Sandy Springs Leaders 'Roast' Founding Fire Chief

Sandy Springs leaders earlier this week gathered at 5 Seasons Brewing Company to trade jokes and memories about the city’s founding fire chief.

The Rotary Club of Sandy Springs on Wednesday sponsored a roast of Jack McElfish, who retired last month as the city’s first fire chief.

Led by the master of ceremony Fred Ferrand, McElfish was roasted by members of the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs officials and members of Sandy Springs fire and police departments.

Roasters included: Ferrand, Tom Ungashick, Mayor Rusty Paul, Police Chief Ken DeSimone, council member John Paulson, new Fire Chief Keith Sanders and Captain Mark Ware and Battalion Chief Daryl Smith of the Sandy Springs Fire and Rescue Department.

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.

Photo: from left to right, Jack McElfish, Claire Wise, Fire/Rescue Chief Keith Sanders, Joyce McElfish, Roger Wise and Bill Cole. Credit: Rotary Club of Sandy Springs