Rocky View County Celebrates $1 Million Milestone in Support of STARS Air Ambulance

July 23, 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 – one of the most prestigious donor recognition locations on STARS helicopters.

“As a rural municipality, we understand the value of fast, expert medical response – and that’s exactly what STARS provides,” said Reeve Crystal Kissel. “This milestone is not just about dollars; it’s about lives saved and families kept whole. We are proud to stand with STARS, today and into the future.”

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.

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For more information contact:

Janice Rendflesh, Communications Manager | mediainfo@stars.ca | 1-866-966-8277

Rocky View County Communications & Engagement | media@rockyview.ca | 403-520-6280

About STARS
STARS was born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is your best hope in a worst-case scenario. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you—physically or virtually—in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. 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.