County hires new fire chief

Sarasota County has hired a new fire chief to replace outgoing Chief Brian Gorski, who is retiring June 30.

Kenneth Ellerbe, who started June 20, is a 27-year veteran with the District of Columbia Fire Department. In Washington, D.C., Ellerbe held the ranks of assistant chief, battalion chief and division commander.

He has a bachelor’s degree in fire-science administration, a master’s degree in public administration and is working on a doctorate in public policy and political science.