DeKalb County Shares GoFundMe to Support the Family of Fallen Firefighter Fant

On 9/11, we honor all first responders while remembering Firefighter Fant’s sacrifice.

DeKalb County is mourning the tragic loss of Master Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty on September 8, 2025, while battling a commercial warehouse fire in Stone Mountain.

Fant, age 53, was stationed at Fire Station 24 and was a member of an elite unit trained in swift water rescues, high-rise operations, and trench rescues. Known as a mentor and father figure to many in the department, Fant was deeply respected for his professionalism, courage, and compassion. He is the first DeKalb firefighter to die while actively battling a fire.

He leaves behind his wife, five children, extended family, and his Fire Rescue brothers and sisters.

CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson honored his life and sacrifice:

“Firefighter Fant embodied the very best of DeKalb County. His courage, his sacrifice, and his devotion to protecting others will never be forgotten. We extend our love and support to his family, and we will stand with them now and always.”

Fire Chief Darnell Fullum added:

“Master Firefighter Fant was an extraordinary public servant, admired by his colleagues and beloved in the community. He was highly respected, elite in everything he did, and his loss leaves a tremendous void in our department.”

Today, as the nation pauses to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the first responders who answered the call, DeKalb County also reflects on our own profound loss. This morning, County leaders, firefighters, and police officers gathered at Fire Rescue and Police Headquarters for a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. During this day of remembrance, we hold in our hearts the legacy of Master Firefighter Fant, whose courage and sacrifice remind us of the risks our first responders face every day.

DeKalb County and the State of Georgia provide benefits and support to the families of fallen first responders to ensure their care and well-being in the months and years ahead. At the same time, the public has overwhelmingly expressed a desire to offer immediate support to Firefighter Fant’s family. Out of respect for those requests, we are sharing the family’s official GoFundMe page: Fundraiser by Percy Dixon : Remembering Preston Fant, A True Hero.

Flags across DeKalb County have been lowered to half-staff in his honor. Funeral and memorial arrangements will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

The County asks for continued prayers, compassion, and unity for the Fant family and the DeKalb Fire Rescue Department during this time of mourning.