At Acadian Companies’ annual company meeting, Erroll Babineaux was recognized for 45 years of service. Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag presented him with the award, along with sharing a few personal anecdotes.
“45 years of service truly speaks to his loyalty to the company,” said Zuschlag. “Erroll has been assigned almost every task and worked in every department of Acadian.”
Babineaux was born and raised in New Iberia, LA, where he attended Catholic High School. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana beginning in 1973. Babineaux joined Acadian as a part-time employee in August 1974.
Babineaux progressed through the company as an ambulance driver, paramedic, supervisor, communications specialist and district manager of Iberia, St. Martin, Vermilion and St. Mary Parishes.
He is currently the vice president of Acadian’s Air Services division, overseeing Acadian Air Med and Executive Aircraft Charter Service, a position he has held since 1992. He served as Acadian’s first commercial pilot in 1979.
Additionally, Babineaux provides marketing, public relations and governmental relations in many of our rural parishes. He maintains relationships with police jury associations and municipal associations, along with members of state legislature, state police and fire departments.
In the early 1980s, Babineaux worked with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. to design and assist in building the first air ambulance helicopter used in Louisiana, which became FAA-certified.
Zuschlag said, “Erroll pioneered our air ambulance program, which has without a doubt saved countless lives. It’s hard nowadays to find people who are multitalented and willing to do what they need to help the company advance forward. He’s put in a lot of hours to help build the company. I have great admiration and respect for him.”
On top of his loyalty to Acadian, Babineaux is extremely loyal to his community. He has served as past chairman of the Acadiana Regional Airport Authority, Iberia Parish Communications District, United Way of Iberia Parish, and past president multiple youth organizations and school boards, a member of the Acadiana Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1490, and the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association.
His other community activities include: Evangeline Little League Baseball / Softball Coach – Louisiana State Softball Champions, Board of Directors, Past President; 1993 National Little League “Volunteer of the Year” award recipient; Boys and girls basketball coach – League Champions; Iberia flag and tackle football association coach; Pony/Colt baseball coach of State Baseball Champions; Past President of St. Edwards PTO; Catholic High School Booster Club; Bishop’s Charity Ball Patron’s Committee; New Iberia Kiwanis club President, 25 year member; VP American Heart Association; Chairman of the Iberia Parish E911 Task Force Committee to bring the first Enhanced 911 System in the State of Louisiana to Iberia Parish; Member and Chairman of the Iberia Parish Communications District tasked to run the New 911 Communications Center; Member past Chairman of the Iberia Parish Airport Authority; Chairman of Louisiana Civilian Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic (MAST) Committee; and Ushers Syndrome Foundation Fundraising committee.
In February, Babineaux was named as the Daily Iberian’s 2019 New Iberia Citizen of the Year.
Since 1971, Acadian 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, and transportation.
