S.D. Firefighter Killed in Fire Had High Blood Alcohol Level

A South Dakota firefighter who died in a house fire in April had a blood alcohol level two times the limit to drive.

Valley Springs Volunteer Firefighter Steve Ackerman, 38, had a blood alcohol level of 0.189, according to a toxicology test released Friday.

Ackerman and the homeowner were killed in the April 12 fire, according to The Argus Leader.

"Whether this contributed to the circumstances of his death is clearly open to speculation," Brandon Police Chief David Kull said during a press conference. "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."

It was solely Ackerman's decision to respond to the fire, and fellow firefighters told investigators they saw no signs that he was impaired, Mike Harstad, president of the Minnehaha County Fire Chiefs Association, told reporters.

"We must accept the facts for what they are and learn lessons that will shape the future of the fire service, not just here in Minnehaha County but in a much larger area," Harstad said.

Ackerman's body was located in the basement.

It has not been determined if Ackerman's name will be included on the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial in Emmitsburg.