DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Master Firefighter Preston Lee Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, was honored at a public funeral service at Truist Park on Thursday.

Fant, 53, died in the line of duty on Sept. 8 while battling a warehouse fire in Lithonia. He was trying to rescue a fellow firefighter when he became trapped inside the burning structure. Officials said he was rushed to Grady Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

A public visitation and viewing was held a the ballpark, followed by a funeral service. Hundreds attended, including other firefighters and first responders.

During the service, he was described as a key part to the rescue team and as an "extraordinary firefighter," the kind others would want beside them on every call.

Fant was born Jan. 18, 1972,

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