Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic, Kelly Starling, his wife Chery; and Reeve Maryanne Sandberg.
Three outstanding emergency services personnel have been recognized with a prestigious award.
MD of Willow Creek council welcomed Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic to the Aug. 14 meeting, where she presented Alberta Emergency Services Medals to Kelly Starling, Scott Elford, and Derrick Krizsan.
Petrovic explained the Alberta Emergency Services Medal recognizes the dedication and service of emergency services personnel in Alberta who have played key roles in prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.
This medal is awarded to those who have committed 12, 22, 32, or 40 years of service.
Eligible recipients include firefighters, peace officers, and any individual appointed under the Emergency Management Act, such as directors and deputy directors of emergency management.
“Today, the MD of Willow Creek is proud to have three individuals eligible to received this distinguished honour,” Petrovic said.
Before the presentations, Reeve Maryanne Sandberg took a moment to thank the spouses and families of these individuals.
“As a community, we are immensely grateful for the strength and support you provide to your loved ones who serve as emergency services personnel,” Sandberg said. “Your patience and understanding during long hours, late nights and missed family moments do not go unnoticed.”
“The sacrifices you make allow your loved ones to focus on their vital roles, knowing that they have a solid support system at home. Thank you for being the backbone that supports these individuals, and even though your role often goes unsung, please know it is essential and deeply appreciated by all.”
Petrovic said with more than 21 years of dedicated service in various roles, Starling has served as a firefighter, deputy fire chief, fire chief, community peace officer, director of emergency management, and director of emergency services, often managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Starling has been instrumental in managing the intermunicipal emergency services agreement with the MD of Willow Creek’s partner municipalities.
This agreement ensures that regardless of where someone lives in the MD of Willow Creek, they receive the same high level of service and care from any of the five fire departments serving the community.
Starling’s leadership also extended to the municipal emergency plan, which he expanded into an intermunicipal emergency plan in partnership with the MD. of Ranchland and the Town of Stavely.
This collaboration guarantees that all three communities benefit from a comprehensive, well-designed plan executed by trained personnel.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency has even highlighted the MD of Willow Creek’s regional municipal emergency management plan as a model for other communities.
Starling is the manager of emergency services for the MD of Willow Creek.
Over the past 13 years, Scott Elford has dedicated himself to a variety of critical roles in emergency services, including correctional peace officer, community peace officer, and firefighter.
His diverse experience and unwavering commitment have made a significant impact on the safety and well-being of the community.
Elford’s professionalism, integrity, and keen attention to detail are qualities that set him apart, making him an invaluable asset to both the MD of Willow Creek and the people he serves.
His calm demeanour and strong sense of duty embody the very essence of what it means to serve in a law enforcement role.
“We are truly fortunate to have someone of Scott’s calibre in our community,” Petrovic said. “The MD is proud of Scott’s contributions and looks forward to many more years of his dedicated service. His work continues to enhance the safety and security of our residents, and we are grateful for his ongoing commitment.”
Elford is a community peace officer with the MD of Willow Creek.
Derrick Krizsan has been deeply involved in emergency services from the very beginning of his municipal career.
In 2002, Krizsan was appointed as a director of disaster services, followed by his role as director of emergency management, and he also served as a volunteer firefighter for five years.
Krizsan continues to serve the community as the deputy director of emergency management for the MD of Willow Creek.
Krizsan’s unwavering commitment, guidance, and support have significantly enhanced the preparedness and response capabilities.
His leadership has not only improved the MD of Willow Creek’s performance in emergency management but has also instilled a deep sense of confidence and trust within the community.
“Now, I know what you might be thinking — how convenient that our CAO (chief administrative officer) is receiving a medal. But I assure you, even though Derrick is the CAO, this is no rigged operation,” Petrovic said with a smile. “His dedication and hard work have truly earned him this honour.”
Sandberg concluded the presentations by again commending the three award recipients and all emergency services personnel.
“The years of service do not go unrecognized,” Sandberg said. “You are always looking after others. We deeply appreciate everything you have done.”
