GALION–Gina Powell Cole, owner of AA American Bail Bonds, combines toughness with compassion.

She opened AA American Bail Bonds in 2005 after a brief career as a corrections officer. Today she also is a certified interventionist and assists those with addiction in getting them the help they need.

“I’ve been bailing people out and chasing fugitives for 17 years,” Gina said.

When an inmate calls her for help, she springs into action. Securing a co-signer is critical, she says.

“I usually find a family member, someone stable with a job to put up on bond.”

This is her calling. Helping addicts has become her passion.

“I work to get them on the road to recovery.”

She has partnered with BrightView, an outpatient facility in Mansfield.

“They are an amazing facility. It is an addiction treatment center, and everything’s in-house with them,” she said.

Gina started out hunting fugitives.

“In the beginning, we all in the industry as rookies liked to hunt. It’s a thrill. But it’s also dangerous. After a while, it’s not so fun anymore,” she said.

Gina boasts of a perfect record snagging those on the run.

“Every fugitive I’ve had to chase, I’ve caught. That is something I’m very proud of,” she said.

Unlike television shows that portray bounty hunters, there is a process involved.

“We don’t just jump in a car and go kick in doors, you know. We work with law enforcement and notify them of what we’re doing and where we’re going to be.”

Bail bondsmen work with a variety of agencies.

“We work closely with the courts; that’s most important. I work with probation a lot. A lot of our people are under pre-trial supervision while a case is pending.”

There are conditions on bond that may include checking in with one’s probation officer or getting regular drug testing administered.

“Dealing with different people, I have a knack for it. We’re all human. I don’t judge them,” Gina said.

“I’m fair and honest to my clientele. My job is to get them out of jail and guarantee their appearance in court.”

She said she respects those incarcerated.

“Good people sometimes make bad decisions. You’re innocent until proven guilty.”

Gina has managed to interject an element of fun into her work and life.

“I created a board game, Jail Or Bail. It’s like Monopoly, but it’s not. There are cards and dice. It’s a fun, interactive game. You’re constantly changing seats with other people,” she said.

It is available on Amazon, and it features her likeness on the cover. It’s for 2-6 players.

For her career, Gina admits, “it’s been a long road, but I’m not quitting any time soon.”

Contact them at 125 N. Columbus St., Galion or at 419-522-0607; or online at bailbondsboss.com.