An officer with the Varnell Police Department is to be recognized Tuesday by City Council members for his actions during a Cohutta house fire that claimed five lives on Jan. 8.
The council’s monthly meeting is at 6 p.m. in City Hall.
Mayor Tom Dickson and Police Chief Kyle Moreno are scheduled to recognize Officer Devin Ellis who responded to the early morning house fire on Cohutta’s Tree Top Lane.
Despite Ellis’ efforts to resuscitate the people in the home, the fire claimed the lives of family members Brenda Sandifer, 74; Brittany Sandifer, 26; Joshua Sandifer, 5; Jacob Sandifer Jr., 4; and Legend Sandifer, 2.
“He’s definitely worthy of recognition,” said City Administrator Mike Brown. “He helped pull people out of the fire and tried all that he could to resuscitate them.”
Moreno said Ellis will be presented with a “distinguished service” certificate and award.
“He is an exemplary person,” Moreno said. “He went above and beyond his call of duty by trying to save lives. He entered the doorway of the home against heavy smoke and intense heat coming from within just to try to save someone else.”
During the meeting, the council members are scheduled to vote on:
• The purchase of a new sport utility vehicle for the Varnell Police Department, which Brown said will cost $65,000 once outfitted with policing equipment.
• The approval of a zoning ordinance for a 50-foot height requirement for buildings within the city limits.
“Right now, you are allowed to build up to 140 feet, which is 10 stories, in Varnell,” Brown said. “The council wants to limit that to 50 feet, which is three stories high. So, if somebody wants to come in and build a motel, we feel like 50 feet is high enough in Varnell. We don’t need a 10-story building.”
The council members are also scheduled to provide an update on the Clyde Williams Pavilion, a large outdoor pavilion being built on the open field area between Varnell Elementary School and the Varnell Gym at 4421 Ga. Highway 2.
Named in honor of a former council member who passed away in 2023, the pavilion will be just under 5,000 square feet and is anticipated to open to the public by the summer with several components, including public restrooms, a picnic area and a stage for music or entertainment.