Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes its “exceptional” EMS personnel for celebrated work ethic and dedication.
Across the company’s four-state service area, 33 finalists were nominated by their peers for demonstrating exemplary attitudes and providing excellent patient care. The top winners are selected by a companywide committee.
Paramedic Jenne Crane and EMT Kevin Kester represent the company’s Southeast Texas service area and were finalists for the top honors.
Acadian Ambulance marks 20 years of Texas operations this year, beginning in Orange County in 2006.
The company has more than 150 employees in the region, which encompasses Orange, Jefferson, Jasper, Hardin, Newton, Angelina, Liberty and Chambers counties.
Crane, based in Orange County, has a career spanning nearly two decades, beginning as an EMT and advancing through paramedic training at Acadian’s National EMS Academy.
An early pioneer of the Critical Care Transport program in Texas, Crane manages critically ill and injured patients. Beyond her clinical work, she has helped shape the next generation of Acadian Ambulance paramedics and EMTs as a field training officer, mentoring new hires in providing high standards of patient care.
“She is a trusted resource for fellow medics, fire departments, health care facilities and local school districts, guiding complex cases and clinical best practices,” the company said. “Her dedication to community service is evident through her work with the Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD and other local organizations, supporting medical readiness and emergency preparedness. Crane consistently exemplifies professionalism, leadership and unwavering dedication to patients and her community.”
Kester, also based in Orange County, joined the Southeast Texas team in fall 2020 as an advanced EMT on a mobile intensive care unit.
Driven to grow alongside evolving protocols, he quickly developed his skills, earning a promotion to field training officer and eventually running his own advanced life support ambulance.
In September 2022, Kester was assigned to a dedicated 911 fly car in the city of Vidor. In this role, he has been credited as instrumental in at least three lifesaving interventions and has positively impacted countless patients and families.
“Known for his compassion, confidence and dedication, Kester approaches every call with professionalism and care. His skill, commitment and focus on the community make him an invaluable member of the Southeast Texas EMS team,” the company added.
Acadian Ambulance will honor its top Medics of the Year, regional honorees and its entire medical team at a celebration May 19 in Lafayette, Louisiana.
— Dannie Oliveaux, dannieoliveaux@theexaminer.com
