Memorial Honors Fallen Firefighter's 'Bravery,' Officials Say

ATLANTA, GA — A memorial for a DeKalb County firefighter killed last week while trying to save a fellow crew member during a warehouse fire was held Thursday in Atlanta.

DeKalb County officials on Friday said more than 2,000 people and dignitaries, including representatives for U.S. senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, gathered to memorialize Master Firefighter Preston Fant at Truist Park in Cobb County.

"The outpouring of support reflected the deep respect and gratitude felt throughout the community for Master Firefighter Fant and his service," county officials said in a news release.

Fant died on Sept. 8 after becoming trapped while trying to save a firefighter during a warehouse blaze in the 2500 block of South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. He had been with DeKalb County Fire Rescue for 21 years at Fire Station 24.

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The memorial included a radio call and fading sirens, a last alarm salute, rose presentations to family members, a flyover and the last alarm salute, county officials said.

DeKalb County commissioners Michelle Long Spears, Dr. LaDena Bolton, Mereda Davis Johnson, Chakira Johnson and Robert Patrick, as well as Cobb CountyCommission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, were among guests.

Musical ballads “Go Rest High on the Mountain” and “Amazing Grace" made way for a "solemn and poignant tone to the ceremony," county officials said.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson declared Sept. 18 as “Master Firefighter Fant Day” in DeKalb.

"The memorial not only honored Fant’s bravery and dedication to his fellow firefighters, family and community but also reflected the collective respect and admiration of a community united in remembrance. His life and legacy inspire all who had the privilege of being touched by his love and dedication," county officials said in the release.