Rockdale County, GA, Firefighter Ejected, Killed in Rig Rollover

This story was updated Monday morning.

A Rockdale County firefighter was killed when his ladder truck rollover Friday while he was responding to an emergency.

Firefighter Juan Antonio Smith II, 26, was riding in the jumpseat and 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." 

Smith joined the department in February 2024, according to Fox5Atlanta.

“The church was always proud of him when he’d come around with his uniform on,” Dr. William Flippin told WSBTV.com, adding that Smith was a member of the men’s chorus.

“It fit him well because he loved helping people, and so it was a profession that just fit him,” said Flippin. “I don’t know if he always wanted to be a fireperson, but I do know that he was a young man who just liked to serve people. Not to make light of it, he needed a job, and he went after it.”

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."