DeKalb County is in a state of mourning after the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Preston Fant, a dedicated member of the DeKalb County Fire Rescue who was lost during a blaze on Monday. According to DeKalb County officials, Fant, had been with the department for 21 years and died while trying to save a colleague from a commercial structure fire located at 2569 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road.
During the rescue attempt, Firefighter Fant became trapped and was subsequently pulled from the structure before being transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. In a statement obtained by DeKalb County, Fire Chief Darnell Fullum praised Fant as "an extraordinary public servant" and highlighted his specialized training in various rescue operations. Fant was stationed at Fire Station 24, and throughout his service, he was recognized for his bravery, skill, and unwavering commitment to the community he served.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO of DeKalb County, expressed the community's profound grief over Fant's passing, extending heartfelt condolences to his family. She assured that the county's full support was behind the Fant family during this challenging time. To honor Fant's sacrifice, flags throughout DeKalb County have been ordered to fly at half-staff, and counseling services are being provided to the Fire Rescue personnel affected by this loss.
Preston Fant is remembered not just as a skilled professional but also as a caring family man, who leaves behind a wife and five children. While details on funeral and memorial services are pending, the county remains in solidarity with his loved ones, working to support them through their sorrow. The community's loss of its first firefighter to die while fighting a fire is made clear, as they grapple with this profound tragedy. The cause of the fire that claimed Fant's life is still under active investigation.
