Rocky View County Celebrates $1 Million Milestone in Support of STARS Air Ambulance
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Rocky View County is proud to announce that it has reached a significant milestone in its decades-long partnership with STARS Air Ambulance, surpassing $1 million in cumulative support. This achievement further solidifies the County’s role as a leader among municipalities in supporting STARS’ mission to provide critical care, anywhere.
Since 1991, Rocky View County has contributed annually to STARS, reinforcing its commitment to public safety and emergency management. In 2016, the County joined the STARS Municipal Initiative Program, and in 2017 increased its contribution to a per capita funding model of $2 per resident. By 2019, Rocky View County became the first municipality in central and southern Alberta to reach STARS logo status, earning its logo on a STARS helicopter.
Today, the County proudly celebrates a new milestone: $1 million in total giving and was honoured by the unveiling of its logo during the County's annual Residents' Day. The County logo is now displayed on the cowling of the H145 aircraft – the most prestigious donor recognition location on STARS helicopters.
"As a rural municipality, we value STARS for their swift, expert medical response," said Reeve Crystal Kissel. "This milestone represents lives saved and families supported. STARS has handled numerous emergencies in our area, including 20 missions in 2023, and we remain proud supporters."
STARS is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025 – a testament to the strength of its partnerships and its unwavering mission to provide critical care when and where it’s needed most.
Rocky View County has long been a generous donor and valued ally of STARS. Over the years, their growing support has placed them among Alberta’s top provincial leaders that support STARS,” said Mike Lamacchia, Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Operations, STARS. “Since 2010, STARS has flown over 400 missions in Rocky View County – five of these missions flown this year alone. It’s a clear reminder of how deeply their support affects the lives of their residents, neighbours, families and friends.”
STARS’ Municipal Initiative Program includes over 100 municipalities across Alberta that support STARS annually, recognizing its vital role in sustaining emergency medical services for residents throughout the province. Rocky View County’s dedication stands out as an example of how municipalities can meaningfully invest in the health and safety of their communities.
About STARS
Simply put, STARS fights for life. Since we embarked on our first mission in 1985, we’ve been driven by the goal of providing people the vital care they need when they need it the most. Whether it’s offering hands-on training to rural medical providers or providing rapid, emergency medical transportation for the critically ill and injured, we operate 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, anticipating and acting when people need our help. Learn more at stars.ca
About Rocky View County
Rocky View County encompasses almost one million acres in the Calgary region. Over 40,000 Rocky Viewers live in a unique mix of hamlet, country residential, and agricultural communities, tied together by strong rural values. Residents and businesses alike enjoy one of the lowest property tax rates in Alberta, thanks to strong municipal planning that enables welcoming residential communities and targeted commercial development.
Photos – left to right:
Fire Chief Ken Hubbard, Councillor Greg Boehlke, Councillor Kevin Hanson, Reeve Crystal Kissel, Deputy Reeve Don Kochan, Councillor Sunny Samra, Councillor Samanntha Wright, CAO Reegan McCullough
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