On 07-29-2011 at approximately 8:15am, Officer Daniel Ackerman of the Buena Park Police Department and member of the department’s SWAT Team participated in a bi-annual physical fitness training exercise. SWAT training exercise. After completing the training exercise, Officer Ackerman reported that he felt faint and dizzy. Officer Ackerman was treated at the scene by a full-time physician who trains with the SWAT Team. Officer Ackerman was then taken to the nearby St. Jude Hospital and was admitted for treatment.

The doctors and medical staff at St. Jude gave Officer Ackerman the best of care as tests were run and treatments applied. Tragically, on 07-30-2011 at approximately 3:40am, Officer Ackerman passed away. He was 31 years old.

Officer Ackerman began his career at the Buena Park Police Department in 1995 as a Police Explorer. He helped Explorer Post #474 to win or place or in several events at formal competitions amongst Explorer Post from throughout the Western United States. In 2001, Officer Ackerman was hired by the Buena Park Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer, and he was subsequently hired as a full-time officer in June of 2005.  Since that time Officer Ackerman worked as a patrol officer, range-master, SWAT team member, and was currently assigned to a regional narcotics taskforce.

Officer Ackerman is survived by his mother, sister, 2-year-old daughter, and his extended family.

Contributions in support of the Ackerman family may be sent to:
Buena Park Police Association – Daniel Ackerman Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 579
Buena Park, CA 90621

Please make all checks payable to: Buena Park Police Association or Project 999; Attn: Sgt. Geyer
(include either Buena Park or Dan Ackerman in your check Memo field please)

Buena Park Police Department - 6640 Beach Blvd, Buena Park CA 90622 - (714) 562-3901

Click here to read Thoughts and Stories about Officer Ackerman, and to add your own.