Ceremony Ushers in New Era For Sandy Springs Fire Department

Photo: Retiring Fire Chief Jack McElfish hands flowers to Angie Sanders, wife of new Fire Chief Keith Sanders, — and affectionately refers to her as the ”new queen” of the department — during Tuesday’s ceremony. Credit: Kristal Dixon

Sandy Springs leaders, employees and citizens converged onto the parking lot at City Hall to pay respects to the city’s founding fire chief and to also kick-off the next chapter of the Fire and Rescue Department.

The city hosted its first-ever Change of Command ceremony, which took place between retiring Chief Jack McElfish and new Chief Keith Sanders.

City Manager John McDonough said since he hired McElfish in 2006 to lead the city’s department, the agency has seen some notable successes, one of which is achieving an Insurance Service Office, or ISO, rating of 3. He also said McElfish is known for his ability to connect with people on a personal level and his reputation as one of the best leaders in the fire services industry.

“In my mind, he’ll always be our chief emeritus,” he stated.

The city manager classified McElfish’s replacement as a person who is just as respected in the public safety field as his predecessor and as an individual who could bring an indispensable perspective to the agency.

“Well, obviously filling Jack’s shoes is not going to be easy, but we think we’ve found the right person to continue the good work of the department in Keith Sanders,” he added.

Chief McElfish announced his retirement in January, following a 51-year career in fire/rescue service, with more than 33 years serving in the role of fire chief. The city in late September announced the hiring of Sanders to replace McElfish.

Mayor Rusty Paul, who indicated Tuesday was ”full of mixed emotions,” said the transition of leadership in the Fire and Rescue Department signifies the city’s maturation towards “adulthood.” McElfish, along with the men and women of the department, have worked so hard over the eight years to build a department that, “in my opinion, is second to none,” the mayor added.

Paul did state the city is excited about the new leadership Sanders will bring to the agency and hopes to see the department “continue the progress we’ve made and continue to lead us in creating a world class environment here for public safety.”

For his part, McElfish said he was simply “lucky enough to be hired by the city manager.” McElfish told the audience that while he’s worked for a slew of managers over the course of his career, none can come close to McDonough, who “is the greatest guy in the world.”

The retiring chief also said he could not have fulfilled the requirements in his role without the support of the men and women of the department.

“We couldn’t have done it without the trust and the relationships we have,” he added, referring to the bond between the mayor and council and the department.

Sanders, who previously served with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, told the audience was ”so honored to be part of Sandy Springs.”

He joins Sandy Springs with more than 35 years experience in fire service and public safety. He previously served in Alpharetta as fire chief and most recently as deputy director of public safety.

Under the public safety role, Sanders oversaw operations for the fire department, as well as police and 911 operations. In addition to fire service, Sanders is a sworn police officer and recently graduated the FBI National Academy, an invitation-only program.

Sanders paid homage to his predecessor, noting McElfish is a “legend” in the fire services community and he thinks the world of him and his leadership.

“He showed me over the years the importance of developing good, positive relationships and I hope I can continue that with the men and women of Sandy Springs Fire and Rescue, with the citizens, with the business partners, fellow workers within the police department and and other city departments, as well as the mayor and council,” he added.