A veteran firefighter died while attempting to rescue one of his coworkers from a burning warehouse in Georgia.
Preston Fant, a 21-year DeKalb County Fire Rescue veteran, died while battling a fire at the warehouse on South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road on Monday, Sept. 8, according to a news release from DeKalb County officials.
Officials stated that Fant “became trapped while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter” from inside the building. He was eventually removed and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
Fant is the first DeKalb County firefighter to die in the line of duty, according to a news release. He is survived by his wife and five children.
County officials described Fant as “an extraordinary public servant, admired by his colleagues and beloved in the community,” according to Fire Chief Darnell Fullum.
He was credited with being “a highly respected and elite firefighter who brought specialized training in swift water rescue, high-rise operations, and trench rescues.”
Fullum also stated that Fant, who worked at Fire Station 24 in Stone Mountain, “consistently demonstrated courage, skill, and dedication throughout his more than two decades of service.”
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Master Firefighter Preston Fant, a dedicated member of our department,” fire officials said in a Facebook post. “His 21 years of service, courage, and commitment to protecting our community will never be forgotten.”
They went on to say, “Above all, he was a devoted husband and father, and his legacy goes far beyond the uniform he proudly wore. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time.
More than $42,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign launched to assist Fant’s family in the aftermath of his unexpected death.
Percy Dixon, the organizer of the online fundraiser, stated that Fant “dedicated his life to protecting others, serving with honor, bravery, and compassion every single day.”
“Off duty, he was a devoted family man who loved deeply and gave selflessly,” Dixon recalled. “His passing leaves an immeasurable hole in the lives of his wife, Leigh, and their five children who adored him.”
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson expressed condolences to the Fant family and promised “the full support of the DeKalb County government during this time of loss,” according to a county news release.
“In honor of Firefighter Fant, flags throughout DeKalb County will be lowered to half-staff,” county officials said. “Counseling and support services have also been made available to Fire Rescue personnel as they process the profound loss of their colleague.”
County officials say the cause of the fire that destroyed the building where Fant died is still being investigated.
