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(Image Credit: STARS Air Ambulance.)
By Curtis Galbraith
STARS

BCEHS recognizes two Grande Prairie STARS employees

Apr 19, 2026 | 6:00 AM

B.C. Emergency Health Services has given out some recognition for what it calls “exceptional service” during the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.

Those recognized included two people from the STARS Air Ambulance based in Grande Prairie.

Janice Kirkham and Jeremy Mandoli were given Chief Ambulance Officer Commendations at an April 14 ceremony at the Grande Prairie STARS base.

An email to EverythingGP from BCEHS says the two “responded to Tumbler Ridge via air ambulance helicopter and worked with Northern Health staff to care for and treat critically injured patients.”

“We are honoured to accept this recognition, which speaks to the training and dedication of our STARS crew members. Our organization is proud of the team who responded in Tumbler Ridge, including our fellow first responders and partners in the health care system. It reflects the strength of inter‑agency cooperation with our partners at BC Emergency Health Services. We recognize BCEHS, the RCMP, and local health care providers for their incredible work in response to this tragedy. As first responders, we are all working towards the same goal – caring for patients and supporting communities,” says STARS provincial director, Alberta operations, Josh Nash, in another email to EverythingGP.

Similar commendations were given out to 85 Emergency Health Services employees on April 8 in Tumbler Ridge.

“The BCEHS employees recognized include paramedics who responded to the scene by both ground and air; leaders who coordinated the response; emergency medical call takers and dispatchers; Patient Transfer Services staff; Disaster Risk, Resilience and Recovery staff; and others in support roles across the organization,” says that same email from BCEHS.

by Curtis Galbraith