Rockdale firefighter killed in on-duty crash identified

A firefighter died in a rollover crash involving a Rockdale County fire truck Friday.

The wreck happened as crews headed to a structure fire, but few details about what led to the crash were available Saturday. Officials identified the crew member killed as 26-year-old Juan Antonia Smith. He joined the department in February 2024.

“During his time with Rockdale County, he was a valued member of the fire rescue family and a dedicated public servant who answered the call to protect and serve others,” the county said in a written statement.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

According to the county government and fire department, the crash happened around 4:45 p.m. at the intersection of Sigman and Eastview roads.

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Smith is at least the second Georgia firefighter to die in the line of duty this year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Stephen Reeves was a firefighter and paramedic with Henry County Fire Rescue when he had a medical emergency and died March 4. The fire administration said Reeves was found unresponsive at a fire station while working a shift.

Gov. Brian Kemp, in a post on X, said he and his family were saddened by Friday’s deadly crash.

“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,” Kemp said.

JaNice Van Ness, chair of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement that Smith “answered a calling that requires courage, sacrifice and a willingness to put others before self.”

She added: “The overwhelming support shown by our community has been outstanding, and it is a powerful reminder of how deeply our residents care for those who serve and protect us.”

Fire departments from across the state also took to social media to share their condolences.

“We honor the dedication, service, and sacrifice of our fallen comrade, and we stand alongside those mourning this tremendous loss,” the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department said.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is working to learn more about Smith and the collision.

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