Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

August 13th we would have celebrated your birthday. We would all have called in, and wished you a happy birthday. We sent up balloons instead. I think mom's had a cigar attached. You loved a cigar on your birthday. mine had a kiss and Jackie's a note. It is so hard to accept that we will have to wait and wait to hear your voice call out our names, as we had become so accustomed to each Sunday when you called just to say hello and stay in touch. I feel your presence still. xoxo

September 6, 2007

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 9, 2007

I haven't spent a lot of time this year reading the memorials of the fallen officers, mainly because it saddens me that so many great men and women have fallen. It's a terrible thing that so many great lives were cut so short. As a fallen officer survivour, my heart goes out to all those that knew and loved Sergeant Plouff. Know that you are not alone in this journey that you walk and that Howard will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg.

Sergeant Plouff, thank you for helping to make this world a safer place. If you run into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a hug for all of us down here. It's been just over four years and we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne
"Forever Loving & Missing 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 8, 2007

I went through the Winston-Salem Police School with Howie, we sat next to each other and became close friends while I worked in Winston. Joyce and my wife became friends and we found them to be very special people. We moved from Winston and missed everything about the city and thought often of the fun times we spent with Howie, Joyce and other friends we shared a close bond with. Howard was as good a guy as you could know and will be missed. I pray for his family now as they need support. Mike

Ret. Sgt. Michael Raley
WSPD/ Winnsboro SC PD/ BCSD

June 5, 2007

I went throught the Winston-Salem Police Academy with Howard, and sat beside him becoming a very close fried to him and his wife. One day we viewed autopsy photos and Howard passed out and broke his nose on the table. He hated that he passed out and had to take a few classes to see if he could handle the stress of the street. Well he proved he could. I moved on from Winston but Howard and Joyce were always close in my thoughts. I check on the Dept every now and again and was so hurt to see this had happened. God bless Howard and his family, and all the office still serving and retired. Michael Raley

Sergant Ret. Police Officer
Winston-Salem PD/ Winnsboro SC PD

June 4, 2007

It is hard to realize you are no longer with us Howie! I constantly remember the summer we all played softball together! You were a great mentor and an example of how officers should treat citizens. You are greatly missed by all and your memory lives on with all of us! God bless you and your family! They are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

Captain
WakeMed Campus Police

May 31, 2007

Not a day goes by we don't think about you and miss you. Rest knowing our thoughts and prayers will forever be with your family.

WSPD

May 25, 2007

Rest in Peace Sgt Plouff. My prayers are with your family, friends, and co-workers.

Traffic Officer Daniel Flores
Ahoskie Police Dpt

May 16, 2007

To my friend, brother, family member and co-worker. I did not have the opportunity and privilege to work along side of you throughout your career. But what I've heard, I missed out on a great opportunity. I did get the chance to meet you in passing or brief conversations and I will honor that. "To GOD be the glory, for the things he has done". You've done many things and touched many of people as you can see for all the reflections from across the world. Rest my brother and we will continue as you would wish. Thank You from me and my family. I attended the home-going and had to see the mourning of family, and my prayers go out with them all.

Detective R. J. Paul
WSPD

May 14, 2007

To my friend, brother, family member and co-worker. I did not have the opportunity and privilege to work along side of you throughout your career. But what I've heard, I missed out on a great opportunity. I did get the chance to meet you in passing or brief conversations and I will honor that. "To GOD be the glory, for the things he has done". You've done many things and touched many of people as you can see for all the reflections from across the world. Rest my brother and we will continue as you would wish. Thank You from me and my family. I attended the home-going and had to see the mourning of family, and my prayers go out with them all.

Detective R. J. Paul
WSPD

May 14, 2007

Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

May 13, 2007

You gave the ultimate sacrafice while serving and protecting the community. Watch over the rest of us as we work to make this world a safer place to live. God bless you and your family.

Deputy Mary B. Syson
King County Sheriffs Department

May 8, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Sergeant Howard Plouff,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Howard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Sergeant Howard Plouff is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

April 27, 2007

Rest Brother.... Rest.

WSSU Police

April 26, 2007

2 months and it is still hard. you are missed Howie.

Winston-Salem PD

April 23, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Plouff's family, friends and fellow officers. I know first hand how tragic a time this is for all of you. The police family is an amazing one and I know you will all stick together and help each other heal. Please stay close to this family as I know how much love and laughter can help guide them through.

May God be with you all.

Elizabeth Gardner
Sister of Officer Drew Henley E.O.W. 3/19/2005

April 15, 2007

May you rest in peace. God bless you and your loved ones.

Phyllis
NC Citizen

April 5, 2007

Please know my families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My husband is an officer and my uncle passed in 1994 while on duty. We can never prepare our selves for such a tragic loss, we can only find comfort in knowing they passed doing what they loved and are in a better place.

Teresa
Lexington, NC

Teresa
Officer wife

April 4, 2007

Sergeant Plouff,
As two more North Carolina officers join you today, I am thinking of your family and friends. The committment and courage you showed makes the average citizen stop and think......and thank you.

a Pennsylvania citizen

April 1, 2007

I met you a few times in passing but it felt like my brother passed on that awful night. I grieve for you and your family. I pray for them and wish them the very best.

Baldo
Yanceyville Police Dept.

March 26, 2007

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

March 23, 2007

It was one month ago today that we learned of your tragedy, and you have been in our hearts and prayers every day since then. Thank you for giving your all. God bless you. Watch over all those still serving...

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

March 22, 2007

I think about you and your family everyday. I never met you in life, but I will never forget you.

Deputy
FCSO

March 20, 2007

I am sorry to hear about Sgt. Plouff's senseless death. My sympathy goes out to the Plouff Family and Sgt. Plouff's friends and co-workers.
I'm sure he's in a better place.

ofc. zilge
St. Paul Park Police Department (MN)

March 16, 2007

From Missouri to North Carolina our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....May GOD lay his hands upon you and give you comfort and strength..Standing on his Promise...

J. Lejeune MO. State Probation and Parol
Wife of MO. State Trooper

March 14, 2007