‘You are my hero’: Hundreds mourn fallen DeKalb firefighter at Truist Park

“It’s amazing the amount of brotherhood that there is in this place,” pastor Matt Perry said during the afternoon service’s opening remarks.

Fire personnel, donning uniforms and suits, walked single file onto the field, pausing by Fant’s casket.

Some kneeled or bowed their heads. Some nodded in respect or held their hands over their hearts as they walked by. Others kissed their hands and touched an American flag covering the casket.

Photos of Fant — showcasing his work as a fireman through the years and highlighting special family moments — filled the large screen above the field while instrumental music played.

In a recorded video message, Fant’s wife, Leigh, shared that they met while working at a grocery store, she as a cashier and he as a produce clerk. The romance eventually led to 27 years of marriage.

“My heart aches because you are gone. You are my soulmate,” Leigh Fant said. “Preston, I pray as you look down from heaven today that you will see the incredible impact you made in your life and how much you are loved. Your kindness, strength and humility touched everyone you encountered. You are my hero.”

In addition to his wife, Fant is survived by five children and one granddaughter, as well as his father and brother, according to his obituary. The family sat in the front row during the service and were presented with roses and several medals and honors for Fant.

Percy Dixon, Fant’s son-in-law who spoke on behalf of the family, said some described Fant as strong, courageous, brave and humble. Others even called him Superman — a fitting nickname, Dixon said humorously, because even at his age, Fant still had a six-pack, and “he was extremely proud of it.”

DeKalb fire Chief Darnell Fullum called him a hero.

“Preston had the heart of a public servant,” Fullum said. He later added that, although the exact circumstances of Fant’s death may never be fully known, “he would never let anyone be left behind.”

During the ceremony, county CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson issued a proclamation to recognize Sept. 18, 2025, as “Master Firefighter Fant Day.”

Gov. Brian Kemp ordered flags at the state Capitol and in Cobb and DeKalb counties be lowered to half-staff Thursday in his honor.

A GoFundMe campaign, launched to help support Fant’s family, has raised more than $78,000.

This is the second large public memorial service for a DeKalb first responder in the past month. After police officer David Rose was killed in the Aug. 8 attack on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of mourners, county officials and Kemp gathered to say goodbye Aug. 22.

After Thursday’s funeral, Fant’s processional traveled from Truist Park to Kennesaw Memorial Park for a private graveside service.

One of the projects Fant spearheaded at Fire Station 24 was building an outdoor covered deck where the crew could sit, rain or shine, Sosebee said in his eulogy.

“That deck will stand for years, and every time we sit out there, we’ll remember him,” Sosebee said. “Today, let’s remember Preston the way he lived: his courage, his kindness, sharing his knowledge, food and laughter, making sure everything and everyone was cared for, working hard and helping harder.”