[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 105 (Friday, June 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E653-E654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING RICHARD ZUSCHLAG FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO LOUISIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLAY HIGGINS

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2024

  Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Richard 
Zuschlag, a cofounder of Acadian Ambulance, national leader, and the 
very embodiment of Christian virtue.
  Following a valiant battle with cancer, marking the end of a full and 
accomplished life, Richard has gone home to the Lord. For all who knew 
him and felt his compassion, Richard's 76 years are now the object of 
fond reflection and reverent admiration. His legacy will stand in 
perpetuity, sustained in the countless lives he touched.
  `Richard Zuschlag' is a household name in Louisiana that is 
synonymous with charity, health care, and Louisiana business talent. 
Born in Pennsylvania, he first came to Louisiana as a young 
professional on work assignment. During this introduction, he came to 
love South Louisiana's community, people, and way of life. Ultimately, 
he chose to stay. Ever community-minded, he recognized shortcomings in 
local EMS services.
  To fill this critical gap in medical service, Richard established 
Acadian Ambulance in 1971, as a provider of accessible, quality EMS 
care. He co-founded his Lafayette-based company with a revolutionary 
financing strategy, allowing clients to pay a very affordable yearly 
rate in exchange for full service. This winning formula opened private 
EMS service to Americans of all economic backgrounds. Richard's vision 
continued to shape Acadian Ambulance in this way, carrying it on a sure 
trajectory to success.
  More than half a century after its humble start, Lafayette-based 
Acadian Ambulance is a nationally respected provider of quality EMS 
services--the culmination of Richard's career. All of Richard's work 
functioned according to his personal philosophy, endowed by his 
Christian faith. This approach, aptly characterized as `putting people 
over profit,' fused his business acumen and humanitarian impulse.
  Driven by these virtues, Richard was clearly destined to 
revolutionize the EMS industry, uplifting millions. In the wake of 
Hurricane Katrina's devastation, he deployed Acadian Ambulance's 
services to ease the suffering of fellow Louisianans in New Orleans. 
Richard directed this operation out of pocket, in lieu of a government 
contract or any guarantee of compensation. This occasion was one of 
many on which he courageously justified his

[[Page E654]]

charity with morality alone. He always gave with disregard to any 
notion of self-preservation, even when his business could not afford 
to. Richard's Christian conduct of reckless selflessness foremost 
constitutes his life and legacy.
  Millions of Americans now live reassured in the promise of Richard's 
work--EMS responders will come to their aid in moments of dire need. 
Richard's dedication has already culminated in countless saved lives 
and grateful families. Take heart that every life saved by Acadian 
Ambulance, now and forever, will be graced with the professional 
compassion of Richard Zuschlag.
  As I contemplate the life of Richard Zuschlag, now in its entirety, 
Matthew 25 echoes in my mind: ``His lord said unto him, Well done, good 
and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will 
make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy 
lord.'' Lord Jesus, thank you for Richard, and please hold him close in 
Your Kingdom.

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