DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Master Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, died in the line of duty after responding to a warehouse fire Monday afternoon.
According to Fire Chief Darnell Fullem, Fant was attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter when he became overcome by fire conditions and was trapped during the response on South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. He was later rescued himself and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
More than 12 firetrucks and 30 firefighters responded to the blaze, which broke out on a movie production company’s property. Fullem said Fant is the first DeKalb County firefighter to die in the line of duty while battling a fire.
Fant spent his 21-year career with Company 24, stationed at Redan Road. County officials said he leaves behind a wife and five children.
A news conference was held at Fire Station #24, where colleagues described Fant as a father figure within the department.
Charlotte Fire and other agencies have extended condolences to the Fant family and the entire DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department, honoring his service and sacrifice.
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