Rockdale County, GA, Firefighter Ejected, Killed in Rig Rollover
A Rockdale County firefighter was killed in a rig rollover Friday while he was responding to an emergency.
Firefighter Juan Antonio Smith, a passenger in a jumpseat, was ejected and pinned under the rig as it rolled onto its side.
“His brothers tried to get him from under the truck. They tried their best. They tried to lift up. The firefighters tried to lift up with some of the equipment they brought, like jacks,” Yasuke Aki, who heard the crash from his service station, told WSB.
In a statement about the incident, fire officials wrote: "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."
Rockland County Fire Chief James Robinson added: “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."
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.