ATLANTA — Hundreds of family members, colleagues, and community supporters gathered Thursday at Truist Park to honor Master Firefighter Preston Lee Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue who died in the line of duty on September 8.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Fant, 53, was battling a warehouse fire in Lithonia when he became trapped while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter. He was rushed to Grady Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, officials said.
A public visitation and funeral service at the home of the Atlanta Braves drew firefighters and first responders from across Georgia. Speakers remembered Fant as an extraordinary firefighter and a steady, trusted member of his crew — the kind of professional others wanted beside them on every call.
Born January 18, 1972, in Marietta and raised in Mableton, Fant graduated from Pebblebrook High School, where he excelled in wrestling and developed the discipline that shaped his career and life. He served his entire career at Station 24, earning certifications in swiftwater rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse, and high-angle rope operations. Colleagues praised his calm leadership and unwavering dedication to protecting others.
Away from the fire service, Fant was a devoted husband, father of five, and grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, restoring cars, watching the Atlanta Braves, building homes, and gathering around bonfires with family and friends. A man of deep faith, he was a member of Burnt Hickory Baptist Church.
“He was the very definition of a firefighter: brave, selfless, and unwavering in his commitment to others,” his obituary read.
Fant is survived by his wife, Leigh; their children, Sara (Percy), Ginger (Chandler), Timothy, Amber, and Nathan; granddaughter Harper; father Tommy Fant; and brother Chris (Kristi) Fant.
His wife shared a heartfelt message during the service, calling him her soulmate and saying, “There’s just a hole in my soul that will never be filled.”
A graveside service followed at Kennesaw Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at www.firehero.org