Press Releases

DeKalb County is mourning the tragic 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. Fant, age 53, was stationed at Fire Station 24 and was a member of an elite unit trained in swift water rescues, high-rise operations, and trench rescues. Known as a mentor and father figure to many in the department, Fant was deeply respected for his professionalism, courage, and compassion. He is the first DeKalb firefighter to die while actively battling a fire.

DeKalb County is mourning the tragic loss of Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty on Monday while battling a commercial structure fire. The fire occurred at 2569 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. During the incident, Firefighter Fant became trapped while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter. He was removed from the structure and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the 178 Sams Street, Room A1201 - A & B, Decatur, GA 30030.

Road closure and detour signs will be placed during the road closure to advise motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. These dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected.

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting on Monday, September 15, at 6 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Ga. 30034.