John Plasse Obituary
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse Obituary
Sherriff John A. Plasse, 60, of Terre Haute, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on October 2, 1963, in Terre Haute to Eli John Plasse and Violet Marie Traverse Plasse.
He graduated from Terre Haute North High School in 1982 and Indiana State University in 1990. Sheriff Plasse was elected as Vigo County Sheriff in 2018 and commenced his term on January 1, 2019. He was elected and will begin his second term in 2023. Sheriff Plasse retired in November 2017 as a sergeant major with the Indiana 38th Infantry Division Army National Guard, where he worked for 34 years.
Sergeant Major Plasse has received the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9) and National Defense Medal (2). ), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Inducted into the Association of Marksman’s National Guard Shooters Hall of Fame in 2018, Sergeant Major Plasse is one of the few dual-decorated military marksmen worldwide. Sheriff Plasse proudly concluded his 33-year tenure at the Terre Haute Police Department in 2018, serving as Chief of Police for the final 11 years.
During this time, he was assigned to the Uniform Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Juvenile Division and the Vigo County Drug Task Force. During his tenure with the Terre Haute Police Department, Sheriff Plasse was promoted to Sergeant and Lieutenant on January 1, 2008 and was later named Chief of Police.
He was named The Exchange Club of Terre Haute Officer of the Year in 2001 and First Financial Bank Officer of the Year in 2003 and received several awards during his time at THPD.
Sheriff Plasse is a past member of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, National Tactical Officers Association, International Tactical Officers Training Association, International Union of Police Officers Association and International Police Training and Consulting Services, LLC.
Since becoming sheriff, he has received the 2021 Wabash Valley Recovery Community Public Of the Year and 2024 Honor Guard awards. He is survived by his wife, Julie Plasse, a son, Ryan Plasse of Terre Haute, and two daughters, Brittany Dunkley (Jeremy) of New Goshen and Dylaney Plasse of Terre Haute.
A brother, Robert David Plasse (Diane), from Louisiana and a sister, Carol Jones, from Terre Haute. Three grandchildren, Brynley, Bryley and Bentley, and his mother and father-in-law, Georgia and Jerry McIntyre of Terre Haute. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Mark Boyll; cousin Jaden Brown (Sarah) and nieces Kyleigh Shell (Trevor) and Kaleigh Riley (Corey), as well as several other nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Hulman Civic Center, 200 North 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service at 2:00 PM. Reverend Billy Joe Henry will officiate. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the local animal rescue of your choice. Greiner Funeral Home handles arrangements.
Procession route (Chief of the Sheriff’s Office released)
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse Obituary
Vigo County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Operations Derek Fell released the following procession route:
The procession begins at the south entrance of the Hulman Center on Cherry St., between 8th and 9th streets, facing west.
From this point, the procession will head west and take the following route:
- Westbound on Cherry St. from 8th St.
- South on 1st St. from Cherry St.
- East on Honey Creek Drive.
- Turn south onto the Sheriff’s Department. Drive past Sheriff John Plasse’s vehicle, where the final call will be made.
- Exit Sheriff’s Department Drive in on Honey Creek Dr. east. around the front of the mall.
- East on Davis Ave. from 3rd St. / US Hwy 41.
- Go north on 7th St. through Poplar St. and pass the Terre Haute Police Department.
- East on Wabash Ave. from 7th St.
- East on Wabash Ave. to the Highland Lawn Cemetery.
- *Note: If you are in a procession and not attending the cemetery service (private for police, military, family and close friends), exit the procession heading south (turn right) onto Fruitridge Ave.
Vigo County Sheriff John (Honouring a Legacy of Courage and Service)
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse Obituary
John was one of the most remarkable men I have ever known,” said Shawn Keen, former Terre Haute Police Chief and colleague of Plasse. Despite being diagnosed with stage 1B pancreatic cancer in May, he triumphantly secured reelection in 2022. Such resilience is truly inspiring.
“I’ve had two rounds of chemotherapy, and although it’s taken its toll, I’m still able to go to work, albeit a little less than normal,” he said on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at the time. “I am confident in my ability to continue serving in this role. I kindly request your patience and support as I navigate this challenge.”
Plasse retired from the Terre Haute Police Department in 2018 after 33 years of service, including his last 11 years as police chief. Without his trust and guidance, I would not have had the opportunities I have .” I would not be where I am today, and my thoughts now go out to his family.
Former Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett, who appointed Plasse to lead the Terre Haute Police Department, said, “I was very saddened to hear of John’s passing today. He was a very good person and a true public servant. John made significant contributions to local law enforcement and left a great legacy. We will miss him greatly.”
Ewing recalled the time when he was a police officer, and Plasse was an officer with the Terre Haute Police Department: “I was in the cornfields, and he was more on the big city side, but we worked together on a lot of projects, like location.” of officers in schools after Sandy Hook.”
Ewing had been reviewing plans for the new jail when Plasse succeeded him as sheriff.
Prison was a hot topic and our primary focus when I briefed him during the 30-day transition period. We discussed where we were and what steps we needed to take. I jokingly said to him, ‘On the 31st of December, my name will disappear from here, and your name will appear in it,’ we laughed.
The department posted this message on the sheriff’s Facebook page Wednesday:
While we all knew this day was coming, the news still landed hard, and we grieved a loss that could not be fully described in words. We will remember him and be grateful that we were privileged to serve in his company and shared a joint commitment to public service. His dedication to public service, commitment to justice, and unwavering integrity set a standard that inspired all who knew and worked alongside him.
“Sheriff Plasse’s contributions to law enforcement were profound. He was instrumental in strengthening ties between various agencies, always aiming to serve better and protect the public. His legacy is one of honour, dedication, and selfless service. Sheriff John Plasse will be profoundly missed, and his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.”
The sheriff and I tried to schedule a lunch about two weeks ago but couldn’t make it work. It is now lunch, and I wish I had prioritised it.
“I would like to note the relationship John and my daughter had. It is not easily explainable. They instantly hit it off from the day my daughter met Sheriff Plasse. He asked me not to provide them to Emma or Jhett until his passing. Today, I passed those coins to them and explained the unfortunate news of his passing.
“John Plasse was a great man of faith, husband, father, military leader, community leader and friend. He was devoted to his passion for law enforcement and always willing to lend a hand to anyone during their time of need. The entire Vigo County community will deeply miss him.
Plasse retired in November 2017 as a sergeant major from the Indiana Army National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division, where he served 34 years.
Sergeant. Major Plasse was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9) and National Defense Medal (2) awarded. Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal, among many others.
Plasse was inducted into the Association of Marksman’s National Guard Shooters Hall of Fame in 2018 and was one of the few dual-decorated military marksmen worldwide. On January 1, 2008, he was promoted to sergeant and lieutenant and later named police chief.
He was named Exchange Club of Terre Haute Officer of the Year in 2001 and First Financial Bank Officer of the Year in 2003 and received several other awards during his time at THPD.
Sheriff Plasse (A member of the following Organizations)
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse Obituary
Board Member of Indiana Sheriff’s Association; Vice President of the Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Ranch; Veterans of Foreign Wars after 972, Life Member; American Legion Post 104; CONSCIOUS; Fraternal Order of Police (Past President); National Guard Riflemen Association; National Sheriff’s Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Plasse is a past member of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, National Tactical Officers Association, International Tactical Officers Training Association, International Union of Police Officers Association and International Police Training and Consulting Services, LLC.
Vigo County commissioners have asked the community to fly flags at half-staff until the end of his memorial service. Read More.
