On October 12, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana Interim Director Allyson Montgomery, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Vice President Anthony Bartie, local and regional elected officials and area dignitaries joined Acadian Ambulance leadership at its Southwest Louisiana operations headquarters. The gathering focused on revitalization, workforce development and community involvement initiatives in the Southwest Louisiana area. 

Acadian Ambulance President Justin Back gave an update on the economic impact of the company’s local operations, from the $1.9 million investment in the headquarters facility revitalization, to the 175 regional employees, to the investment in workforce development. National EMS Academy Director Taylor Richard talked about the different training programs,  increased number of classes and scholarships available, as well as the focus on career pathways, encouraging an employee to grow and stay with the company. He noted that through the increased effort on training, more than 100 students have been trained locally and are now employed. 

Acadian Ambulance Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag recognized that the area’s leadership, police jury and elected officials have helped to make the company what it is today in the region. He reflected on the opportunities that Acadian Ambulance employees have pursued, noting that many have gone on to become nurses, PAs and physicians. 

Hunter recalled how Acadian has shown a strong partnership to the region, from its investment in the Enterprise Boulevard headquarters, to Zuschlag’s commitment in getting aid to the region following Hurricane Laura, and its commitment to the region’s quality of life project. 

Bartie recalled how Acadian has maintained a strong partnership within the region.

Zuschlag then announced a donation to the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana’s Port Wonder project. Montgomery said of the donation, “Thank you so much for the support of Port Wonder and the Children’s Museum. We hope to bring in programming for the future, teaching children why it’s important to know first aid and how to properly call 911… things that grow with a child and can inspire them as an adult.”

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