Metro Atlanta FOOLS

06/21/2026

UPDATE!
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown to the family of our fallen brother Juan Smith. Thanks to your generosity, the fundraiser has now reached $6,550!
Every donation, share, and word of encouragement means more than you know. Let's continue to show our support and raise as much as we can. 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to the family during this difficult time.
Thank you for standing with them and helping us honor his sacrifice. Your support is greatly appreciated!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/raising-funds-for-the-family-of-rockdale-county-firefighter-lodd-juan-smith?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleASk3IVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacbR4IKNHgLpV4MPfR1ZY-y-f0WLjelEKpLFriDGhw2A12-yUIvnclUJDMlsg_aem_LaoXsGxOJ5Ws9neaehPQjg

Firefighter Juan Smith gave his life in service to citizens of Rockdale County. This fund supports his family with immediate expenses and the long road…

06/19/2026

Funeral arrangements for Rockdale County LODD firefighter Juan Smith have been finalized. Please see the details in the picture and join us to celebrate his life.

06/16/2026

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/raising-funds-for-the-family-of-rockdale-county-firefighter-lodd-juan-smith

❤️FUNDRAISER FOR THE FAMILY OF ROCKDALE FIREFIGHTER JUAN ANTONIA SMITH II❤️

Juan Antonia Smith II Firefighter Juan Smith gave his life in service to citizens of Rockdale County. This fund supports his family with immediate expenses and the long road ahead—housing, bills, and daily needs.

Your gift goes directly to the Smith family, coordinated by the Metro Atlanta Fraternal Order of Leatherhead Society Inc., a firefighter-run nonprofit. Stand with Juan’s family as they navigate this loss.

Firefighter Juan Smith gave his life in service to citizens of Rockdale County. This fund supports his family with immediate expenses and the long road…

06/16/2026

❤️FUNDRAISER FOR THE FAMILY OF ROCKDALE FIREFIGHTER JUAN ANTONIA SMITH II❤️

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/raising-funds-for-the-family-of-rockdale-county-firefighter-lodd-juan-smith

Juan Antonia Smith II Firefighter Juan Smith gave his life in service to citizens of Rockdale County. This fund supports his family with immediate expenses and the long road ahead—housing, bills, and daily needs.

Your gift goes directly to the Smith family, coordinated by the Metro Atlanta Fraternal Order of Leatherhead Society Inc., a firefighter-run nonprofit. Stand with Juan’s family as they navigate this loss.

06/14/2026

🔥FOUNDER OF THE FOOLS IN GEORGIA🔥
FTM-PTB-DYFJ-EGH-PDHT
Firefighter
DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department
Georgia
Age: 37
Year of Death: 2006
Year Honored: 2007
William L. Craddock II
Submitted by His Wife

Bill started his introduction into the fire service at age 25 working with the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department in Canton. In 1996 he be came a member of the Dekalb County Fire Department and from there his love for being a firefighter took off.

Over the years of his career he became a well known state and international instructor. In 2000 he started the Georgia Chapter of FOOLS (Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society). Bill was known for being an ‘old school’ fire fighter. He always wore his leather helmet in every fire and never deviated from that. He lived by ‘old school’ rules and the survival of brotherhood. It was his passion to make sure everyone came home. With that passion he developed a class that Dekalb County is now teaching to each and every fire fighter. He wanted to make sure everyone was safe‚ and knew how to get out safely.

In 2001 he was awarded the 300 Club award. This award is given to public safety personnel that saves someone elves’ life. Bill climbed a tall cell tower and rescued a person that had collapsed from heat exhaustion. In 2004 Bill received ‘Fireman of the Year’ from Dekalb County for his ability to exceed above and beyond the call of duty.

Though Bill did serve for his country for 5 years as a Marine‚ his love was for the fire service. Through his years of working as a fire fighter he also volunteered as an active Assistant Chief for the Bethany Salem Volunteer Fire Department Station 8 in Pickens County.

As his wife‚ I always told him that his first love was the fire department then me. He would laugh then say maybe. That was his way of giving me a hard time. I have many wonderful memories of him. All the horseback riding and the famous 8 seconds on a bull. As for Colby‚ he remembers his daddy playing cars with and hiding from him and grabbing me to help find him.

Bill’s overwhelming achievements and knowledge will be remembered for many years to come. His legacy will be handed down from generation to generation. Family and friends never realized the large impact he made on other peoples lives during his career. Bill was never one to brag or boost about himself. He always stood in the corner and just watched! He will forever be missed. Bill was 37 years of age and served as a Fire Fighter III.

In May of 2006 Bill was on shift and working a second fire when he suffered a massive heart attack with several other life threatening complications. His brother’s treated him on scene then transported him to the hospital where he stayed for 40 days until June 13 of 2006.

05/25/2026

🔥We're Still Here🔥
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