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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — Gail Karas spent time assisting Fulton County while serving as its Emergency Management Agency director and 911 communications director.

Now she’s been recognized for that work by receiving the state’s highest award given by the governor to civilians.

Karas received the Sagamore of the Wabash on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Fulton County Legislative Breakfast at the Akron Community Center.

U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, who represents Indiana’s Second Congressional District, presented the award on behalf of former Gov. Eric Holcomb. He noted a number of people had worked to nominate Karas for the Sagamore.

He said Karas worked “to make sure that those (emergency) services operate seamlessly in this county.”

Former Fulton County Emergency Management Agency Director and 911 Communications Director Gail Karas, right, received the Sagamore of the Wabash on Saturday, Feb. 8, during the Fulton County Legislative Breakfast at the Akron Community Center. U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym presented the award on behalf of former Gov. Eric Holcomb.

“She’s also someone that’s just become a very good friend here in the last few years,” said Yakym.

Karas, who retired from her EMA and 911 posts last year, said she was “very honored” to receive the award.

“I appreciate everybody here, and I do love my community,” she said.

She noted she suspected something when she saw her bosses from her current employer, emergency communications company INdigital, for which she works as a disaster recovery specialist, in the audience at the breakfast.

Karas later added that she’s thankful for “all those who have pushed me (to be successful)” as well as to Yakym and Fulton County.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to help or save a life,” she said.