DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The Georgia community is mourning the loss of a 21-year veteran of the DeKalb County Fire Department.
Preston Fant was killed Monday while battling a blaze that broke out at a commercial building on South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road.
Dozens of fellow firefighters and first responders lined the streets outside the ER on Monday, their emergency lights still flashing, as they waited for word on their colleague.
A solemn procession escorted his body from Grady Memorial Hospital to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, where the flag already flies at half-staff.
The fire happened inside a warehouse owned by a film production company called Digital Thunderdome. The cause of the blaze, as well as details about how the firefighter was injured, remain under investigation.
Officials say they expect to release more information about the veteran firefighter, including his name.
Agencies across metro Atlanta have shared condolences, including the Alpharetta Fire Department, Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, and Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.
“There are no words to ease the pain that comes with loss. Today Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department lost one of their own, and we stand with them, we mourn with them and we honor his life,” the Alpharetta Fire Department said. “Please keep his family, friends and the Dekalb County Fire Rescue Department as they mourn and deal with this tragedy.”
The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services also released a statement and offered condolences.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters at DeKalb County Fire Rescue as they navigate this difficult time. The passing of a fellow firefighter is a profound loss felt across the fire service, and we stand in solidarity with their family, friends, and colleagues in mourning.”
This marks the second recent loss of a first responder in DeKalb County. Last month, DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was killed in the line of duty during a shooting at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
DeKalb County’s CEO’s office is asking the community to keep the firefighter’s family and colleagues in their prayers during what it calls “a difficult time.”
Fant was a father of five.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons contributed to this story.