DeKalb County Mourns the Line-of-Duty Death of Firefighter Preston Fant

DeKalb County is mourning the tragic loss of Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty on Monday while battling a commercial structure fire.

The fire occurred at 2569 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. During the incident, Firefighter Fant became trapped while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter. He was removed from the structure and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

DeKalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum described Firefighter Fant as an extraordinary public servant, admired by his colleagues and beloved in the community. Chief Fullum emphasized that Fant was a highly respected and elite firefighter who brought specialized training in swift water rescue, high-rise operations, and trench rescues. He was stationed at Fire Station 24 in Stone Mountain and consistently demonstrated courage, skill, and dedication throughout his more than two decades of service. Chief Fullum reflected on Fant’s character, noting that he was not only an exceptional firefighter but also a family man whose kindness and humility touched everyone who knew him.

CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson expressed the county’s deep sorrow, offering condolences to the Fant family and pledging the full support of the DeKalb County government during this time of loss. She affirmed that the county stands alongside the family and Fire Rescue Department, committing to walk with them through their grief. In Firefighter Fant’s honor, flags across DeKalb County will be lowered to half-staff. Counseling and support services have also been made available to Fire Rescue personnel as they process the profound loss of their colleague.

Firefighter Fant is the first DeKalb County firefighter to die in the line of duty while battling a fire. He leaves behind his wife and five children.

Details regarding funeral and memorial services will be announced as they are finalized. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.