Sue Ann Hartig, who retired this year after serving as executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Evansville for more than 25 years, received the James Bethel Gresham Freedom Award April 20 from the Evansville Bar Association.

Hartig also served on the State Board of Law Examiners Committee on Character and Fitness, the Indiana Pro Bono Commission, and has been active with the United Way and Evansville Bar Association. She received the award during the EBA’s annual Law Day dinner.

The award is named after James Bethel Gresham who lived in Evansville and is believed to be the first American solider to die in combat in World War I. The Freedom Award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in activities or careers which have elevated respect for the law, promoted freedom, or otherwise furthered the ideals for which Law Day is celebrated.