Caucus elects Derek Fell Vigo Co. Sheriff

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Vigo County has a new sheriff as the result of a caucus.

Former chief of operations Derek Fell was sworn into office after being the only person to run for the position. Sheriff Fell says he carries a heavy heart for his longtime friend and co-worker, the late John Plasse.

“Bittersweet is the right word to use,” Fell said. “These are aspirations I’ve had for some time, but I didn’t want it to happen this way. I’m proud, I’m happy, but I’m also sad. All I can say is I’m going to spend the next couple years and give the community the best I can.”

The county council chambers was filled with over 60 voters and locals to witness the moment, including the family of Sheriff Plasse. Fell says that he wants to continue what Plasse started.

“Obviously we are different people, but I don’t anticipate making any major significant changes,” Fell said. “I want to keep things going, I’m really excited with the incredible group of men and women that we have at the sheriff’s office, just to work alongside them over these coming weeks and months and we’ll kind of see how things play out over the next year or so.”

Sheriff Fell’s message to the community was simple, he will give it everything he’s got.

“What Vigo County can expect from me is I’m someone that I believe if you are going to do it, do it with passion,” Fell said. “I’m going to serve to the best of my ability, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got each and every day, so again I can’t do this by myself, I need an entire agency and I have that, so I’m blessed in that regard to work with great men and women.

The remainder of Plasse’s term will not count against Fell, so he will be eligible to serve two additional full terms if elected.

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