The off-duty Yonkers police detective killed on Valentine's Day when the vehicle he was driving collided with a fire department ladder truck was drunk at the time of the accident, authorities said Friday.

Frank Fernandez, 45, a 15-year veteran of the police force, had a blood alcohol content of 0.22, more than twice the legal limit of .08 in New York, when he veered across the double yellow lines onto the eastbound side of Palmer Road near Sunnybrook Feb. 14 and hit the fire truck, officials said.



Fernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Four firefighters riding in the ladder truck were treated for minor injuries after the accident.

Authorities say Fernandez may also have been speeding.



Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner said the department remains saddened by Fernandez's death.



"Detective Frank Fernandez was a valued member of the Yonkers Police Department with over 15 years of dedicated service to the department and the Yonkers community," Gardner said. "This unfortunate and tragic accident leaves behind a wife and two small children, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."