VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — As the new year gets underway, Vigo County Sheriff, Derek Fell took to social media to update the community about some changes to be expected in 2025 including new vehicles and patrol uniforms.
“Before Sheriff Plasse’s passing he had two changes/items in the works,” Sheriff Fell said. “We have been working on these items and it has been our full intention to see these to fruition.”
The post goes on to state that the sheriff’s office has begun its five-year purchase of updating the vehicle fleet.
“You will begin to see our new Tahoes on patrol in the coming months,” Fell stated “We will still maintain a few of our Durangos and maybe a couple of Explorers in our patrol division as well.”
The second goal involves updating the department’s Class B, patrol uniforms from all brown uniforms to black and green uniforms. That transition was expected by the first of January but has been delayed a few months.
“We will be posting photos of our updated uniforms prior to activating, so our community will recognize the difference,” Fell stated.
The statement notes that the department’s Class A or formal uniform will remain brown and tan.
The post wraps up by bringing attention to the update of the office’s hiring process and its attempt to hire more deputies. Previously VCSO obtained two deputies through a federal grant.
“Last year’s county council was gracious enough and approved additional deputies. Six years ago we had 23 to 24 deputies assigned to our patrol division. Once our new deputies are fully trained in 2025, we will have 29 deputies assigned to our patrol division. The most in our known history,” Fell stated. “Our goal with these requests was to provide a more visible presence in our community, ultimately reduce some of our response times, be able to raise our minimum patrol staffing numbers, and undoubtedly enhance officer safety.”
“Regardless of the vehicle we drive or our uniform color, our goal will remain steadfast to have a team of well-trained deputies who are serving our community with pride and providing you the safety and protection you so well deserve,” Fell stated.
