County approves road designation for fallen firefighter

CONYERS — Five months after Rockdale County firefighter Juan Antonia Smith II was killed while responding to an emergency call, county commissioners have approved a permanent tribute honoring his life and service. The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 10 to designate a section of Sigman Road as the Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith II Memorial Corridor, recognizing the 26-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty June 12. The honorary designation will extend along Sigman Road from Ellis Drive to East Park Drive, passing Rockdale County Fire Station No. 1, where Smith served. Smith’s parents joined firefighters and county officials for the presentation, which marked the culmination of months of work by community members and county leaders to honor the fallen firefighter. Rockdale County Fire Chief James Robinson thanked those who advanced the proposal, particularly resident Richard Odin, who first brought the idea before commissioners in July. “This is a long time coming, and we appreciate all the hard work that’s gone into this project,” Robinson said during the meeting. He acknowledged the emotional toll Smith’s death has taken on his family and fellow firefighters, describing the experience as unfamiliar territory for everyone involved. Robinson credited Odin