Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I hope and pray that God receives SGT Plouff soul and gives him eternal life in his kingdom. I hope and pray that he embraces and comforts the grieving family members.

HPD Robert Delamuir
Haitian Police Dept

February 24, 2007

Sergeant Plouff,
You asked me about a year ago to look over someone you worried about. I'll keep doing that, for that person as well as anyone else who needs it.
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
You will be missed.

anonymous
Winston-Salem Police Department

February 24, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. Plouff; may he rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

February 24, 2007

Another tragic loss rest in peace..

L.Shaw
Son of a deputy EOW 12-01-1991

February 24, 2007

I believe the posted poem "we'll carry on" says everything.
Sgt.Plouff..thank you!May Our Lord keep you safe with Him and may He bless your family and comfort them, your friends and your brother officers.

February 24, 2007

Howie, YOU, my friend, are a true police officer and HERO. You were doing what all of us came to expect of you. Answering the call of another officer's call for help. You were there with your officer's and with the deputies.
My friend, I am going to miss your humor and our talks about our children. I know you are in a better place and will be watching down and protecting us as you did in life.
We will never forget you and all you stood for. God Bless you Howie for you certainly blessed us for 17 years.

330 10-42 in life, but will forever be on the beat with us in our hearts and thoughts.

good bye my friend

Officer Bobby Boyd
Winston-Salem Police Department

February 24, 2007

Rest in peace brother. We've got the watch from here. May God bless your family, friends and fellow officers who all mourn the loss of yet another hero.

Officer Dominick Marraccini
Easton Police Department, Easton, PA

February 24, 2007

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

February 24, 2007

Sergeant Plouff,
You should know that you and your family are now in every officers prayers. Rest in peace Sgt.

Genesee County, MI
Sheriff Department

February 24, 2007

thank you for your services.you will not be forgotten.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

February 24, 2007

Howard,

I am saddened to hear of your death. I try to make sense of it all when we as law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty. It doesn't make sense. It never will. What does make sense is that you responded to help your fellow brother in need. You made the ultimate sacrifice to save another cop. Rest in peace and know that we all appreciate you, your courage and service.

Deputy D. Bradford
Wake County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit

February 24, 2007

Well...once again, those of us here at the Winston-Salem Police Dept. have to say goodbye to a fellow officer. To those of us who have been here a while, its a road we have traveled before. But it never gets easier. I can only imagine how difficult this is is for Howard's wife and children.

Howard was good people. He was well liked among the department. He was a hero...he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

I'd like to leave you all with something written by Retired Winston-Salem Police Sergeant Dallas Pruitt, who is a hero in himself having survived an almost fatal shootout. It was fatal to the suspects. It's called, "We'll Carry On."


We kiss our families goodbye and most of us go out into a world that few of you will ever see or know anything about. Statistics show that over half of us will one day come home to an empty house and note saying, “Goodbye, I can’t take this job anymore.”

But, We Carry On.

We know we have a job with one of the highest divorce, suicide and mental illness rates in the world.

But, We Carry On.

You curse us when we stop you for speeding. You weren’t there two hours ago when we covered the body of a three-year-old child, killed by a speeding car.

But We Carry On.

We’ll intervene in fights and take the beating meant for you, knowing that you wouldn’t do the same for us and probably won’t even thank us.

But We Carry On.

We investigate the murders, rapes and robberies and have to watch the victims’ families weep in court when a judge has to release the suspect on a small technicality.

But We Carry On.

We see families wiped out in accidents. Then we listen as the person who did it is fined $100 for drunk driving and given a limited drinking privilege so he can get back an forth to work and church on Sundays.
But, We Carry On.

We know that if you hit us, unprovoked, you’ll probably get a fine in court, for assault. We know that if we hit you, unprovoked, we could lose our jobs and everything we own for police brutality.

But, We Carry On.

The uniform is not armor. It won’t stop bullets, knives, bricks or sticks. We have gone in burning buildings, burning cars and icy waters to try to save lives. Some of us lose our in the process.

But, We Carry On.

We are part mediator, problem solver, professional driver, weapons expert, guidance and marriage counselor. We are part analyst, lawyer, fireman and doctor, and sometimes boxer and wrestler. Does your job require this much and sometimes even more? I doubt it. We know all of this.
But, We Carry On.

We’re not expected to be the one thing we are – human beings. Sometimes, though, we forget and act like them. We get angry, we say or do something we shouldn’t. Please forgive us. But if you don’t…

We’ll Carry On.

Corporal Keith Redmon
Winston-Salem Police Department

February 24, 2007

Rest In Peace.

#2959
U.S. Marshals

February 24, 2007

I found out about your tragic death just moments ago from a fellow DUSM who used to work under your command.

I want to express my heart felt graditude for your service to your community, protecting the innocent even at the cost of your own life. Your actions and service will not be forgotten long after the day of your death. The citizens of Winston-Salem will be forever gratefull for a hero who gave his life, protecting its citizens.

Some time ago a priest once told me, "Harry, God has a special love for the people who look after the saftey of his children" I tend to reflect on that from time to time. Rest easy my brother, may god be with you, your family, friends and fellow "Coppers" during this difficult time. Rest in peace.

Deputy US Marshal Harry A. Sims
United States Marshals Service- District of Columbia Superior Court

February 24, 2007

Sgt. Plouff, thank you for your service. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for your community. You will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

For the family of Sgt Plouff and his fellow officers, I hope that you find comfort in reading these reflections and realizing that people across the nation feel the loss of this officer as well.

Sgt. Jennifer Schramm
Toledo Police Department

February 24, 2007

It has truly been an honor and a privilege to wear the badge with you. Rest in peace Sarge, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Officer B.K. Whitaker
Kernersville Police Department

February 24, 2007

GOD BLESS SGT. H.J. PLOUFF AND HIS FAMILY. REST IN PEACE AND LET US TAKE OVER FROM HERE.........

MASTER TROOPER J.R. FLEMING
NC STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

February 24, 2007

Thank you, Sergeant Plouff, for your service to the people of North Carolina and the United States. Your dedication and efforts are appreciated and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Hero!

Janice Brown
Conway, Arkansas
civilian

Janice Brown
civilian

February 24, 2007

I always come to site and read about the tragic loses of life to pay respects, and to learn about something that maybe I could do different. As an officer, you don't want to lose your life doing this job, but if it happens, you want it to be performing a heroic gesture, at least. Sarge acted as any good leader would, though it was Forsyth County deputies calling for assistance. It didn't matter these were our brothers that needed help, and he lead the charge. I wasn't there, but I could only imagine the scene as it plays over and over like a broken record. Some coward for what ever reason tought it was his right to take Howard's life. Howard wasn't just an officer, he was a husband, a father, and a friend to many. You never want to see someone you know on this site because it hurts. It's a reminder that yes it can happen here. Though you work in different sectors and squads, you still get to know each other, and it is painful when someone is lost. I was new to the department when Steve got killed. I have moved on from the department, but these men and women, you all are still my family. I feel your pain and anger, you will do the right thing and do a thorough and complete job. Some citizens will show support and empathy, others won't. Though your hearts are heavy be strong. I know that you will still remain the professionals that you are when you dispatch, or go to that next call. Sgt. Plouff was a good and knowledgeable leader. This is a big loss for the WSPD, Winston-Salem, and for us all. I wish there was someting more I could say or do, I'm really sorry that this has happened. Howards wife and children will need you more during these tragic times, and I know you will be there. Be safe, you are all in my prayers. 14433

Former co-worker

February 24, 2007

I watched the local news from the beginning and I prayed you would make it. I am no longer an officer but I still feel the pain. I am praying for your family and WSPD family as well. GODSPEED to you Brother.....

Former LEO NC

February 24, 2007

Sergeant Plouff,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!

Deps Paul and Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, La

February 24, 2007

Rest in peace brother.

Officer Dwight Rackley
Louisville Metro PD, KY

February 24, 2007

God Bless you for your swift response to other officers in trouble. I pray that your family and department finds peace.

Trooper
North Carolina Highway Patrol

February 24, 2007

Jesus is my front sight.
Sovereign in my life.

In peace, or in battle,
He guides my warrior stride.

Jesus is my front sight,
FOR HIM NO MAN I FEAR!

Jesus is my front sight.
T'was He who led me here.

February 24, 2007

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO SGT PLOUFF'S FAMILY AND THE WINSTON-SALEM PD DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. A HERO, COMING TO THE AID OF HIS FELLOW PEACE OFFICER. MAY THE LORD EMBRACE ALL CONCERN. SGT PLOUFF WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU, BROTHER IN BLUE.

DETECTIVE RUTILO QUEZADA
SMITH COUNTY SHERIFF TYLER, TX

February 24, 2007