Sandy Springs (Ga.) Fire Rescue Chief Jack McElfish has been awarded the Alan Brunacini Fire Service Executive Safety Award by the IAFC. This national honor is cosponsored by Provident Insurance and is awarded to the chief executive officer of a fire department of any size or composition that has demonstrated a unique commitment to fire service health and safety.

In August 2006, McElfish was recruited by City Manager John McDonough to design and build a fire department from the ground up. McElfish was tasked with providing the residents and visitors of Sandy Springs with a safe environment and one that was community driven and community friendly. He established guidelines for sending members of the Department to local, regional, state and national training and education programs. McElfish created a fire department that provides excellent customer service with response, education, prevention and professionalism. Due to his efforts, the city of Sandy Springs now has 145 AEDs in emergency response vehicles, city-owned vehicles, government buildings and education facilities.