Rocky View County (RVC) is celebrating a major milestone in its decades-long partnership with STARS Air Ambulance, surpassing $1 million in total contributions—a feat that cements the County's status as a provincial leader in supporting emergency medical care.
The milestone was marked during today's annual Residents’ Day with the unveiling of its logo on the cowling of a STARS H145 helicopter—the most prestigious donor recognition placement on the fleet.
“As a rural municipality, we value STARS for their swift, expert medical response,” said RVC Reeve Crystal Kissel in a news release. “This milestone represents lives saved and families supported. STARS has responded to numerous emergencies in our area—including 20 missions in 2023 alone—and we remain proud supporters.”
Rocky View County has supported STARS since 1991 with annual contributions. In 2016, it joined the STARS Municipal Initiative Program and, the following year, transitioned to a per capita funding model, contributing $2 for every resident. By 2019, it became the first municipality in central and southern Alberta to earn the distinction of having its logo displayed on a STARS helicopter.
“Rocky View County has long been a generous donor and valued ally,” said Mike Lamacchia, Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Operations for STARS. “Since 2010, STARS has flown over 400 missions in the county—five of them this year alone. Their continued investment is a clear reminder of how deeply their support touches the lives of residents, neighbours, families, and friends.”
The $1 million milestone comes as STARS prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades of delivering lifesaving critical care across Western Canada.
More than 100 municipalities participate in the STARS Municipal Initiative Program, recognizing the organization’s vital role in ensuring emergency medical access across Alberta. Rocky View County's leadership stands as a model for how municipalities can make meaningful investments in community health and safety.