Clark Co. flags fly at half-staff to honor Indiana sheriff

MARSHALL, Ill. (WCIA) — The Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Courthouse, and E-911 will be placing their flags at half-staff in honor of Sheriff John Plasse of Vigo County, Indiana. He passed away on Wednesday morning after battling cancer.

“He was an all around good man,” Clark County Sheriff William Brown wrote on social media . “It was obvious that he had a servant’s heart as he served his this country with honor and dignity during his military career. He served his community with the same passion that he served this country. He will be missed by many! Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Sheriff Plasse’s family to include his work family.”

Sheriff Plasse took over as the Vigo County Sheriff on January 1, 2019. Before then, he took on many roles within the Terre Haute Police Department for 33 years, serving as the Police Chief for the latter 11. It was there that he was named the 2001 Terre Haute Officer of the Year by The Exchange Club, First Financial Bank Officer of the Year in 2003, and earned several other awards.

“Beyond his professional achievements, Sheriff Plasse was a pillar of strength and compassion. He approached his duties with a sense of duty and humility, always prioritizing the needs of others. His legacy is one of honor, dedication, and selfless service,” Terre Haute Police Department said . “While we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and dear friend, we also celebrate his life and the lasting impact he had on our community. Sheriff Plasse’s legacy will continue to guide and inspire us as we carry forward his commitment to excellence in law enforcement.”

Plasse also served in the Indiana Army National Guard for 34 years, then retired in November 2017 as Sergeant Major with the 38th Infantry Division. He was awarded more than 25 medals throughout his service. He was also inducted into the Association of Marksman in the National Guard Shooters Hall of Fame in 2018, which made Plasse one of the few double distinguished military marksmen in the world.

Sheriff Plasse not only protected his country and his community, but he was actively involved in it even outside of his line of duty. Plasse was a board member of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, Boys and Girls Club of Terre Haute, Happiness Bag, and Hamilton Center. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972, American Legion Post 104, AMVETS, the Indiana Sheriff’s and National Sheriff’s Associations, and International Association of Chiefs of Police — all on top of several other former organization memberships.

His leadership extended into the Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, where he was Vice President, and the Fraternal Order of Police, as a former President. Plasse’s dedication to his community landed him the 2021 Wabash Valley recovery community public official of the year.

The City of Terre Haute released a joint statement with Mayor Brandon Sakbun on Wednesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Sheriff John Plasse. Sheriff Plasse dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of Vigo County with unwavering courage, integrity, and compassion. His leadership and commitment to our community have left an indelible mark on all of us. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Sheriff Plasse’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. The entire Terre Haute community mourns with you, and we stand united in support. Thank you, Sheriff Plasse, for your dedication and service. You will be dearly missed.”

The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office also offered many thoughtful words in the wake of Sheriff Plasse’s passing.

“In the days ahead, Sheriff Plasse’s family, friends, fellow officers, and home community will remember and celebrate a life of dedicated service and generous spirit,” they wrote, in part. “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.”

Chief Deputy Steve Meng and Chief of Operations Derek Fell continued, “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.”

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