Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse passed away at age 60

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse passed away Wednesday at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.

According to a news release from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, “The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office lost a leader, colleague, and friend today:  Sheriff John Plasse passed away this morning after a brave battle against cancer.”

The release went on to say that Sheriff Plasse’s family, friends, fellow officers, and community will remember and celebrate a life of his generous spirit and dedicated service.

“While we all knew this day was coming, the news still lands hard and we grieve a loss that cannot be fully described in words,” the release stated. “We invite all to remember John in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and work and to hold his family in prayers for comfort and peace in the midst of a terrible loss.  We invite all also to pray for law enforcement officers and first responders here and elsewhere who serve their communities and strive to protect all of us.”

Sheriff John Plasse was elected Vigo County Sheriff in 2018. He began his term of office on January 1, 2019.

Earlier this year, Plasse was named Sheriff of the year by Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Ranch leaders. In August, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Valley Award. Former Senator Jon Ford said he presented the award for Plasse’s commitment to protecting Hoosiers and our communities.

While serving as Sheriff, Plasse was awarded the 2021 Wabash Valley Recovery Community Public Official of the Year.

Plasse was honored as the Exchange Club of Terre Haute Officer of the Year in 2001, First Financial Bank Officer of the Year in 2003, and received various awards during his tenure at THPD.

Sheriff Plasse retired from the Terre Haute Police Department in 2018 after 33 years of service. He was promoted to Sergeant, then Lieutenant before being appointed as Chief of Police in January 2008. In his last 11 years of service, Sheriff Plasse served as the Chief of Police for the Terre Haute Police Department. During his time with THPD, he was assigned to the Uniform Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Juvenile Division, and Vigo County Drug Task Force.

For 34 years, Sheriff Plasse served as a Sergeant Major with the 38th Infantry Division in the Indiana Army National Guard before retiring in November 2017.

Sergeant Major Plasse was inducted into the Association of Marksman in the National Guard Shooters Hall of Fame in 2018. He is one of the few double distinguished military marksmen in the world.

Over the past three decades, Plasse has been awarded major awards and medals. Sheriff Plasse is or has been a member of many organizations across the Wabash Valley.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.

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