Key Points:
• Fant will lie in state from 1-2 p.m. before the service, to be held at Braves stadium Sept. 18.
• He is the first DeKalb firefighter to be killed in the line of duty while battling a fire.
• Fant spent all 21 years of his career at Fire Station #24 on Redan Road.
Services for DeKalb County Master Firefighter Preston Fant, who was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 8, will be held at the Braves Stadium at Truist Park on Thursday, Sept. 18 starting at 2 p.m.
While battling a warehouse fire on a movie production company’s property on South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Fant was reportedly “overcome by fire conditions” and had to be rescued by other firefighters. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital where he later died.
Fant is the first DeKalb County firefighter to have died in the line of duty while battling a fire, according to officials. Fant spent all 21 years of his service with the department at Fire Station #24 on Redan Road.
According to a release from DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s office, Fant, a husband and father of five, will lie in state at the stadium, 755 Battery Ave., from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.
Public attendees can park in any Truist parking deck, with a QR code provided for validation, the announcement said. Parking will also be made available for DeKalb personnel driving service units.
The public can enter on the first base gate or third base gate (Battery Ave SE/Circle 75 Pkwy SE), with seating located at lower level sections 116-136.
All guests will be required to pass through a security screening, with only small clear bags allowed. Large bags, backpacks, and outside food or beverages are not permitted, the announcement said.
Following the final prayer, final honors will be observed, including a radio call-out and fading sirens, a rose presentation, bagpipe verses, presentation of medals, firefighter memorial flag presentation, the last alarm and 5-5-5 bell ceremony, and a helicopter flyover.
The service will be live-streamed for all those unable to attend in person.
