LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) — After the announcement that Acadian Ambulance Service founder Richard Zuschlag had passed away, officials across the Lafayette area sent in their condolences.
Lafayette Consolidated Government released the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Richard Zuschlag, a prominent and beloved member of our community. As the founder of Acadian Ambulance Service, his vision and dedication transformed emergency medical services in Lafayette and beyond. His contributions have saved countless lives, and his legacy will forever be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. Lafayette has lost a true pioneer and a compassionate leader. 'Richard lived a life full of passion for his family, his company and his community. He brought a great love to all of us touched by his life,' said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. 'As Mayor President, I am grateful for his support and guidance. I am also grateful for the decades of friendship and love he shared with my family. His legacy is built into the foundation of our community and how we care for each other.' To honor Richard, city flags will be flown at half-staff at all Lafayette Consolidated Government buildings."
The Lafayette Fire Department released the following statement:
"Lafayette Fire Department was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Richard Zuschlag. We express our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Fire Chief Robert Benoit states, 'Richard Zuschlag was a leader and mentor to the fire service. He was instrumental in assisting the Lafayette Fire Department with the implementation of our Emergency Medical Responder program to improve medical service to the citizens of Lafayette.' Mr. Zuschlag advocated for enhancing the chain of survival by providing us with a medical director, training our firefighters, and continued support to deliver quick response to medical emergencies. His presence will be deeply missed. However, his impact will be forever present. In honor of his leadership and dedication to public safety and the community, the Lafayette Fire Department will lower our flags to half-mast at all fire stations."
The Lafayette Parish School Board released the following statement:
"The Lafayette Parish School Board and Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. wish to express their deepest condolences on the passing of Richard Zuschlag, a respected community leader and valued partner in education. Richard Zuschlag was a dedicated advocate for education and a cherished community member. He brought passion, dedication, and innovation throughout our collaboration, significantly enriching our educational community. Notably, Mr. Richard Zuschlag and Acadian Ambulance supported several key initiatives and projects, including the expansion and partnership of health academies programming, offering $1,000 sign-on bonuses and direct employment access to graduates, and serving as a crisis management partner with emergency response readiness. 'The loss of Richard Zuschlag deeply saddens us. He was a remarkable individual whose contributions and partnership were invaluable,' said Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.' 'The Lafayette Parish School Board extends its heartfelt condolences to Richard Zuschlag's family, friends, and all touched by his life and work. “The impact Mr. Zuschlag has made in our community was huge. He is greatly appreciated and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard and his family,' adds Board President, Brit Latiolais."
Our Lady of Lourdes Health released the following statement:
"Mr. Zuschlag was a life-long friend and partner to our team at Our Lady of Lourdes and the entire Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Healthcare System," said Stephanie Manson, Our Lady of Lourdes Health president. "His commitment to his community, access to high-quality healthcare and his faith will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Mr. Zuschlag’s family, friends and the entire Acadian Ambulance family during this difficult time."
The Lafayette councils released the following statement:
"Council members and staff of the Lafayette Parish Council and the Lafayette City Council extend their warmest and deepest condolences to Mrs. Elaine D. Zuschlag, the Zuschlag family, and Acadian Companies on today’s sorrowful loss of Richard E. Zuschlag. Mr. Zuschlag fondly leaves a legacy of entrepreneurial, industrial, economic, and philanthropic contributions to the City and Parish of Lafayette, having designed the blueprint and built the cornerstone for numerous sectors of civic prosperity throughout our community."
Dr. Joseph Savoie and the University of Louisiana released the following statement:
"So many owe so much to Richard Zuschlag. In the over 50 years since Richard and his two partners created Acadian Ambulance, he dedicated his life to serving our community and to providing professionalized emergency care to all in Acadiana. This dedication continues to save lives every day. Richard was also a great friend and supporter of our university family and our thoughts and prayers are with Elaine, his children and family. Richard Zuschlag was a good man."
