Valley Springs Fire Chief Don Johnson could not be reached Friday. It’s unclear whether that department has a policy regarding alcohol use, although many do, state Fire Marshal Paul Merriman said.
“It puts a different light on the entire situation,” said Minnehaha County Fire Chiefs Association President, Mike Harstad.
Harstad says it’s up to each department to set their own alcohol policies.
“It is first and foremost a personal choice as to if you are able to respond to a call for service,” said Harstad.
Harstad says as far as he knows, there were no signs that Ackerman was intoxicated that night.
