Sheriff Fell appoints Jim Palmer as Chief of Operations

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Sheriff Derek Fell appointed a new chief of operations as one of his first orders of business as sheriff.

Sheriff Fell wasted no time making his choice, as he appointed Jim Palmer, who has served in various divisions within the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office. On August 12, a caucus elected former chief of operations Derek Fell Vigo County Sheriff. The next day, Chief Palmer took over his old position. Chief Palmer has been a Vigo County resident for 36 years, and he says he is ready to serve the community in a larger role.

“I would describe myself as very hard-working and dedicated. I love my family, I hang out with my family and friends here in town,” Palmer said. “I go to Maryland Community Church. Vigo County is a huge part of my life, and I am happy to serve the citizens of Vigo County.”

Chief Palmer has held several roles at the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, dating back to his hiring as a corrections officer at the Vigo County Jail back in 1999. He most recently served as a Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations. Sheriff Fell says this kind of experience shows Palmer’s work ethic.

“Chief Palmer has been here for over 20 years,” Fell said. “I’ve known him for a long time, he’s shown throughout his entire career his dedication, his motivation, he’s ambitious. He’s always proactive in his police work, you can tell he cares. He’s intelligent, he’s level-headed, and I also want to surround myself with people who are going to be honest with me.”

The promotions of Sheriff Fell and Chief Palmer come after the tragic loss of Sheriff John Plasse. Both say they are working to honor his memory in their new roles serving the community.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I take this position in the first place,” Palmer said. “The passing of Sheriff Plasse is something that’s weighing really heavily on our hearts, but I’m honored that Sheriff Fell has chose me for this position, and I hope to give it my best and do the best for the citizens of Vigo County.”

Chief Palmer says he has been adjusting well to his new role, and looks forward to meeting new people across the community.

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