The MD of Willow Creek said so long to Kelly Starling, the municipality’s director of emergency management and fire chief, at the Sept. 24 council meeting. Reeve Maryanne Sandberg presented Starling with a fire helmet signed by council and staff.
ROB VOGT, GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR
It was a bittersweet moment Sept. 24 in MD of Willow Creek council chambers.
It was sweet because Kelly Starling, the municipality’s director of emergency management and fire chief, received his 22-year bar for the Alberta Emergency Services Medal.
The occasion was bittersweet because Starling was ending his time at the MD of Willow Creek at the end of the week to take on a similar position in Foothills County.
Before Starling left, Reeve Maryanne Sandberg presented him with a fire helmet signed by council and staff.
“I’m proud to serve,” Starling said. “I put my heart and soul into serving.”
Starling was also appreciative of all the crews he served with; council; chief administrative officer Derrick Krizsan; and many more.
Dacia Sundquist, chief administrative officer for the Town of Stavely, who Starling also worked with, brought words from the town.
“Kelly, you’re going to be missed,” Sundquist said.
Starling also did work for the MD of Ranchland.
“Thank you for your dedication,” said Robert Strauss, chief administrative officer of the MD of Ranchland, adding that Starling exemplified skill and the collaborative spirit.
Krizsan said as the chief administrative officer, he tries to maintain a professional distance.
However, that was hard to do with Starling.
“He’s extremely likable,” Krizsan said. “We’re going to miss him.”
Krizsan also commended Starling for the capacity he built, the confidence he brought, and the team he built.
“Just know you’ve always got a building full of friends,” Krizsan said.
Coun. Earl Hemmaway recalled when his son was injured at work, and Starling made sure he got the attention he needed.
“I really appreciate all the work you’ve done,” Hemmaway said.
Coun. John Van Driesten concurred.
When his son’s heart stopped, Starling responded and was calm and the voice of authority.
The last word went to Sandberg.
“We can’t do without our emergency services people,” Sandberg said. “You’ve set an example that’s very hard to attain.”
Sandberg also told her counterpart at Foothills County how lucky they are.
“Their gain is our loss,” Sandberg concluded.
