Trapped DeKalb Firefighter Dies While Trying To Save Fellow Crew Member

Updated 1:40 p.m.

LITHONIA, GA — A veteran firefighter in DeKalb County is dead after becoming trapped while trying to save a fellow firefighter during a warehouse blaze Monday afternoon in the 2500 block of South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road.

DeKalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum identified the fallen firefighter as Master Firefighter Preston Fant, who was with DeKalb County Fire Rescue for 21 years.

Leaders held a news conference Tuesday at Fire Station No. 24 on Redan Road in Stone Mountain, where Fant served.

More than 12 units and 32 firefighters responded to the blaze around 1:30 p.m., Fullum said at the news conference. When they arrived, they found smoke coming from a warehouse.

As crews were attacking the flames, Fullum said Fant was "overcome by fire conditions," and operations were then switched to save Fant.

DeKalb County officials later said in a news release that Fant was trying to rescue his fellow crew member when he became trapped.

His co-workers located him and removed him from the warehouse. However, Fant later died of his injuries at Grady Memorial Hospital, Fullum said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and Fullum said his department is looking into the type of business being operated at the warehouse.

"We lost an elite firefighter and a brother," the chief said. "I ask you to keep his wife and five children and his entire family, as well as the entire DeKalb County Fire Rescue, in your prayers and thoughts."

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said Fant died a month to the day after the county lost a police officer.

She said Tuesday was "one of the hardest days in" the history of the local fire department.

Fullum, who described Fant as an "extraordinary firefighter," said he was trained in technical skills to include responding in high water and high rises, as well as trench rescues.

Fant was remembered as a role model and a leader, one who inspired a peer to join the firefighting field. Fullum said he was a family man who loved and was committed to his career.

He met Fant's family for the first time Monday night at Grady, where Fullum said he told Fant's children that "their dad was an incredible man."

"I wasn't saying something that they didn't know," Fullum said.

Fant's on-duty death was a first for DeKalb County Fire Rescue. Some years ago, a firefighter died of a heart attack, Fullum said.

Cochran-Johnson highlighted Fant's bravery and sacrifice, noting he had the utmost respect from his colleagues and was loved by the community.

Fant's family "will not travel this road alone" as "DeKalb County stands with you," she said. She later added: "Though our hearts are heavy as a family, we will grieve together, we will honor him together and DeKalb County will stay strong as a family."

Flags in DeKalb County will be lowered to half-staff across DeKalb to honor Fant, and a memorial is being planned, officials say.

See tributes from across Georgia below:

Covington Fire Department: "The Covington Fire Department stands with our brothers and sisters of Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department as they mourn the tragic loss of one of their own in the line of duty. We honor the sacrifice made in service to others and extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters affected by this heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time."

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services: "Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department following the tragic loss of one of their own in the line of duty. We stand with you in solidarity during this difficult time and honor the ultimate sacrifice made in service to others."

Walton County Fire Rescue: "Walton County Fire Rescue would like to extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department following the tragic loss of a veteran firefighter in the line of duty. We send prayers for peace and comfort to his family, friends and coworkers."

Jasper Fire Department: "Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department suffered the tragic loss of a firefighter in the line of duty today. The City of Jasper Fire Department would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the fallen firefighter and the men and women of Dekalb County Fire Rescue."

Douglas County E-911: "We extend our deepest condolences to the Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, colleagues, and the entire department during this difficult time."

Paulding County Fire/Rescue: "Deepest condolences to Dekalb Company 24 and the entire Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and brothers & sisters in the fire service during this difficult time."