The annual South Dakota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held in Pierre on Sunday, just shortly before crews from Pierre and Fort Pierre helped battle fires around the region that evening.

Unfortunately this past year, two firefighters received the ultimate call, and passed away in the line of duty.

One name was added to the fallen firefighter memorial near Capitol Lake in Pierre on Sunday October 11, 2015. That name was Steven Ackerman.

South Dakota Firefighters Association President Charlie Klundt of Viborg presented the family of Ackerman with a ceremonial flag.

Ackerman, of the Valley Springs Fire Department, was killed in the line of duty in a deadly fire in Brandon back in April.

There are now forty three names on the fallen firefighter’s memorial, and Klundt told the crowd that we are here to celebrate their memories.

Chaplain Charlie Walker of Pierre was the emcee of the ceremony. This annual ceremony honoring fallen firefighters has an extra special meaning for Walker. Walker’s father, William, died in the line of duty when he was the State Fire Marshall.

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