Brandon, SD (KELO AM) - Valley Springs Fire Chief Don Johnson says the loss of Steve Ackerman is hitting his department hard, following a Sunday night fire in Brandon that also killed the homeowner David Smith. “It’s not something you ever want to do, not fun when you take someone to the morgue” Johnson told KELO Radio’s Mark Russo on Monday following the precession of Ackerman’s body, which included 4 trucks.
“The whole time you think what you could have done different that would have made it end different.” He added, saying Ackerman leaves behind a family which includes his wife Julie, children, and step-children.
Ackerman has been described as an outstanding family man, community member, and firefighter. Johnson said he and his wife were very involved in the community. Chief Johnson also had the privilege of watching Ackerman grow up around his own sons, adding to the pain of Ackerman’s death.
Services for Smith will be held at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon on Thursday. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7PM, with a brief service to follow. Ackerman’s funeral arrangements are pending.