By Skyler Heath
Marietta Daily Journal
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs community is with heavy hearts after the passing of Jack McElfish, the city’s first fire chief.
The beloved community leader died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 16, after a battle with cancer, a city spokesperson said.
McElfish led the Sandy Springs Fire Department from its inception in 2006, bringing with him decades of experience, passion and an unwavering commitment to public safety. He served as fire chief until his retirement in 2014.
“The City of Sandy Springs is mourning the passing of Chief McElfish,” said Mayor Rusty Paul in a statement. “He played an instrumental role in shaping the core values of the Sandy Springs Fire Department and fostering a culture of service, teamwork, and professionalism that endures today.”
McElfish is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Kelly; and his grandson, Jack. He dedicated 51 years to fire rescue, during which the Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department earned numerous accolades, including the Crown Community Award from American City and County Magazine.
“Chief McElfish always had a smile, an encouraging word, and a strong belief in serving one another,” City Manager Eden Freeman said in a statement. “He prioritized mentoring the next generation with a focus on customer service, and we will always remember him fondly.”
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Memorial Information
Organizers request RSVPs by Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
McElfish’s family is planning a memorial for his Maryland friends and family who cannot travel. This will be announced shortly and is anticipated to be in spring 2025.
Fire Chief Jack McElfish obituary, shared by Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder:
Veteran Fire Chief Jack McElfish (“Jack”) passed away on Sept. 16, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. With a distinguished career spanning over 50 years as a Firefighter, Fire Officer, and Fire Chief, Jack was also a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran and a dedicated Rotarian. While he took great pride in his work in the fire service, his greatest joy came from his family, especially his grandson Jack, his daughter Kelly, his wife Joyce, and many cherished family members and friends, which he never neglected to let them know he loved them.
Jack met the love of his life, Joyce, while attending Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland, with their first date at the Rockville VFD carnival. They married in 1966 and celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage in July. Joyce was Jack’s true partner, always supporting his pursuits and creating a loving home filled with warmth and unwavering support for Jack’s career. Their family was completed in 1972 with the arrival of Kelly, and the bond between them has remained strong over the years.
In addition to his passion for the fire service, Jack loved visiting the beaches and boardwalks of Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland, relishing Maryland crabs, Thrasher’s french fries, and funnel cakes. He also enjoyed attending country music concerts in intimate venues and cheering on rookie sporting events.
Jack began his fire service journey at age 8 in Montgomery County, Maryland, often spending time at the Rockville VFD firehouse, where he found mentors who would guide him throughout his career. At 16, he started taking classes in basic fire safety and first aid training.
Upon turning 18, Jack joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in aircraft fire and rescue in Germany. After an honorable discharge, he returned home to volunteer as a firefighter. He began his career as a firefighter in Montgomery County, serving in Hillandale and Burtonsville, where he was eventually promoted to Station Commander.
In 1976, driven by his passion, the family relocated to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where Jack took on the role of coordinating countywide firefighter training. Aspiring for greater leadership roles, he pursued classes at Ursinus College and became involved in national fire service activities.
In 1981, the family moved to Wallingford, Connecticut, where Jack became the Chief of the Fire Department, making him (at the time) the youngest career Fire Chief in Connecticut. He continued his education, attending night school for 20 years, earning a BA, BS, and two master’s degrees from the University of New Haven in Fire Science and Public Administration.
During his over 50 years in the fire service, Jack served as the Fire Chief in Wallingford; Clayton County, Georgia; Richmond, Virginia; Gwinnett County, Georgia; and Sandy Springs. He was among the first 12 Fire Chiefs in the U.S. to be recognized as a designated Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
In 2006, Jack was appointed as the first Chief of Sandy Springs, a newly formed city, where he was tasked with establishing the fire department from the ground up. Under his leadership, the department garnered several accolades, including the “Crown Community Award” from American City and County Magazine for its innovative EMS program. Today the SSFD is an ISO Class 1, full-service fire-rescue department operating out of five stations. answering over 13,000 emergencies annually by 120 dedicated members-something Jack was so proud of.
In 2008, Jack received the Instructor of the Year award from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs. A lifelong member, he also served on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Fire Chiefs for over a decade. In 2010, the American Heart Association honored Jack with the Mission Award for the fire department’s efforts in CPR training.
After seven years leading the Sandy Springs Fire Department, Jack decided to retire in 2014. In retirement, he continued to provide fire officer and leadership training for the University of Maryland Fire Staff & Command School and various public and private organizations, including 1-800-BoardUp.
Finally, after many years of being on duty 24/7, and helping anyone who was in need, Jack spent his final days loving and enjoying precious quality time with his wife Joyce, visiting their daughter Kelly, and cherishing moments with his grandson Jack Robert in Colorado. Jack also made it a point to stay connected with his closest friends via text, email, phone calls and even Facetime right until his passing.
