Governor Mike Pence gave his first Sagamore of the Wabash award to Fort Wayne businessman, Dick Freeland.

Freeland is chairman of the board of Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, Inc. He opened his first Pizza Hut restaurant in Fort Wayne in 1972. Since then, his business has grown and he now owns 46 Pizza Hut restaurants and four KFC restaurants in northern Indiana and two Pizza Hut restaurants in northwest Ohio.

Governor Pence recognized Freeland during a private ceremony in Fort Wayne Wednesday afternoon for his entrepreneurial spirit, public service and courageous work.

“I’m so honored to give my first Sagamore of the Wabash to Dick Freeland, an extraordinary Hoosier who exemplifies great leadership and tenacity every day in his business and personal life,” said Governor Pence. 

“I’m impressed with his business success story, and his many contributions to Fort Wayne and our state are remarkable and greatly appreciated.”

“Dick is very deserving of the Sagamore of the Wabash award,” said Senate President Pro Tempore David Long. “Not only has he been a standout business leader, but also, in his own private way, an extremely generous and influential donor to our community’s religious and charitable organizations.”

The Sagamore of the Wabash award is one of the most esteemed honors the Governor of Indiana can give. It’s a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.