Chief of police heads off to war

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - In February, Chief of Police John Plasse received news that he was being deployed to Afghanistan.

"I love my job, I love what I'm doing now the opportunity to be the chief and to go into a foreign country where people are trying to hurt us it's not a good feeling," Plasse said.

Plasse already completed a middle east tour of duty in Iraq a few years ago. However, the United States plans to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan this year alone. Plasse's 38th Infantry Division out of Indianapolis is part of that group.

"I wasn't anticipating going back this soon, but this is something I signed up to do 20 some years ago and that's part of it," Plasse said.

Plasse said one of the hardest things is leaving his family, but choosing a replacement while he's gone was easy. Chief of Operations, Mark Eldred will take over.

"The public should know Mark's a fully capable leader, his integrity is unquestionable, he'll do a great job as chief," Plasse said.

Plasse's last day in office will be on June 11. He will officially deploy to Afghanistan for 400 days in August.