DeKalb firefighter Eboni Kennedy graduates rehab after on-duty injury

DeKalb County Firefighter Graduates from Rehabilitation

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – DeKalb County firefighter Eboni Kennedy is celebrating a significant milestone. She graduated from inpatient rehabilitation less than a month after a crash cost her a limb. Kennedy was released from the Shepherd Center this week after intense physical and occupational therapy.

Details of the Incident

The 35-year-old was injured on December 5, 2025. The fire engine she was riding in lost control and struck a tree on Rockbridge Road while responding to a call. The impact trapped the crew inside and led to the amputation of Kennedy’s left leg. Despite the trauma occurring just days after her birthday, Kennedy’s spirit remains strong.

Statements from Kennedy and Therapists

“Life is good. I’m doing beautiful,” Kennedy said as she prepared to leave the facility. “I’m looking forward to getting my prosthetic.” Her occupational therapist, Sara Gartland, described her progress as “incredible.” Gartland noted that Kennedy applied the same grit to her recovery that she did to her fire academy training. Kennedy joined the department in August 2025, just months before the accident.

Support from the Community

“She’s worked really hard—inside therapy and outside therapy,” Gartland said. DeKalb Deputy Chief Melvin Carter called her one of the department’s “best recruits.” Kennedy has not faced this challenge alone. A large support system from DeKalb Fire, Atlanta Police, and the local community has rallied behind her. “The brotherhood, the sisterhood… they think they’re in the fight alone. They’re not,” said Atlanta Police Lt. Kelvin Walls.

Looking Ahead

While her dreams of firefighting were temporarily affected by the accident, Kennedy has accepted the challenge. She hopes her recovery will inspire others. “Going through the accident, it felt like ‘why me?’” Kennedy shared. “I have to accept it for what it is. My journey going forward is going to be a testimony.”