ENDORSEMENTS

Roland M. Kohr, M.D.Forensic Pathologist and former Vigo County Coroner

It is with great pleasure that I am able to offer my endorsement for Derek Fell for Vigo County Sheriff.
Derek began with the Sheriff’s office in 2002 as a correctional officer, and became a Sheriff’s Deputy in 2004. During his career he has worked all three shifts, providing him with a variety of experiences and understanding of the challenges in covering Vigo County 24 hours a day. His roles with the Department have included criminal investigations, scene investigations, and working several high profile cold cases. He has had extensive special training in various areas related to criminal investigations, and served as an instructor for other officers in a variety of subjects. Derek has held several leadership roles during his time on the department, including Assistant Corrections Supervisor, Coordinator of Reserve Deputies, Commander of the Criminal Task Force, and was appointed the Chief of Operations by Sheriff John Plasse, under whom he served for 5 years. Following the death of Sheriff Plasse in 2024, Deputy Fell was named Vigo County Sheriff, a position he has filled with honor and dedication. In addition to his routine duties, Derek has served on the Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard. In recognition of his efforts within the Department, he has twice received the Sheriff’s Commendation award, and twice received the Homicide Unit Recognition. I personally got to know Sheriff Fell in 2014 when we served together on the Cold Case Task Force looking into the death of Earl Taylor’s first wife. Working closely with Deputy Fell, who also served as a liaison with the Cold Case Files television production team, we were able to build a case, which resulted in a trial where Taylor was found guilty of his wife’s murder, resulting in his return to prison. As a lifelong resident of Vigo County, with his wife and two daughters, Derek is committed to the safety of all Vigo County citizens. He has the track record to prove it. Having worked with different Vigo County Sheriff’s since 1988, not to mention dozens of county sheriffs from the other counties I served as Medical Examiner for during the past 37 years, I have the greatest of respect for Sheriff Fell. I have no doubt that he is the best man for the job, and can recommend him without hesitation.

Roland M. Kohr, M.D. Forensic Pathologist and former Vigo County Coroner
Over the last few years I have had the privilege to work with and get to know Sheriff Derek Fell. When I served on the Vigo County Council he would often have to work on the needs of the Sheriff's Department and the jail through planning, requests, and budgets. What I appreciated the most from him was that he would find ways to think outside of the box and into the future on solving problems. He would come to us with options and speak honestly about what would best serve the deputies and the people impacted by the funding and decisions. Sheriff Fell looks for opportunities to rehabilitate and help those serving time which not only impacts their family and neighbors, but also serves the needs of our community. He has made our county safer by advocating for additional deputies and ensuring we are able to hire and retain those who serve. As an educator and engaged member of our hometown I have seen families impacted by trauma, and Sheriff Fell works with his department and other stakeholders in our community to stop some of the cycles we see. I have attended countless meetings and community events with Sheriff Fell over the years and during those times I loved seeing him interact with the public, especially the youth in building connections. He is a dedicated leader to his department and the people of Vigo County and is a true example of what it means to serve and engage with his community. I am confident in saying it would be beneficial to our county that we should support Sheriff Derek Fell as he works towards continuing his leadership and work as Vigo County Sheriff.
When I first started my journey with the Sheriff's Office, I was a patrol officer and it just so happened that I was assigned a district south of town. As a result, I was sent to the K-Mart store where loss prevention had a person stopped for criminal conversion. Derek Fell was working at K-Mart in loss prevention. He had made the stop. Throughout several months I would return to K-Mart and eventually became friends with Derek. His stops were always spot on along with the paperwork. I learned very early that Derek was very thorough in gathering evidence. Later on Derek applied for, passed the testing, and was accepted as a deputy sheriff doing well in the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Over the course of years we would work alongside each other and I came to realize that Derek always had the best interest of the citizens in mind; he was fair and at times would think outside of the box to resolve problems. Deputies always knew Derek would have your back when things got crazy. Derek always handled himself with pride along with integrity in his job. Even when Derek was appointed as a detective, if he was out and anywhere close to where you were having issues on a call, he would show up. This was particularly helpful one evening where another deputy and myself were involved in a fight. Derek showed up, jumped in and eventually we got the situation handled with no one being injured. I have learned over the years watching Derek grow into leadership positions that he always had the best interest of the deputies he served with in the forefront and believe that is still the case. Vigo County is safer as a result of his actions now and then and most importantly the men and women who serve as deputies in the County are safer; he does not compromise on this. Derek is a known entity and a leader who will take the Sheriff's Office into the future.
Good day to all. As I sit here with another County wide election looming I find it important and it is with great pleasure that I share my thoughts on the election of our next Sheriff of Vigo County.

A lot has changed since County voters elected me as their “Top Cop” in 2002, taking office in Jan. 2003. I served two terms leaving office on December 31, 2010. Much has changed in technology since then, this is true. But how to apply the new innovations hasn’t. It still takes an individual who is well rounded enough through time on the job, to apply that technology. That person, in my opinion, is the current Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell.

Derek was hired as a Jail Officer by my friend and former Sheriff Bill Harris. He quickly rose above the rest of the Officers exhibiting excellent oversight capabilities and was promoted to assistant corrections supervisor of the Jail.

After my election as Sheriff, a position as a deputy sheriff became available. Derek applied and due to his excellent work in the jail, he was my choice to move out to the road as a deputy. After a year and showing how capable he was, he was moved into C.I.D. (Detectives). Derek led the division in arrest closure rates. During the period of time spent in the patrol and detective divisions, he was considered a very proactive deputy sheriff. Because of his “nose to the grindstone “ attitude and leadership abilities, he was later assigned as the cold case homicide detective. In that position he worked very closely with the national TV show “Cold Justice”. Derek is credited to having help solve and ultimately brought to justice two of the old murder cases.

Years ago he created and implemented a criminal activity task force that focuses on a variety of areas such as child predators, warrant services, saturation patrols, school bus patrols and others. I’m happy to say that unit is still going strong today.

During the late Sheriff John Plasse’s term, John asked me my opinion on his appointment of Derek as his Chief of Operations. I told Sheriff Plasse he could not have made a better choice. In that position, Derek oversaw all operations including the jail except for patrol. In the last few weeks of John’s life, he expressed to all that when he passed Derek Fell was his choice to fill out his remaining term. After John Plasse’s untimely death, County precinct Committee persons voted to appoint Derek to fill Johns position.

Sheriff Fell has served with distinction knowing the job he was tasked with. But in hindsight, that is the kind of attitude he has carried throughout his law enforcement career.

Sincerely,

Jon R. Marvel

Vigo County Sheriff, retired
Endorsement for Derek Fell – A Proven Leader for Vigo County Sheriff

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Derek Fell for Vigo County Sheriff. My support for Derek comes from personal experience and years of observing his dedication to justice and community safety.

I first met Derek in 2013 when he assisted in the investigation of my sister Erika Case’s unsolved 1998 murder. During that time, Derek guided my family through the complex process of participating in the Cold Justice television program. Although the case remained unsolved at the conclusion of the show, Derek stayed in touch and continued to support us.

In January 2014, when my sister’s murderer confessed and was extradited from Iowa back to Vigo County, Derek—then a detective—remained a steady source of communication and support throughout the lengthy legal process, which concluded with a plea agreement in 2015. His professionalism, compassion, and commitment during one of the most difficult times in my life left a lasting impression.

Since then, I have watched Derek grow into a strong leader within the department, someone who advocates tirelessly for the safety of both the community and his team. His integrity, experience, and unwavering dedication make him the right choice to lead Vigo County law enforcement into the future.

I encourage you to join me and my family in supporting Derek Fell for Vigo County Sheriff. Our community deserves a leader who combines experience, empathy, and a true commitment to justice—and Derek is that leader.

Sincerely,
Mary E Brown
My name is Kelly Siegler and I am the former Prosecutor who works on the Oxygen tv show “Cold Justice” where we try our hardest to help local law enforcement agencies solve their cold murder cases. I first met your Sheriff Derek Fell when we worked with Vigo County on the Erika Case case in 2013 and then worked with him again in 2014 when we worked on the Kathy Taylor case. Both cases ended in getting justice for the families and for the people of Vigo County; much of that success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work and skills of your current Sheriff. For that, we thank him. Because I have worked with so many different local law enforcement officers from all over the country and seen so many different personalities and approaches to their work as well as individual dedication and attitudes, I would like to weigh in on Sheriff Fell. He immediately impressed us in all of those areas along with his interview skills and his knowledge of the latest technology and expertise in criminal law, to the degree that he was invited to come and work on more cold cases with us as an expert in other states. Derek Fell was impressive from the moment I met him and he still is today. If counties all across the United States had men just like Derek Fell as their Sheriff, the criminal justice system would be in much better shape, more cases would be solved and resolved and the departments they command would be left better off. I recommend Sheriff Fell in every aspect as your Sheriff for another term.

Sincerely, Kelly Siegler
To the Voters of Vigo County,

It is with great confidence and sincerity that I offer my full support for Derek Fell in the election for Sheriff of Vigo County. I have had the privilege of knowing Derek since 2002, when he was first hired as a correctional officer at the Vigo County Jail. Throughout his career, Derek has consistently demonstrated a genuine heart for public service, paired with a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. In 2004, he was hired as a merit Deputy Sheriff, and in 2005 he graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). That same year, Derek was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division as a detective, where he served with dedication and professionalism. He later worked in the Uniform Division, gaining valuable experience across all shifts throughout his career. In 2011, he completed additional training and served as a Crime Scene Investigator. Derek has also served as the Reserve Deputy Coordinator, further demonstrating his commitment to mentoring and leadership within the department. In 2019, Derek was appointed Chief of Operations by Sheriff John Plasse, a role he held with integrity and excellence until 2024. Following Sheriff Plasse’s passing, Derek was selected to serve as Sheriff, a responsibility he has carried with honor, stability, and respect for the office. Derek married his wife, Alli, in 2007 and are raising their two daughters here in Vigo County. As a lifelong resident, Derek is deeply invested in this community and genuinely cares about the people he serves. With over thirty years of experience in law enforcement and service under numerous administrations, I can confidently say that Sheriff Derek Fell has led an administration that is second to none. He is a true servant leader—one who leads with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Vigo County.

Sincerely,

Rick J Decker
Why am I supporting Derek Fell for Sheriff?

I have known Derek for many years, both professionally and personally. Derek has proven to be dedicated to his profession and his community. It is shown through his many service accomplishments.

22 years in law enforcement

Road Patrol

Interstate Criminal Enforcement Unit

Criminal Activity Task Force Unit

Criminal Investigations

Crime Scene Investigation

Cold Case homicides

Honor Guard

Derek has held various leadership positions as well

Assistant Corrections Supervisor

Reserve Deputy Coordinator

Criminal Activity Task Force Commander

Awards Committee Chairman

Chief of Operations

Sheriff

Safety first for us and members of the law enforcement community. Making sure the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department has the manpower and the equipment to do the job to the best of their ability. I have the upmost trust in his ability as sheriff.

Derek is a lifelong resident of Vigo County, where he and his wife, Ali with their two daughters call home.

Dedication, Experience, Trustworthy, Transparency, Proven Leadership

These are just a few reasons I am supporting Derek Fell for Vigo County Sheriff, and I hope you will join me.

Jeff Fisher

Fire Chief, Retired
In my half century career as a journalist, I wrote for the newspaper, helped to make WTHI-TV News into the powerhouse news station it used to be, and traveled the world for TV network news. I covered Lech Walesa when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in Poland, and Apartheid & Nelson Mandela in prison in South Africa, the arrest of the Unabomber in Montana, O.J. Simpson’s murder trial in L.A., & the execution of Timothy McVeigh right here in Terre Haute. One thing I learned in common from these experiences was the importance of law enforcement in a community. When I returned to my hometown, I could not have been more impressed with the leadership in the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Derek Fell is highly respected by his deputies and his community. He is serious minded and well-educated. His department is extremely well organized. The vehicles are in good condition, and with the assistance of Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard, he has a new on-site vehicle maintenance at the law enforcement facility. Sheriff Fell has been successful in adding desperately needed deputies to his staff and raising pay for them. I strongly encourage Vigo County residents to support Sheriff Derek Fell. Sheriff Fell is a remarkably strong lawman — and an exceptionally fine man, working hard to make Vigo County an even better place to live!

Respectfully,

— Vicki Weger

Vigo County Council
During my 30+ year career at the Vigo County Sheriff's Office I've been very fortunate to work alongside several fine men and women. I've also worked for several Sheriff's (5 to be exact) over all these years. At one point in my career, I was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division and part of our assignments was to conduct background investigations on potential new hires for Deputy Sheriff. One of the potential candidates was Derek Fell, a correctional officer at the time, that was assigned to me. I didn't know who he was other than knowing he was an employee for the Sheriff's Office. After meeting Derek and finding out more about him, I quickly saw the potential that he had in him and through the process he was hired as a Merit Deputy. After returning to road patrol, I was assigned to the 3p-11p shift and worked alongside Derek. Although he was a new deputy, I could see how well he was able to handle situations, remain calm, show empathy, and respect to those he came in contact with on a daily basis.

Derek then was assigned as the crime scene technician for the Criminal Investigations Division. Derek excelled in that position and helped to investigate and solve many crimes that had occurred, putting in long hours and tedious work. During the John Plasse administration Derek was promoted to Chief of Operations and was in that position until the untimely death of Sheriff Plasse. John Plasse saw the potential that Derek processed and knew that Derek would be able to lead us when that time came. During the last 1 1⁄2 years I have been able to witness firsthand how Derek has grown into the leader that we all knew he could be. I've been able to have several conversations with him and listen to how passionate he is about being Sheriff and doing the right thing for the citizens of Vigo County. Once again, I have had the pleasure to work under 5 Sheriff's during my career. Derek is not only a great sheriff, but he has also created a top notch administration to

surround him and work together as a team.

There is only one choice for me and my family this next election, and that choice is Derek Fell!

Respectfully,

Sean Trevarthan
I am writing to express my full support for Sheriff Derek Fell in his continued service to the people of Vigo County. I have known Derek personally for over twenty years and during that time I have also had the privilege of working alongside him as a fellow first responder. These decades of shared experience have given me a clear and firsthand understanding of his character, leadership and unwavering commitment to our community.

Derek’s dedication to his department and to the citizens of Vigo County is truly unmatched. He approaches every challenge with integrity, professionalism and a genuine desire to serve. Whether responding to critical incidents or working behind the scenes to strengthen public safety, Derek consistently demonstrates calm judgment, strong work ethic and compassion for the people he protects.

As a colleague, he has always been dependable and respectful, setting a high standard for those around him. As a leader, he has proven himself capable of guiding his team through difficult situations while maintaining the trust and confidence of the community.

It is with great respect and confidence that I offer my support for Sheriff Derek Fell. I believe he is the right person to continue leading the sheriff’s office and ensuring the safety and well-being of Vigo County.

Sincerely,

Darrick C. Scott
To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to offer my full endorsement of Sheriff Derek Fell for Vigo County Sheriff.

I have known Derek for more than 25 years. During that time, our relationship has grown far beyond a professional association. Derek and his wife Ali are close friends of mine, and I truly consider them family. I consider Derek’s family as a part of my own extended family. Knowing him personally for so long has allowed me to see firsthand the depth of his character, his loyalty, and the values that guide his life and career.

Professionally, I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Derek as a fellow deputy sheriff. I have always known him to operate with honor, dignity, and respect. He is fair, consistent, and treats everyone he serves—citizens and employees alike—with professionalism and dignity. His high character is not situational; it is who he is every day.

Derek is deeply devoted to his family and friends, and that same sense of responsibility and care extends to the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office and our community. I have personally witnessed him advocate for deputies and staff, working to secure better benefits and improved conditions for those who dedicate their lives to public service. He understands that taking care of personnel is essential to building a strong, effective agency.

Throughout his career, Derek has also demonstrated innovation and forward-thinking leadership. He has been at the forefront of creating programs and specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office aimed at combating crimes against children and addressing other major crimes within our community. These efforts reflect both his commitment to public safety and his willingness to adapt and lead proactively rather than reactively.

Over the years, I have watched Derek develop into an exceptional leader—one who leads by example, earns trust, and never loses sight of the responsibility entrusted to him. Based on my decades-long personal friendship and professional experience with him, I can say without hesitation that Derek Fell is the right choice to serve as Vigo County Sheriff.

Our community will continue to be well served by his leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to fairness and justice.

Sincerely,

Jim Palmer

38 year resident of Vigo County

25 year member of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office
Derek Fell has combined his passion and purpose in life by serving and protecting others. Throughout his career with the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, he has served in a multitude of capacities. This has given him an opportunity to truly understand the complexity of the role of the Sheriff, due to his experiences in all levels of service from entry level to administrative.

Derek is accustomed to collaborating as a member of our team, as well as working independently to develop and lead initiatives. He understands the value and importance of focusing all efforts with the mission and vision of the Sheriff’s Office. He also firmly believes in the importance of establishing relationships to earn the trust and respect of internal and external partners. Individuals throughout our community, as well as his co-workers, value his work ethic and high standards. Ensuring effectiveness and efficiency is a priority. His focus for decision making is saturated in what is best for our community.

Derek’s total experience, along with his education has prepared him to continue to serve and lead in this capacity. As a lifelong resident of Vigo County, community service is more than an interest or involvement, it is an investment, both personally and professionally, to continue to serve and support others.

I have served the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office in a multitude of roles for over three decades through the leadership of five different Sheriffs. It is a privilege to wholeheartedly support and endorse Derek Fell to continue to serve Vigo County as Sheriff.

Respectfully

John Moats
A letter of support

As a Terre Haute resident, mother, and local business owner, I have seen firsthand how the strength of our community depends on leaders who genuinely care about the people they serve. That is why I am proud to offer my wholehearted support for Sheriff Derek Fell as he seeks a second term as the Sheriff of Vigo County.

Sheriff Fell is not only an exceptional law enforcement officer, but also a devoted father, husband, and man of deep character. His commitment to protecting others is rooted in personal experience. Having grown up in a home where he witnessed domestic violence, he understands the fear and uncertainty families can face behind closed doors. That perspective has shaped the way he serves our community—with compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to ensuring people feel safe.

Two years ago, Sheriff Fell became part of my family’s life during one of the most difficult and frightening seasons we have ever experienced. As issues with my soon-to-be ex-husband escalated, there were multiple occasions when we had to call the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department. Living in the county, Sheriff Fell unfortunately became familiar with our situation.

During that time, he was not just a law enforcement officer responding to calls. He was a steady presence when my children and I needed protection the most. When a very difficult situation became even worse, Sheriff Fell played an instrumental role in helping ensure our safety during an extremely vulnerable time.

What meant just as much is that his support did not end when the immediate crisis passed. Sheriff Fell continued to check in on our family, help explain charges and legal processes, advocate for victims’ rights, and remain accessible when we needed guidance or reassurance. That level of care and commitment goes far beyond what most people expect from public service.

Because of his own experiences and the compassion he brings to his work, Sheriff Fell does not just enforce the law—he understands the human side of it. He is deeply committed to helping victims feel heard, protected, and supported, while working every day to make Vigo County a safer community for all of us.

My family will always be grateful for the role Sheriff Fell played in protecting us during one of the most vulnerable times of our lives. When you have experienced firsthand what it means to need protection and someone truly shows up for you, you never forget it.

Sheriff Derek Fell leads with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to the people of Vigo County. I strongly support him for a second term and firmly believe our community is safer because of his leadership.

Sincerely,
Ceci Spoonmore
Terre Haute, In
My name is Mike Janes and I worked for the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy before being selected as a full time merit deputy in 2000 under Sheriff Bill Harris. I have had numerous occasions to work alongside Sheriff Derek Fell when he worked in loss prevention for K-Mart and during his time as a corrections officer in the early 2000s. I always found Derek Fell to be someone who displayed consistent integrity regardless of the position he held. He treated people with respect at all times and consistently demonstrated empathy and accountability for those accused of crimes. Derek Fell has always made decisions based on what is best for the community. You should not hesitate to vote for him as your next Sheriff of Vigo County.

-Mike Janes
My name is Julie Plasse. My husband was Sheriff John Plasse. Since John’s passing in July of 2024, Derek Fell has lead the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office as our sheriff. He confidently assumed the daily operations as a qualified, experienced leader.

My family fully supports Derek for sheriff. John voiced his support in a touching video shortly before his passing. He gave his blessing for Derek to finish his term. Many people tell me if John chose Derek, they will choose Derek too.

Please join my family in supporting the only candidate truly qualified for this top law enforcement position - Vote Derek Fell for Sheriff in May!

Julie, Ryan, & Dylaney Plasse
Bryttany & Jeremy Dunkley
Support from The Hendrix Family,

When our family relocated to Terre Haute in 2024 for a career opportunity, we were stepping into a brand-new chapter of life. One of the first events we attended was the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at the Convention Center. That evening, we had the privilege of meeting Sheriff Derek Fell — and from that very first interaction, we knew we were meeting someone special.

Sheriff Fell welcomed us not just as new residents, but as neighbors. His warmth, authenticity, and genuine interest in our story immediately made Terre Haute feel more like home. You could clearly see his servant’s heart and his passion for protecting and serving the citizens of Vigo County.

Having spent the last 40 years in Georgia, I have supported and been involved in numerous campaigns ranging from Governor to local city council races. Over time, you learn that titles don’t define public servants — character does. And character shows up in real-time conversations, in how someone listens, and in how they treat people when there’s nothing to gain.

Sheriff Fell embodies integrity, dedication, and humility. He is a highly respected law enforcement officer, a devoted family man, and a leader who truly cares about the safety and well-being of this community. Vigo County is blessed to have someone who enforces the law while never losing sight of the people behind it.

For our family, this support is deeply personal. The Hendrix family is proud and honored to stand behind Sheriff Derek Fell.

Billy and Crystal Hendrix