DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County is mourning the loss of Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty while battling a warehouse fire on Monday, Sept. 8.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, flags across DeKalb County government buildings were lowered to half-staff in honor of Fant. At Fire Station 24 on Redan Road, where Fant was stationed, his colleagues stood solemnly alongside Chief Darnell Fullum, who reflected on Fant’s service and legacy during Tuesday morning’s press conference.
Fant, 53, is DeKalb County’s first firefighter to die in the line of duty while battling a fire, officials said. He leaves behind his wife and five children.
Fant became trapped and was overcome by fire conditions while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter during the blaze. The fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. at the Digital Thunderdome, a film-production company, located in a warehouse at 2569 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Stone Mountain. Authorities said that 12 units and 32 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire, which requires additional firefighters, trucks and equipment than initially dispatched. First responders assisted one firefighter at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Fant was removed from the structure and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fullum fought back tears as he described Fant, calling him an extraordinary public servant who was admired by his colleagues and beloved in the community. He praised Fant’s expertise in specialized training in swift water rescue, high-rise operations, and trench rescues. He consistently demonstrated courage, skill, and dedication throughout his more than two decades of service. Chief Fullum also reflected on Fant’s character outside of his uniform, noting that he was a family man whose kindness and humility touched everyone who knew him.
Former DeKalb Fire Captain Eric Jackson, who worked for DeKalb Fire Rescue for more than 28 years, said he was saddened when he learned the tragic news about Fant.
“I knew him well. He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I know that all the firefighters at Station 24 are going through it right now. It was very hard for me as I watched the press conference live,” Jackson said. “His (Fant’s) spot at the table, his spot on the sofa at the station—no one will sit there. No one will use his locker. His baseball cap—may still be hanging up somewhere–these are things that will hit his firefighter family at the station as they process the great loss. It’s going to take a lot to get through the grieving period.”
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.
Counseling and support services have also been made available to Fire Rescue personnel as they process the profound loss of their colleague.
County officials said details regarding funeral and memorial services for Firefighter Fant will be announced as they are finalized.
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