ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — A firefighter has died while on duty in Rockdale County Friday.
Rockdale County confirmed in a statement that the firefighter was killed in a rollover accident involving a firetruck at the intersection of Sigman and Eastview roads.
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A witness told Channel 2’s Eryn Rogers the first responders did everything they could to try to save the firefighter.
The fire department wasn’t releasing the name Friday night.
However, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement posted to social media: “Marty, the girls, and I are saddened tonight by the loss of Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith. As we pray for his loved ones and the entire Rockdale County community, we ask that Georgians keep them in their thoughts as they mourn this sudden and tragic loss.”
The impact of that crash is apparent. A light pole is knocked over and the concrete is broken.
“I remember seeing a whole firetruck laid over to its side,” said Yasuke Aki.
He said the crash happened before 5 p.m. He was outside cleaning up at a gas station where he works at the corner of Sigman and Eastview roads.
He saw emergency vehicles.
“I remember hearing two firefighter trucks. I remember hearing a loud thump,” Aki said.
He took video as he ran towards the noise. Aki said a firefighter was ejected then pinned under the truck.
“His brothers tried to get him from under the truck,” Aki said. “They tried their best. They tried to lift up, the firefighters tried to lift up with some of the equipment they brought, like jacks.”
The Rockdale County Fire rescue said one of their firefighters died in the line of duty during the rollover crash.
A source told Rogers they were responding to a structure fire.
Fire Chief James robinson sent a statement that reads in part
“This is a devastating loss for the Rockdale County family. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect others, and today we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant, colleague, friend, and hero,” the statement said in part.
Rockdale County is heartbroken to confirm that a rollover accident involving a Rockdale County Fire Rescue apparatus occurred today at the intersection of Sigman Road and Eastview Road.
Tragically, the accident claimed the life of one of our courageous firefighters while in service to our community.
This is a devastating loss for the Rockdale County family. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect others, and today we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant, colleague, friend, and hero.
Out of respect for the firefighter’s family, additional details, including the firefighter’s identity, will be released at the appropriate time after all notifications have been made.
We ask our community to join us in keeping the firefighter’s family; loved ones, fellow firefighters, and all members of Rockdale County Fire Rescue in your thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.
Fire Chief James Robinson stated, “Today, we grieve the loss of one of our own.
Our hearts are with the firefighter’s family and with every member of our Fire Rescue family who is hurting from this tragedy. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our community as we navigate this unimaginable loss together."
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
— Rockdale County
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