Deputy Michael Ackerman of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to recover from a bullet wound he received Sept. 8 at a West Ashley apartment complex where Deputy Joseph Matuskovic died, according to a Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
“Deputy Ackerman is recovering well and remains on light-duty status,” says public relations officer Eric Watson. “He is assigned to our training division assisting them with training newly hired deputies.”
Ackerman was one of the five deputies who responded to a noise complaint at the Gardens at Ashley River in September. The deputies attempted to contact resident Michael D. Oswald, but Oswald opened fire on them with a semi-automatic AK-47-style rifle through the front door and wall of his apartment. In the gunfight that ensued, Ackerman took a bullet to his right leg and Deputy Joseph Matuskovic died after a bullet pierced his body armor.
In a recent interview with ABC News 4‘s Valencia Wicker, Ackerman said he continues to deal with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following his injury and the loss of his partner. “I have moments where I’ll just start crying for no reason,” Ackerman said. “I’ve had a few panic attacks.”
If you would like to donate money to help Deputy Ackerman and his family as he continues to recover, you can contact the Tri-County Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police at (843) 744-7255 or eboard@scfop3.org.
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