Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) is proud to announce the retirement of Division Chief Ryan McElwee, Shift Commander for C-Shift, after 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cherokee County. Chief McElwee was honored Friday morning with a memorable final ride aboard Truck 21, a unit that holds special significance as it was one of the many places where he created lasting memories during his career.
Later that day, Chief McElwee’s retirement was celebrated at a luncheon held at Old Country Place in Hickory Flat. The event brought together a diverse group of friends, family, and both current and retired firefighters. As they shared stories of his many contributions and remarkable career, laughter and fond memories filled the air.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Deputy Chief Shane West presented Chief McElwee with a commemorative helmet plaque and a fire axe as tokens of appreciation for his extraordinary years of service to the department and community. These gifts serve as lasting tributes to the impact Chief McElwee made throughout his career, and as symbols of the deep respect and admiration his colleagues hold for him.
“Chief McElwee’s dedication to our department and the citizens of Cherokee County is unmatched,” said Deputy Chief Shane West. “It’s not just the years he served, but the heart, leadership, and mentorship he provided that truly set him apart. We are all better for having worked alongside him, and it’s an honor to present him with these tokens as a small gesture of our gratitude. We wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement.”
The members of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services join in extending their heartfelt thanks to Chief McElwee for his decades of service and wish him all the best in the years to come. His leadership and contributions have left a lasting mark on the department, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.