It is with profound sorrow that the American Ambulance Association extends our heartfelt condolences to the Acadian family on the passing of Richard Zuschlag. As a cherished friend and esteemed colleague, Richard’s impact on the EMS community and beyond is immeasurable. His vision, generosity, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Randy Strozyk, President of the American Ambulance Association, aptly said, “Richard was a giant in our field, whose passion for service and commitment to excellence set a standard that will inspire future generations. His legacy of compassion and leadership will forever guide us.”
Richard’s life was a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and servant leadership. He was a beacon of hope and a force for good, and his memory will continue to inspire and uplift us.
The Passing of Richard Emery Zuschlag
March 28, 1948 – June 5, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with you the passing of our friend, mentor, and leader Richard Emery Zuschlag. Richard fought the hard fight that so many with cancer and its complications have endured. While we mourn our extraordinary loss, we are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering. He is now in the loving arms of his Lord, in whom he had unwavering faith.
Richard was a much loved and admired agent of change, not only in the state of Louisiana but across the nation. The lives he affected through his vision, generosity, inspiration, and leadership are countless. Whether a friend, employee, peer or patient, all of our lives were changed due to his undeniable determination to make a difference.
His legacy endures through his beautiful family, and in every life saved, every patient helped, and in every battle he waged to ensure that all people had access to high-quality medical care. He never backed down when fighting for the things he loved most: his family, his employees, and the communities he served.
His legacy also lives on in the company he tirelessly worked 53 years to grow and nurture. Acadian Companies is not just a successful organization but also serves as an example of how servant leadership, high integrity and unwavering determination create success, not for one, but for all.
We will forever be changed, forever be grateful, and forever be better because of who Richard was and the lessons and legacy he has left us. He treated everyone with respect and was constantly striving to bring people together for the greater good. It is up to all of us to honor this legacy by living and leading by his example and his faith. Because of Richard, Acadian is stronger than ever, and in his honor, we will carry on his life’s work.
Special thanks go out to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Dr. Charles Burnell, Dr. Jason Breaux, Paul Hamilton and the many friends and healthcare providers who attended to him.
Please continue to pray for Richard, his family, friends and all those whose lives have been forever changed by this loss.
Information regarding services will be provided when available. We humbly ask you to please respect the privacy of the family while arrangements are being made.
The all-volunteer National EMS Memorial Service honors EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty. Write your message of sympathy for the families of the 2024 honorees below, and they will be shared with them at the NEMSMS Weekend of Honor. Even just a sentence or two means the world to those left behind.
Will you send the Raymond Family a lifeline?
Michele Bracken
Randy Murry
Brett Zingarelli
Rosetta Scott, NREMT
