Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Ms. Kelly and The Plank Family: The memory of that sad morning lingers fresh on my heart today. I met with Eddy and his Trooper Friend Ronnie Howard at Circle Inn where he showed me his new unmarked light blue police car early that morning. He was more then a friend, and as his Chaplain I will forever be thankful for his service to Somerset and The State of Maryland. "Yes, Eddy Plank, you were and will forever remain, One of Marland's Finest ! " My prayers are with The Plank Family.

With My Deepest Respect and Love

Sonny B (MSP Chaplain Retired)

PS I also Honor Trooper Dennis Lord A True MSP Hero and Friend. God Bless and Keep Maryland's Finest In His Loving Care (especially my Barrack "X" Somerset Co.)

Chaplain Sonny Benton
Barrack "x" Somerset Co. (Retired)

October 18, 2011

Eddie,

I was in the police academy when you were killed. My wife cried her eyes out and asked me if this is what it was going to be like being married to a cop. You were the first officer/trooper to be killed in Maryland during my career here. Many have since fallen in Maryland as well, including close friends.

I have met Troopers that you worked with and even many years later, can tell the impact that your death has had on them.

We never met, but I can tell you that reading about the man you were had an impact on me as well.

You are one fallen hero that I will never forget.

Cpl
Howard County

May 23, 2011

Think of you often and miss your goofy laugh...

Jill Pearce Truitt
Friend and classmate

June 12, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

June 8, 2010

Another year come and gone. Love and miss you everyday!

Kelly
sister

October 19, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for your family as I know the hurt never goes away...the pain and pride is forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 17, 2009

Rest in peace young brother and thank you for your service.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

September 7, 2009

Eddie,
When I found this Memorial Page, dedicated to you, I immediately got the urge to say something to express my feelings, but I couldn't find just the right words. I've never been good with words and I guess that's why I learned to play the Bagpipes ...
It was an Honor to play "Going Home" and "Amazing Grace" at your grave site that terrible day we all had to say goodbye to you.
I continue to play for Heroes; Police Officers, Firefighters, Soldiers any time I am called. It's a very small contribution for those who gave so much. I Pray we all meet again some day ...

Sgt. Wm Corcoran (Retired #457)
P.G. County Police, MD

March 25, 2009

a true heroe is not forgotton but engraved on our hearts forever

firefighter31
crystal

March 7, 2009

Eddie, Its been a long while and man it just seemed like yesterday that you and i were cutting up in Somerset county. Every year at this time i get pulled to this site and relive the calls to you over the air that night. Rest well my friend those of us left behind still carry the tourch and your spirit! You will NEVER be forgotten! The blue light stays lit for you and so many others.

Cpl Atkins
Maryland natural resources police

December 25, 2008

13 years and I can still close my eyes and relive that day. And 13 years later your name and memory still lives on. Your friends and family still gather so that torch can burn in your honor - probably the biggest scholarship fundraiser yet. Mom and dad are the acadamy today as your fellow brothers and sisters of MSP honor you. They have picked up where you have left off protecting the citizens of Maryland. You are a hero to all of us. I love you and miss you!! Thank you for watching over us. Emily and Rose want to place flowers at your grave today so we will see you later!

Kelly
Sister

October 17, 2008

You are thought of today Trooper Plank, rest easy brohter

Inspector Mason R.
FPS

July 9, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a true hero to us all to look up too. You will never be forgotten. GOD bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

June 16, 2008

I just took a class with Mike Lewis. He told of story of your heroism and the kind of Tropper you were. I thank you for the legacy you left behind for all those in the law enforcement world. R.I.P. The bagpipes continue to play for you.

detective T.McCullagh
Ga Sheriffs Office

May 15, 2008

I'm not even sure how old I was but my father served for 30yrs as a state trooper for Maryland. Former 1st sgt Wheeler, that was my dad and when he died all I could remember was it was my dad, my mother and I riding in his marked car toward the eastern shore for Trooper Plank's funeral. The turn out, the amount of support and respect from all of these great women and men that came out to walk solemnly and slowly up toward a casket with a fallen hero lying inside, slowly each raised their arm up and saluted that man. As a kid I knew very little about that sort of honor but having served in the us army and either seen or heard of ours falling doing their part in self sacrifice I only wish I could have saluted that man, Trooper Plank.

e-4 former us army
son of a retired state trooper

February 20, 2008

Trooper Plank,

I did not know anything about you until today when I stumbled across your site. But you are a fellow Trooper and Troopers like you are the reason that Troopers everywhere are respected. You are one of many Troopers no longer with us that I keep in my thoughts.

Trooper
KSP

November 30, 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

November 7, 2007

I remember this incident quite well and of course it was very sad and very tragic, but your memory has not faded. May you always rest in peace and know that you will always be remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

October 17, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 16, 2007

I had Mike Lewis for a class the past two days and he spoke about you and your time together with the Maryland State Police. You were a warrior. 1*

Corporal J. R. Taylor
Greenville PD, NC

September 28, 2007

Though I've never met you or have heard of you before this page I am brought to tears by reading the ordeal. Thank you so much for protecting us. Your daughter would be almost 12 years old now. I'm sure she is proud of you. Thank you.

Anonymous
admirer

August 29, 2007

I drive down US 13 almost everyday and see that cross on the side of the road. You made the supreme sacrifice in name of justice and peace. I think of my kids everytime I see that cross, and understand that it can happen at any time to anyone of us out there. Strange isn't it? I don't know many people who have the bravery, dignity and diligence to do what needs to be done to keep law and order. I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to meet your Mom and Dad, and what great people they are! I know that they are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments you made as a Trooper. They have personally invited me to their home with open arms and sincerity. I know that you were a reflection of them, as many of your friends have told me so. So many of the men and women I have met who knew you (and they knew you well) have so many good things to say about the life you lived and the person you were. They have all expressed their grief and sadness that you are no longer a part of their lives and families. I wish I could've had the chance to know you, as I know you would be not only a comrad or aquantance, but a friend. Rest easy, and know that we still remember and honor what you have done for all of us.

Officer R. DeVincentz
Maryland Transportaion Authority Police

June 19, 2007

Everytime I ride Rt 13 I see your dedication sign and your cross on the side of the road. And each time, It brings a tear to my eye to think about your daughter and how she must feel. My daughter was the same age at the time of the shooting. It breaks my heart to know that your baby girl had to grow up without her daddy because of some loser. I pray your family has found peace!

Resident Of VA
US Coast Guard

May 26, 2007

Eddie,
I love and miss you so much. Another Christmas without you. I can't believe it's been 11 years. It still seems like yesterday sometimes. I wish Emily and Rose could have known you. They see your picture at mom and dad's and then they ask about Uncle Eddie. Even though they never knew you, they know you and how much we loved you and they know what a hero you are. Nick still talks about wanting to be a Trooper. Thank you for who you are and thank you for watching over us because I know you are. Love always.

Kelly
Sister

December 28, 2006

Eddie..I still sit here after 11 yrs ago and tears still roll down my eyes...I miss the fun we had as friends thru High School..The fun times we all had with the group of friends we hung around and parties..I miss you as a great friend and fellow officer when we worked together..I know your family is still proud of you and so am I..Too bad the system lets us down..You will ALWAYS remain in my thoughts and your family is still in my prayers...Dennis..YOU TOO are in my prayers because IT does seem like yesterday...I really miss Eddie too...God Bless to Mr. and Mrs. Plank and Eddie's child...We love you and miss you!!!

Cpl. Van Muir III
Worcester Co. Deputy/Friend

December 22, 2006