Acadian Companies held its annual luncheon at the Cajundome today to recognize its paramedics and EMTs who display exemplary attitudes, tireless work ethic and dedication, and provide excellent patient care.
From across the company’s Louisiana and Mississippi service areas, 18 finalists were nominated by their peers.
Paramedic Mike Richard and EMT Tyler Weaver have been selected as the 2019 medics of the year. Both represent Acadian Ambulance’s Southwest Louisiana service area.
Mike Richard became interested in EMS as a career when he was 12 years old. The Rayne native joined Acadian in 2008 as an EMT before becoming a paramedic. He was stationed in Lake Charles and became a Critical Care Transport paramedic before being promoted to a paramedic field supervisor position.
Currently, Richard operates a rural responder sprint truck in Acadia Parish and handles some of the area’s governmental relations. He also serves as a preceptor and mentor for new hires.
Acadian’s Southwest Louisiana Operations Manager John DuBose said of Richard, “Not only is Mike good at his job, but he makes others around him want to do better. He leads by example and challenges employees to always do the right thing.”
Richard regularly receives compliments from governmental officials, firefighters and police officers on his professionalism and kindness toward everyone.
In his acceptance speech, Richard thanked his colleagues and supervisors over the years and his wife and four sons.
“To the employees on the front lines, you always come together to get the job done. Your commitment to the communities we serve is incredible and I am humbled to be a very small part of that. Without your hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible,” he said.
He closed by dedicating his award to the entire Southwest Louisiana service area.
Ragley, Louisiana, native Tyler Weaver has been an EMT with Acadian Ambulance for almost five years. He is stationed in Lake Charles. Weaver enrolled at McNeese State University to study nursing, but found that he was not called to work in a hospital setting. He instead earned his EMT certification and is currently attending Acadian’s National EMS Academy to achieve his paramedic certification.
Weaver has established himself as a courteous, compassionate and professional patient care provider. He has a strong work ethic, positive attitude and attention to detail, which have earned him respect from Acadian’s management team and his peers, patients and customers.
In addition to his EMT role, Weaver is a new hire preceptor, something he touched on during his acceptance speech.
“As preceptors, we have been chosen as a leader amongst our peers. We have the amazing opportunity to lay the quintessential foundation for new employees and EMT students. I urge all of our preceptors to remember this responsibility,” he said.
He thanked his former ambulance partner Mike Richard, family, colleagues and supervisors for the contributions they have made to his career and growth.
Regional honorees included Capital District Paramedic Lucas Reiners and EMT Brittany Jordan; Northshore Paramedic Kevin Thomas and EMT Nicole Lumpkin; Orleans Paramedic Shannon Duet and EMT Claude Roberts; Bayou Region Paramedic Darrell Easley and EMT Von Davis; Hub City Paramedic Reneé Guidry and EMT Brent Reinhardt; Central Louisiana Paramedic Julie Benjamin and EMT Brenden Kessler; Acadian Air Med Flight Paramedic Cecil Fairchild; and Safety Management Systems Remote Paramedic Kevin Wolfe.
Jake Delhomme served again this year as master of ceremonies and Elizabeth Smart gave an inspiring keynote speech on courage, strength, hope and faith.
Watch a portion of Smart’s keynote speech, below.
In his closing remarks, Acadian Companies Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag thanked everyone who played a part in the event.
“It is truly humbling to sit among you today, as everyone in the audience has played a role in Acadian’s success through the years. Thank you for your continued support,” he said.
Acadian Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the nation, offering emergency and non-emergency transportation to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Since 1971, Acadian Companies has been dedicated to providing the highest level of emergency medical care and transportation possible. The company has expanded to include a diverse suite of services designed to offer the very best support and education in health, safety, security, education and transportation.
