Georgia firefighter killed in rollover crash

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A firefighter died in a rollover accident in Rockdale County on Friday evening, according to county officials.

WANF’s First Alert Chopper captured footage of the Rockdale County Fire Rescue truck on its side along Sigman Road and Eastview Road, and an ambulance responding.

According to Georgia State Patrol, the fire truck was headed to a reported blaze when the driver took a hard left, causing the truck to overturn onto its passenger side. A firefighter in the back of the truck, later identified as 26-year-old Juan Antonia Smith II, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Smith had been with the department for two and a half years. In a Saturday statement, the fire department described him as “a dedicated public servant who answered the call to protect and serve others.”

“His service, sacrifice, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten,” the department added.

Gov. Brian Kemp took to social media to offer his condolences.

Several fire officials, including those in the nearby Clayton and Henry counties, also offered their own condolences in social media posts.

“Today, the men and women of Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services join the Rockdale County Fire Rescue family in mourning the loss of one of their own,“ Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services said. ”We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Rockdale County firefighter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighter’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the fire service as they navigate this difficult time.”

Henry County Fire Rescue said: “We are keeping our brothers and sisters at Rockdale Fire Rescue in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate the difficult loss of one of their own. Our hearts are with the Rockdale County Fire Rescue family, the responding crews, and the loved ones affected by this tragedy.”