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DeKalb County is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Master Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty on September 8, 2025, while battling a commercial warehouse fire in Stone Mountain.
Firefighter Fant, 53, served at Fire Station 24 and was part of a highly trained unit specializing in swift water rescues, high-rise operations, and trench rescues. He was more than a firefighter, he was a mentor and father figure to many in the department. Colleagues and community members alike respected him for his professionalism, courage, and compassion. Fant is the first DeKalb firefighter to die while actively fighting a fire.
He leaves behind his wife, five children, extended family, and his Fire Rescue brothers and sisters.
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson honored his legacy:
“Firefighter Fant embodied the very best of DeKalb County. His courage, his sacrifice, and his devotion to protecting others will never be forgotten. We extend our love and support to his family, and we will stand with them now and always.”
Fire Chief Darnell Fullum shared:
“Master Firefighter Fant was an extraordinary public servant, admired by his colleagues and beloved in the community. He was highly respected, elite in everything he did, and his loss leaves a tremendous void in our department.”
Today, as our nation remembers the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and honors the first responders who gave their lives, DeKalb County also pauses to reflect on our own loss. This morning, County leaders, firefighters, and police officers gathered at Fire Rescue and Police Headquarters for a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. On this day of remembrance, we hold close the legacy of Master Firefighter Fant, whose courage and sacrifice are a powerful reminder of the risks our first responders face every day.
Flags across DeKalb County have been lowered to half-staff in his honor. Funeral and memorial arrangements will be shared as soon as they are finalized.
DeKalb County and the State of Georgia provide benefits and ongoing support to the families of fallen first responders to ensure their care and well being in the years ahead. At the same time, the public has overwhelmingly expressed a desire to help. In response, we are sharing the families official GoFundMe page.
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