Acadian Ambulance Service Inc.

Proclamation references response of rescue efforts called “inspiring, uplifting and successful”

Senator Mike Michot introduced a proclamation in Senate Chambers for the Acadian Ambulance medics' heroic actions in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. CEO & Chairman Richard Zuschlag, President David Pierce, Acadian's administrative staff and more than 40 Acadian Ambulance medics were on hand to receive the proclamation.

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Contact: Keith Simon, VP of Marketing, 1.8 0 0.259.3333, 337.291.3347, ksimon@acadian.com

Senator Mike Michot introduced a proclamation in Senate Chambers for the Acadian Ambulance medics for their heroic actions in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “In 2005, Louisiana experienced one of the greatest disasters in the history of the United States. Acadian Ambulance Service, in turn, performed one of the most memorable and heroic responses to a catastrophic situation in the nation's history,” Michot said.

CEO and Chairman of the Board Richard Zuschlag, Acadian's administrative staff and more than 40 Acadian Ambulance medics were on hand to receive the proclamation.

After reading the proclamation, Senator Michot introduced Acadian Ambulance Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag. “Acadian started somewhere around 35 years ago by a guy from up north named Richard Zuschlag,” Michot said. “Richard started the business and they had 2 ambulances and 8 employees. Today they have 250 ambulances and 2000 employees and he is still at the helm of Acadian Ambulance.”

President of the Louisiana Senate Dr. Donald Hines thanked Zuschlag and Acadian Ambulance for donating four AEDs to the state capitol in case someone had a cardiac event. “Not only did Acadian donate the AEDs, but they trained the personnel in how to use them,” he said.

Dr. Hines then suspended the rules and allowed Zuschlag to address the legislative body.

“On behalf of the 2000 employee-owners of Acadian Ambulance, we appreciate the recognition that you are extending to us today,” said Zuschlag. “Our people are can-do people, they performed unbelievable tasks during the two hurricanes, and I am very proud to be associated with them. State government has been very good to Acadian Ambulance over the years and we appreciate your commitment to public service.”

The four-page proclamation made reference to the multifaceted response of the rescue efforts called “inspiring, uplifting and successful.” Michot praised the communication efforts by Acadian and its entire staff, and thanked Acadian for helping to bring national media attention to the plight of Louisiana.

Also mentioned are the comments and visits by First Lady Laura Bush, the Former President George H. Bush, the videotaped message by President George W. Bush and Governor Kathleen Babineaux-Blanco.

Michot congratulated the Acadian Ambulance Service employee-owners who were saluted with Inc. Magazine's first annual Bernard A. Goldhirsch Courage Award, while Zuschlag was honored with honorable mention as the top entrepreneurs in the business world, primarily for his leadership during hurricane relief efforts.