The St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS) is a collaborative consortium of public and private organizations dedicated to addressing critical security and emergency management needs in the St. Louis region. East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), as the fiscal agent for STARRS, ensures accountability and alignment with the region’s chief local elected officials. This partnership facilitates a coordinated approach among professionals across diverse disciplines to enhance the region’s ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and terrorist threats.
The unique geographic and political landscape of the St. Louis region necessitates a unified approach to homeland security. With fragmented political jurisdictions and a broad range of potential threats—both natural and intentional—an effective regional response requires close collaboration across multiple disciplines, including healthcare, public safety, public health, emergency management, communications, and private sector stakeholders. Recognizing that many critical assets are privately owned and operated, STARRS bridges the public-private divide to strengthen the region’s preparedness and resilience.
STARRS provides an organizational framework to facilitate planning, resource development, and coordinated responses to major incidents and disasters. The agency supports this mission by overseeing capital investments, training programs, and system development, ensuring that regional agencies are equipped to manage complex emergencies effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a safer and more resilient St. Louis metropolitan area.
STAFF
starrs@ewgateway.org
Samantha Lewis
Executive Director
314-421-4220 ext. 2784
314-332-8424 (Cell)
Brian Marler
System Analyst
314-421-4220 x277
Kara Rosenkranz
Emergency Preparedness Manager
314-421-4220 ext. 272
314-332-7322 (Cell)
Bridget Farengo
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
314-421-4220 ext. 275
314-332-3746 (cell)
Saroja Schwager
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
314-421-4220 ext. 278
215-896-5715 (cell)
Healthcare Coalition Readiness & Response Coordinator
OPEN