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 with helping move the proposal forward during a difficult period for the department.

Smith died June 12 after a Rockdale County fire truck overturned while responding to a structure fire near the intersection of Sigman Road and Eastview Road in Conyers.

According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary investigation, the truck overturned onto its passenger side as the driver attempted a left turn. Smith, who was riding in the rear of the vehicle, was ejected and died at the scene.

The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team was assigned to help with the investigation.

Smith joined Rockdale County Fire Rescue on Feb. 5, 2024, and had served with the department for more than two years.

Following his death, county officials described him as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to protecting the community would not be forgotten.

“This remains a devastating loss for Rockdale County, Rockdale County Fire Rescue, and all who knew and worked alongside Firefighter Smith,” the county said in a statement following the accident. “His service, sacrifice and commitment to our community will never be forgotten.”

Beyond his work as a firefighter, Smith was remembered for his involvement in his church and his willingness to help others.

Smith grew up attending Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, where he sang in the men’s chorus. He also worked as a disc jockey at parties and church gatherings.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. William Flippin, told WSB-TV after Smith’s death that firefighting suited his personality because he wanted to serve others.

“It fit him well because he loved helping people,” Flippin said.

Smith’s funeral was held June 26 at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers, with burial following at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Stockbridge.

Efforts to honor Smith with a road designation began shortly after his death.

During the July 14 Board of Commissioners meeting, Odin presented a proposal to designate part of Sigman Road in Smith’s memory. The proposal received support from county officials and local state legislators.

At the time, Robinson thanked county leaders, first responders, businesses, churches and residents for supporting Smith’s family and the Fire Rescue Department.

“Losing one of our own is something no fire department is prepared for,” Robinson said during the July meeting. “Your support meant more than words can ever express, and we will never forget it.”

The honorary signs will be placed along the designated section of Sigman Road, creating a lasting reminder of Smith’s service near the station where he worked.

Robinson said the county is planning a public dedication ceremony during the first week of December, although the exact date and time have not been finalized.

The ceremony is expected to take place at Fire Station No. 1, where firefighters, elected officials, Smith’s family, and community members will gather for the unveiling of the signs.

Robinson said the department wants the occasion to give the community an opportunity to come together and formally recognize Smith’s sacrifice.

During the Nov. 10 presentation, Robinson introduced Smith’s parents and thanked them for their continued support of the department. Commissioners also shared a family update, noting that a baby named Kamazi was 2 months old.

“He’s growing and doing what babies do,” a family member said. “He’s a joy to us.”

County officials said they will announce additional information about the dedication ceremony once arrangements are finalized.