FIRE CHIEF JACK McELFISH OBITUARY
Veteran Fire Chief Jack McElfish (“Jack”) passed away on September 16, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. With a distinguished career spanning over fifty 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 this past 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 eight in Montgomery County, Maryland, often spending time at the Rockville VFD firehouse, where he found mentors who would guide him throughout his career. At sixteen, 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, MD, 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, PA, 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, CT, 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 twenty 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 fifty years in the fire service, Jack served as the Fire Chief in Wallingford, CT; Clayton County, GA; Richmond, VA; Gwinnett County, GA; and Sandy Springs, GA. He was among the first twelve 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, GA, 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 emergency medical services program. Today the SSFD is an ISO Class 1, full-service fire-rescue department operating out of 5 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.
In lieu of flowers (especially since Jack was not fond of flowers) and in recognition of Jack's commitment to lifelong learning, please consider a donation to his grandson's (Jack McElfish Albarran) college education fund:
Jack McElfish Albarran Ugift code: K2D-M4C
To make a gift contribution using Ugift:
1. Go to https://www.ugift529.com/
2. Enter the Ugift code: K2D-M4C
3. Enter your name and the amount of your gift.
4. Make your gift via electronic funds transfer or check.
Thank you for your consideration,
GEORGIA MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION
(Please Read Carefully-Everyone Is Requested To Please RSVP via the below link)
The City of Sandy Springs is honored to host a memorial service for Chief Jack McElfish, the first Fire Chief of the Sandy Springs Fire Department. With decades of experience and a deep passion for public safety, he guided the department from its inception in 2006 until his retirement in 2014. Join us in celebrating his legacy and commitment to our community. Your presence will mean a great deal as we honor Chief McElfish’s remarkable life and service.
The memorial service will be held at the Sandy Springs City Hall, Studio Theatre:
11 AM to 12:30 PM on Monday, October 14, 2024. Reception to follow.
NOTE: We would like to ask you to please RSVP by [Monday, October 7, 2024].
Important Information for Out-of-State Attendees
Airport Transportation
If you are an immediate family member, a fellow service member, or a colleague traveling from out of state and need airport transportation to your hotel, please complete the RSVP once your travel arrangements are finalized. This will allow us to gather all the necessary details for your pick-up and drop-off. We also ask that you provide a reliable contact number if we need to reach you.
Lodging
If anyone needs accommodations, the Sandy Springs Fire Department has a secured a block of rooms at the following hotel:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
765 Hammond Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
P: (404)-250-4450
Shuttle service will be provided to and from the memorial service, with pick-up and drop-off times to be shared in a future email.
RSVP Link: Memorial Service RSVP for Chief Jack McElfish
https://forms.office.com/g/4dZUnLGejm
If you have any questions, please contact:
chiefmcelfishmemorial@sandyspringsga.gov.
Final Note: The 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 the Spring of 2025.