Awards & Recognition

Richard and Elaine Zuschlag honored by Community Foundation of Acadiana

Community Foundation of Acadiana recognized its regional Leaders in Philanthropy during its 2022 awards ceremony. Richard Zuschlag and his wife, Elaine, are the recipients of the award for Lafayette Parish.

Richard Zuschlag wins J. Walter Schaefer Award

The Schaefer Award is given annually by the American Ambulance Association to an individual whose work in EMS has contributed positively to the advancement of the industry as a whole.

Acadian Total Security wins 4 SAMMY Awards

Acadian Total Security placed first in the Best Website Design, Best Promotional Video or Audio, Best Community Outreach Program, and Installer of the Year categories.

Acadian Ambulance wins Mission: Lifeline awards

Acadian Ambulance received nine American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline® EMS achievement awards for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attack, ultimately saving lives.

Acadian Total Security earns Installer of the Year SAMMY Award

Southeast Texas Paramedic and EMT earn Texas EMS for Children Crew of the Year Award

Paramedic Heather Waites and EMT Ryan Wilkenfeld received the award for their life-saving response to a traffic accident they witnessed during a medical transport during the historic February 2021 ice storm. The Texas EMS for Children Advisory Committee gives this very distinguished award to only one crew or one agency in Texas each year.

Acadian Texas receives recognition from Texas EMS for Children

Our Texas operations earned the BRONZE Level of Recognition for the EMSC Voluntary Pediatric Readiness Program, which signifies that we have met the Texas EMSC recommendations for appropriate pediatric equipment and protocols.

Asbel Montes named to American Ambulance Association board of directors

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Asbel Montes will serve as director of region IV for two years, beginning in 2022. The region spans Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Richard Zuschlag receives the William A. Oliver Memorial Award from the LA RISE Coalition

The award recognizes Zuschlag’s work in the state of Louisiana. The LA RISE Coalition was founded by the former chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and the current state president of the Louisiana NAACP and is composed of the leaders of many prominent African American state associations.

Acadian Ambulance earns 7 American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline awards

Acadian’s Northshore, Bayou, Northeast Louisiana and Houston service areas received the Silver Plus recognition, while the Southeast Texas, Central Texas and Orleans service areas achieved the Bronze Plus recognition.

Acadian Companies earns national ESOP Association award

The ESOP Association has awarded Acadian Companies with an Annual Award for Communications Excellence for our employee intranet, a vital information hub for all of Acadian’s employee-owners.

Acadian Total Security wins 2 SAMMY awards

Asbel Montes named to national Air Ambulance Patient Billing Advisory Committee

Asbel Montes, Acadian Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, was appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee.

Acadian Companies given LCTCS Impact Award

The Louisiana Community & Technical College System honored Acadian Companies with their Impact Award for Excellence in Workforce Development. These awards recognize individuals, businesses and industries whose leadership efforts have been notably effective in advancing Louisiana’s education and workforce needs of students, business and communities.

Acadian Ambulance wins AHA Mission: Lifeline recognition

Our Southwest Louisiana and Jackson County service areas achieved the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Bronze Plus recognition. Our Central Texas region received the Silver Plus recognition.

Acadian Ambulance honored for contributions to United Way

Our Orleans service area received the Live United Award by United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Our Capital District team was recognized with the Capital Area United Way’s Campaign Award of Excellence. Our Bayou region accepted the United Way for South Louisiana Bronze Award for outstanding service.

Acadian Ambulance earns Smartdrive Trailblazer Award

The Smartdrive Trailblazer award honors pioneering and innovative companies that blaze a path for others to follow, while demonstrating a commitment to building a better world for others. Acadian Ambulance has implemented SmartDrive systems on its ambulance fleet, which helps to improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI.

Acadian Air Med earns CAMTS accreditation

After more than one year in the rigorous submission and review process, Acadian Air Med achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), which signifies the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

Acadian Ambulance wins Thomas H. Scott Spirit of Life Award

Acadian was also named as a nominee for the 2019 Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence in the corporate category. The awards, given annually by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, honor companies making significant contributions to the Ouachita Parish economy through capital improvements, expansion, job creation and community involvement during 2018/2019.

Beth Chiasson Recognized as a 20 Under 40 Leader

Intranet and Digital Marketing Strategist Beth Chiasson was named as one of Acadiana’s 20 Under 40 leaders in 2018. The awards honor Acadiana’s best and brightest — those younger than 40 who help move Lafayette forward through their leadership skills and community service.

Louisiana and Mississippi earn a perfect CAAS score

For the third accreditation evaluation in a row, Acadian Ambulance has received a perfect score from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). The reviewers’ assessment of our company was exceptional, and we are proud to hold CAAS accreditation in Louisiana and Mississippi for another three years.

Acadian Ambulance earns 2018 Mission: Lifeline awards

Acadian Ambulance’s Houston region earned the American Heart Association’s 2018 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. Our Dallas, Texas; Jackson County, Mississippi; and Bayou Region service areas earned the Bronze award.

Acadian Total Security takes home Sammy Award

The honor was awarded by the Security Sales & Integration magazine, one of the security industry’s leading publications. Acadian Total Security placed first in the Newsletter/Content Marketing category and runner up in the “Best Website” and “Installer of the Year” categories. The SAMMY (Sales and Marketing) awards is the industry’s only program of its kind to recognize and honor security dealers and systems integrators for their marketing, business, installation and overall excellence.

Ed Smith named ESOP Association SW Chapter Employee of the Year

The Southwest Chapter of the ESOP Association has named Bayou Region Operations Supervisor Ed Smith as its 2018 Employee of the Year! Ed accepted the award on March 23, 2018, in Dallas, Texas.

Multiple Acadian service areas recognized by the American Heart Association

Acadian Ambulance’s Jackson County and Austin, Texas, service areas earn the AHA Mission: Lifeline Gold award; Houston, Texas, service area earns the Mission:Lifeline Silver award; and Bayou, Central Louisiana, Hub City, New Orleans, Northshore and South Central Texas service areas each earn the Mission: Lifeline Bronze award. 

Acadian earns United Way of Acadiana Torian Award for Overall Campaign Excellence

Vice President of Governmental Relations Asbel Montes receives the American Ambulance Association President’s Award

These awards are given by the AAA president to volunteer leaders who have shown commitment to the advancement of the AAA above and beyond the call of duty. Asbel Montes has worked tirelessly as co-chair of the payment reform committee.

Acadian honored as Leaders in Philanthropy by Community Foundation of Acadiana

Acadian Companies received the Leaders in Philanthropy Corporate Award for its outstanding generosity and commitment to Acadiana. The company’s mission is Knowing Life Matters, and this is practiced through the services it provides every day and through Acadian’s community involvement. The company’s philanthropy primarily supports causes that are focused on life and health.

Richard Zuschlag Receives the 2016 Jewell P. Lowe Humanitarian Award from 232-HELP

Richard Zuschlag has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the Jewell P. Lowe Humanitarian Award. This award recognizes those individuals of substantial humanitarian accomplishment who exhibit a deep compassion for those less fortunate, a desire to improve the lives of the people of Acadiana, and whose life’s work has positively advanced these ideas.

Acadian Ambulance acquires Odyssey EMS in Houston

Air Med Services lands on cover of prestigious flight magazine

Professional Pilot Magazine’s September Air Medical Transport Conference issue cover and story featured our air operations, Air Med Services. We were very honored to host article author and pilot Brent Bundy.

Acadian Ambulance ranks No. 1

Acadian Ambulance Service took the No. 1 spot as ABiz’s Top 50 Companies of 2016. The annual luncheon honors ABiz’s Top 50 Private Companies and publicly traded companies.

Acadian CEO honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Acadian Ambulance Service CEO and founder Richard Zuschlag was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pinnacle conference in San Antonio on Thursday, July 21, marking only the second time that the award has been presented.

Acadian Ambulance and Air Med celebrate decades of excellence and service

Celebrating a year of milestones, Acadian Ambulance is marking its 45th anniversary and Air Med Services its 35th year in operation.

Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered EMTs honors Acadian

Four Acadian employees were honored during the Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered EMTs 2016 awards program in June. Vice President of Operations Clay Henry earned the Administrator of the Year Award; Paramedic Jamie Bergeron earned the Outstanding Achievement Award; EMT Kim Richard won EMT of the Year honors; and Paramedic Kelly Grayson won the award for Paramedic of the Year.

City of Gautier, Mississippi, names Acadian among the best

The First Responder Award was presented to Acadian on behalf of their long-standing service and loyalty to the nearly 20,000 residents of Gautier, Mississippi. An appreciation dinner was also held for our staff and crew members.

Paramedic Named Among Mississippi’s Elite

Acadian Paramedic Mike Martin was honored at the second annual First Responders Appreciation Dinner in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Acadian celebrates 10 years in Texas

A decade ago, Acadian became the 911 provider in Orange County as the result of a competitive bid. That was our first service area in Texas; since then, we have added 37 Texas counties and serve the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin metro areas.

Texas earns a perfect score

The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) reviewed our Texas operations earlier this year, and we earned a perfect score. The reviewers’ assessment of our company was exceptional, and we are proud to continue our history of CAAS accreditation in the Lone Star State.

Acadian acquires Bay Star and East Texas Medical Center

Acadian expands its service area in Texas with the acquisitions of Bay Star Ambulance and East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) EMS’ Pasadena operations. Serving the greater Houston metro area, Bay Star has provided outstanding emergency medical care to residents for more than 13 years. ETMC, the former 911 provider for the city of Pasadena, was the largest rural not-for-profit ambulance service in the state. These acquisitions have added more than 120 employees to our Houston operations.

Senior Vice President of Legal & Governmental Affairs Allyson Pharr named to ABiz’s Women Who Mean Business Class of 2015

Allyson, along with her prestigious graduating class of eight influential women in south Louisiana, were honored for their contributions to the Acadiana area.

Safety Management Systems honored as LSU 100 Business

For the fourth consecutive year, Safety Management Systems has been named to the prestigious Louisiana State University’s LSU 100 list. The list recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing LSU-owned or LSU-led businesses in the world. SMS is one of the largest providers of health, safety, medical, and security services for the energy industry.

Acadian Total Security celebrates grand opening of security showroom

Open to the public and located at 145 Arnould Boulevard, next to Jason’s Deli in Lafayette, Louisiana, the store features displays of home and business security system options, home automation, video cameras and surveillance systems, access control systems, GPS tracking and fleet management, and personal medical alert systems.

Acadian Medics honored at Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C.

The annual Stars of Life Celebration honors medics from around the U.S. for their heroic actions and dedication to the communities they serve. Paramedics of the Year Oliver Quinn and Mike Weber, and EMTs of the Year Abby Etheridge and Anne Parr, attended and also met with congressional staffers to discuss legislation important to the emergency medical services community.

Acadian Medics honored at Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C.

The annual Stars of Life Celebration honors medics from around the U.S. for their heroic actions and dedication to the communities they serve. Paramedics of the Year Oliver Quinn and Mike Weber, and EMTs of the Year Abby Etheridge and Anne Parr, attended and also met with congressional staffers to discuss legislation important to the emergency medical services community.

Richard Zuschlag chosen as 2015 laureate recipient by Junior Achievement of Acadiana

Acadian Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag was recognized for his lifetime of achievement with Acadian Companies.

Acadian awarded by the National ESOP Association

Acadian’s company intranet won top honors for excellence in ESOP communication amongst more than 4,000 employees.

Acadian Ambulance’s President’s Cup Heads to Lake Charles

Acadian Ambulance Service’s Southwest Louisiana region was honored for its commitment to safety during a ceremony in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Acadian Ambulance acquires TLC Ambulance

Acadian Total Security introduced

Newborn baby transported from out-of-state, Acadian honored

Safety Management Systems recognized as 2014 LSU 100 business for second year in a row

Acadian Monitoring Services was chosen as top three Central Station of the Year

Acadian Medics honored at Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C.

National EMS Academy exceeds the National Average Pass Rates for fourth consecutive year

Safety Management Systems partners with Excelerant to create Energy Leadership Academy

Acadian honored at annual Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Luncheon

The Louisiana State Police awarded Acadian Ambulance and Air Med with their elite Distinguished Service Award

ESOP Association honors Acadian as Company of the Year

Acadian Ambulance’s President’s Cup Heads to Houma

Acadian Makes the Inc. 500 | 5000 List

Inc. magazine ranked Acadian number 4541 on its seventh annual Inc. 500 | 5000 list, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy-America’s independent entrepreneurs.

Acadian Ambulance Service acquires Care Ambulance

Acadian Ambulance’s President’s Cup Heads to Austin

Acadian Ambulance Service’s Central Texas region was honored for its commitment to safety during a ceremony in Austin, Texas.

Acadian CFO and Executive Vice President Elected to Chair ESOP Association

David L. Kelly, Acadian’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, has been elected to serve as chair of The ESOP Association, which is a national trade association for companies with Employee Stock Ownership Plans and the leading voice in America for employee ownership.

Safety Management Systems enters public-private partnership with UL Lafayette

Acadian Medics honored at Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C.

The annual Stars of Life Celebration honors medics from around the U.S. for their heroic actions and dedication to the communities they serve. Paramedic of the Year Paul O’ Bannon and EMT of the Year David Melancon attended and also met with congressional staffers to discuss legislation important to the emergency medical services community.

Acadian Ambulance holds Inaugural Medic of the Year Banquet in Texas

Seven years of growth and expansion – and the state’s first Paramedic and EMT of the Year – were celebrated and honored at the inaugural Texas Medic Banquet on Saturday, May 11 in Houston.

Safety Management Systems Honored as LSU 100 Business

Safety Management Systems, a division of Acadian, has been named to the prestigious Louisiana State University’s LSU 100 list. The list recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing LSU-owned or LSU-led businesses in the world. SMS is one of the largest providers of health, safety, medical, and security services for the energy industry.

National EMS Academy One of Four Accredited Programs

The National EMS Academy is one out of only four schools in Louisiana to have their paramedic program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. CAAHEP accredits a program based on the quality of the institution and its services, and by measuring them against agreed upon standards.

Acadian featured in The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Force Multiplier campaign

Acadian was recognized as one of the Foundation’s best and brightest initiatives that have helped revolutionize the healthcare industry. RWJF is the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted solely to the public’s health.

Acadian honored by Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center

Acadian was recognized as a partner for aiding and benefiting Our Lady of Lourdes Ministries to the sick.

Acadian wins Inc. Magazine’s Hire Power Award

Acadian wins two AACE Awards

The Annual Award for SW Chapter ESOP Company of the Year and runner-up in the Video category.

North Texas operations honored by Sandy Lake Rehab for excellent service

The facility, located in Coppell, noted Acadian’s willingness to participate in events, offer in-service training for employees, and provide a dedicated wheelchair van branded with the facility’s logo.

Acadian Medics honored at Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C.

The annual Stars of Life Celebration honors medics from around the U.S. for their heroic actions and dedication to the communities they serve. Paramedic of the Year Garrett LeBoeuf and EMT of the Year Demetrius Terrick attended and also met with congressional staffers to discuss legislation important to the emergency medical services community.

Medina County added to Acadian Ambulance service area

Acadian Ambulance Service was unanimously selected by the county board to provide EMS service in Medina County, Texas.

Live Oak County added to Acadian Ambulance service area

Acadian Ambulance Service was awarded a contract to provide 911 service in Live Oak County, Texas.

Bexar County contract extended

The University Health System unanimously extended Acadian’s Bexar County 911 for two years. UHS oversees EMS services for the unincorporated areas of the 800-square-mile county.

Acadian Ambulance Service honored with EGSR Seven Seals Award

Acadian Ambulance Service received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Seven Seals Award, which recognizes individuals, employers or organizations that have demonstrated leadership and initiative in their support of the men and women who serve our nation in the National Guard and Reserve. The Seven Seals award is the second-highest given by the state ESGR committee.

Private-Sector Leadership Award bestowed upon Acadian Ambulance Service

The company’s use of the fuel-efficient Sprinter ambulance earned the award in a “Going Green” competition sponsored by the San Antonio Business Journal.

Acadian employees Lacie Huter and Maisha Drexler win the 2011 National Employee Ownership Poster Award

Five Acadian Ambulance management staff members receive the prestigious Patriot Award

Colonel Roy “Ike” Nomey of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented Patriot Awards and pinned Operations Managers Orlando Rolon and Joe Szush, Operations Supervisors Beau Andrepont and Justin Cox, and Coding and Department Center Manager Natalie Roberts.  The award recognizes their extraordinary support of the National Guard and Reserves. All were nominated by their employees who are currently activated with the 256th Infantry Brigade.

Former U.S. President George W. Bush delivers keynote address at Annual Paramedic Luncheon

President Bush reflected on the importance of freedom and values when he spoke to more than 2,200 people at Acadian Ambulance Service’s annual Paramedic Luncheon. Noting that Acadian is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the president called the company a “testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of America.”

Acadian Monitoring Services wins runner-up for the CSAA Central Station of the Year

The Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) Central Station Excellence Awards recognize any UL-listed central station (CSAA members and non-members) and outstanding personnel who perform in the highest professional manner, thereby making a significant contribution to the betterment of the alarm industry and the alarm profession while demonstrating exceptional service to their customers and community.

Acadiana Economic Development Council honors Acadian

Bestowed annually by the Acadiana Economic Development Council, the award recognizes a company that exemplifies entrepreneurship, innovation, great corporate culture and a strong regional spirit. The award itself is an original piece of art created by renowned local artist Kelly Guidry and was presented to Acadian Companies’ chairman and CEO Richard Zuschlag by Gregg Gothreaux on behalf of LEDA.

Acadian Medics honored in Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by the American Ambulance Association, the 65th annual Stars of Life Celebration honors medics from around the U.S. for their heroic actions and dedication to the communities they serve. Paramedic of the Year Steven Simon and EMT of the Year Todd Weir attended to represent Acadian.

Acadian honored for environmental leadership

Acadian Ambulance Service received the Private Sector Leadership award in the San Antonio Business Journal’s “Going Green” competition for its use of the environmentally-friendly Sprinter ambulances.

Acadian wins two AACE Awards

The Annual Award for Communications Excellence (AACE) was awarded to Acadian in the category of Special Events and Promotions for last year’s annual ESOP meeting themed Wednesday Night Live. In addition, we were a runner-up in the category of Total Communications.

Acadian receives Top Workplace awards

The company’s Austin and Bexar County operations were honored as Top Workplaces in competitions sponsored by the Austin American Statesman and the San Antonio Express-News.

Acadian makes the Inc. 5000 List

Inc. magazine ranked Acadian Ambulance Service as one of 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the nation, marking the third consecutive year the company has been included in the exclusive list.

Bexar County added to service area

Following a highly-competitive bid process, Acadian Ambulance Service was selected as the contracted 911 ambulance provider for the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas.

ESOP Association honors Acadian

For the third consecutive year, Acadian Ambulance was honored with Best Communications for services and accomplishments with emphasis on how ownership enhances their quality of service, and for the second time was awarded Most Effective ESOP Committee.