Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Howard J. Plouff

Winston-Salem Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Friday, February 23, 2007

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Sergeant Howard J. Plouff

Sarge,
You died trying to protect your brother officers so this just seemed to say it all:

"This is my shield. I bear it before me into battle, but it is not mine alone. It protects my brother on my left. It protects my city. I will never let my brother out of its shadow nor my city out of its shelter. I will die with my shield before me facing the enemy."
Steven Pressman-Gates of Fire

You sir are a true hero and exemplify what it means to be in the brotherhood of police officers.

MPO III RICK DIETZ
HIGH POINT N.C. POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 26, 2007

I learned of this story just a few short hours ago...My condolences goes out to the family, friends and the grieving officers not only at WSPD but nation wide...Losing an officer is like losing a brother, Police stick together and it's a miracle that they have such a wonderful bond...I didn't know SGT Plouff personally but I knew the line of work...May God be with his family and friends through this grieving time...

"It's not how these officers died that made them hero's, it's how they lived..." America's Most Wanted

Police Explorer Captain - Kevin Jarrell
Randleman Police Explorers

February 25, 2007

My most sincere condolences to the Plouff family. Godspeed Sgt. Plouff. You are in my prayers.

Lieutenant
Newton NC Police Department

February 25, 2007

We send our prayers to Sgt. Plouff's family, loved ones, and colleagues on the Winston-Salem Police Department. His service and valor will not be forgotten.

Thank you for your service, we are grateful for all that you have done.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

February 25, 2007

Rest in Peace Sergeant Howard J. Plouff. As we lay one or our own to rest on 02-26-07, my thoughts and prayers will also be with you, your family and your department. "HEROES LIVE FOREVER"

Patrolman Michael K. Talton
Toledo Police Department

February 25, 2007

To all those out who knew Plouff, he was a great man and always had your back. My squad got off 2hrs. before his and he always looked out for us making sure we all got home on time and safe. Not only was he a Seargent, but a friend to us all. The night he was slain I could not get to him fast enough. I have been a patrol officer for 5yrs. and that is the first time I have ever heard those dreaded words "officer down".
Howie, was what we referred to him as. I can't explain the emotions I have now that he is gone. I pray for his wife and kids, may god be with you through these incredibly tough times.
Miss you brother,
Griff

Patrol Officer M.D.Griffith
Winston-Salem Police Dept.

February 25, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Plouff family and the men and women of the Winston-Salem Police Department. We will not forget you Brother Plouff

Scott Sparks, Patrolman
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA

February 25, 2007

Another American Hero has paid the ultimate price in service to mankind. Go rest high on that mountain Sergeant Plouff, your work on Earth is done. Watch over those of us left behind. And to your family God Bless, you will be in our prayers, and will not to be forgotten.

Det. Mark Brown
Wilson, NC Police Department

February 25, 2007

I am so very sorry about the loss of Sgt. Plouff. My heart goes out to the Officers and Staff of the Winston-Salem Police Dept and most especially to his family. We will be here for you, as now you have been inducted into a new family- we are the survivors. It is a hard road, and one none of us ever wanted to travel, but you will get through. Don't be afraid to accept the offers of help and support- those prayers being sent up for you are what will sustain you.
God bless you now, and in the days ahead.

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of FCSO Sgt.
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

February 25, 2007

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Trp. Wedin
MN State Patrol

February 25, 2007

Rest in peace my brother

Patrolman
Brush PD Colorado

February 25, 2007

I am a wife of an officer in NC. Every time I hear of an injured officer my prayers go out to them and their family. To the Plouff family & friends, no one will ever be able to thank you and Sgt. Plouff for your dedication and sacrifice. There are no words that will ever make this alright,but I think God has to have a special place in heaven for heroes,such as Sgt. Plouff. Prayers for you all are unending. God bless this hero, servant, husband and father.

M.Hanson

February 25, 2007

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. GRAJEK

February 25, 2007

To the family of Sgt. Plouff and the fine men and women of Winston Salem Police Department,

My deepest condolences in this unfortunate time. My prayers will be for your healing and recovery from your loss.

Sgt. Pluoff is a true hero.

It takes a real true committment to go out there on the streets and do this job today.

Sgt. Plouff examplified the bravery of a true crime fighter and we should remember and recognize him for his valiant service.

I hope the culprits are caught and held accountable for there actions.

Police Officer Louis Lave
Los Angeles County Police Department

February 25, 2007

Thank you for your service. We will forever hold your place along the Thin Blue Line. Rest peacefully...

Officer K.A. Goss
Duke University Police Department

February 25, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and co-workers of Sgt. Plouff.

Tpr. A. Dishman
Virginia State Police

February 25, 2007

Sometimes you get the bad guy and sometimes he
gets you.
The shot that killed you also killed a part of us.
It killed a part of your family, both at work and at home.
It killed your dreams, your hopes, your future.
But it must not kill our determination to make this
world a better place or our will to make a difference.
America's streets must be running red with blood with
all the deaths of leos. Every time I come here to leave
a reflection, I feel like my words get emptier and emptier. I am truly
sorry for your loss...a loss too great for words.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 25, 2007

Sgt. Plouff,
you gave the ultimate sacrifice, you lost your life trying to help fellow officers. you are and always will be a true hero. you can rest in peace, you are now one of god's angles. tell all our fellow officers with you in heaven that we miss them also. all your fellow brother's and sister's wearing the badge honor you. you may be gone but your NEVER forgotten!!!!! we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
may you rest in peace
The Hernandez Family
Escambia County S/O FL

deputys
escambia county s/o

February 25, 2007

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Plouff's wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. I was married to Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002 and I am now married to Washington County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Carpenter. All of your COPS family is here for you and hurting for you. We all became a family when our loved ones became police officers and now we have even a stronger bond when one of our family members go down. We are here for you to help you along this journey you now have joined with us. God bless you all.

Denise Nichols Carpenter
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

February 25, 2007

May you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Trooper
Massachusetts State Police

February 25, 2007

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

A citizen

February 25, 2007

The men and women of the Springfield Park District Police Department wish to send our deepest condolences to the family and co- workers of Sgt. Plouff. May he rest in peace. We hope that you find comfort from the lord in your time of need and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sgt. Jonathan Davis
Springfield IL Park District Police Department

February 25, 2007

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Sgt. Plouff, we have the watch...



I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 6:8

Officer
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

February 25, 2007

Although I didn't know Sgt. Plouff personally, I feel that I've lost a brother. Thank you Sgt. Plouff for the ultimate sacrafice you have made. You are truely a hero.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Sgt. Plouff's wife and children, and the rest of the WSPD. May God comfort you all in this time of grief. Godspeed Sgt.

Sandy C
EMS/Volunteer Fire Fighter

February 25, 2007

when is the gun culture going to be stopped in the usa.

harry winch
retired paramedic

February 25, 2007

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