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

Sheriff Plasse retired in November 2017 as Sergeant Major with the 38th Infantry Division in the Indiana Army National Guard where he served for 34 years.

Sergeant Major Plasse has been 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), National Defense Medal (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3), Global War On Terrorism Medal Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Medal, among many others.

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

Sheriff Plasse retired from the Terre Haute Police Department in 2018 after 33 years of service including his last 11 years as Chief of Police. During this time, he was assigned to the uniform division, criminal investigation division, juvenile division and Vigo County Drug Task Force. While with the Terre Haute Police Department, Sheriff Plasse was promoted to Sergeant and Lieutenant and later appointed as Chief of Police January 1, 2008.

He 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 is or has been a member of the following organizations:

United Way of the Wabash Valley Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of Terre Haute Board Member, Happiness Bag Board Member, Hamilton Center Board Member, Indiana Sheriff’s Association Board Member, Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Vice President, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972 Life Member, American Legion Post 104, AMVETS, Fraternal Order of Police (Past President), Association of Marksman in the National Guard, National Sheriff’s Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police.  Sheriff Plasse is a past member of Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, National Tactical Officers Association, International Tactical Officers Training Association, International Union of Police Officers Association, International Police Training and Consulting Services, LLC.

Since serving as Sheriff, he has been awarded 2021 Wabash Valley recovery community public official of the year.