Washington County Emergency Management Agency Director Russell Riner introduced the new Sandersville Fire Chief to the Washington County Commissioners at their Thursday, November 12 meeting.
Elliott DeBiase was appointed Sandersville Fire Chief by the Sandersville Mayor and Council at the Monday, October 5 Sandersville City Council meeting following the retirement of EMA Director Riner as the City’s Fire Chief.
Sandersville received over 30 applications for the fire chief position. Those applications were reviewed by the City; they narrowed the search to 10 applicants. Those applicants were interviewed. In September, the Mayor and Council interviewed the four finalists for this job.
During the Commissioners’ meeting, DeBiase explained that he’s served as a firefighter for approximately 30 years. He was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. He and his family moved to South Carolina six years ago. Prior to moving to Sandersville, DeBiase served as the Deputy Chief of Operations for the Hardeeville Fire Department in South Carolina.
“I look forward to working with everyone here,” said Sandersville Fire Chief DeBiase. He added, “If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
Washington County Commissioners welcomed DeBiase and his family to the community.
As previously reported by WACO 100, former Sandersville Fire Chief Russell Riner announced his retirement as Fire Chief earlier this year. Riner, a third-generation firefighter, began his career with the City of Sandersville as a volunteer firefighter in 1976. He became Sandersville Fire Chief in November of 1999. His last day as Sandersville Fire Chief was Friday, October 30.
Riner continues to serve in his role of Washington County EMA Director.