Aurora Fire Chief Lane Awarded Sagamore Of The Wabash

By Mike Perleberg Surrounded by his family, Aurora Fire Chief Jeff Lane holds his new Sagamore of the Wabash award. Photo provided. (Aurora, Ind.) - Aurora’s fire chief is being honored with one of Indiana’s most prestigious awards: The Sagamore of the Wabash. Chief Jeff Lane was given the Sagamore during a special on Saturday evening presentation at the Aurora Fire Department. State Representative Randy Frye, a retired firefighter, delivered the award. Lane was also given the State Fire Marshal Meritorious Service Medal. It was presented to him by Jason Smith from the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. Jeff Lane has dedicated a large portion of his life to protecting local citizens’ lives and property. He has been serving with the Aurora Fire Department for 30 years. He also works as the assistant chief for the City of Greendale. Sagamore of the Wabash recipients are selected by the Indiana governor. Past recipients include astronauts, presidents, artists, musicians, politicians, and many others. The award practice started in 1945 when Governor Ralph Gates was to attend a tri-state meeting was to be held in Louisville with officials from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Aides to Gates learned that the governor of Kentucky was preparing Kentucky Colonel certificates for Gates and Senator Robert A. Taft, who was representing Ohio. The Indiana delegation decided to create an appropriate award to present in return. Jeff Lane (center) is joined by fellow firefighters in hoisting his award. Photo provided.