Police Benevolent Foundation Check Presented to
Survivor Beth Hutchens

Winston-Salem Chapter President Lou Taylor (Center)  with Joyce Plouff (Left)
and Beth Hutchens (Right)

On April 30, 2010, Beth Hutchens was presented a Police Benevolent Foundation check by NCPBA Division President Randy Byrd at a luncheon in honor of her husband Sgt. Mickey Hutchens.   Sgt. Hutchens, a PBA member and Winston-Salem officer, was shot in the line of duty on October 7, 2009 while pursuing a suspect on foot.  He succumbed to his injuries several days later.  Through the PBA benefits package, Beth was able to receive a death benefit.  In addition to this benefit, a fund was set up through the Police Benevolent Foundation to raise additional funds for the Hutchens family.  The Police Benevolent Foundation is a charitable arm of the PBA which provides aid to the families of our fallen members, scholarships to well deserving youth and funding for law enforcement officers in times of natural and man-made disasters.    
 

Numerous members of the Winston-Salem chapter were on hand including Winston-Salem chapter President Lou Taylor.   Executive Director John Midgette and PBF Advisory Board member Brett Moyer were also in attendance along with Joyce Plouff. Joyce lost her husband, Sgt. Howard Plouff, in the line of duty in 2007.   Sgt. Plouff was also a Winston Salem officer and PBA member.   Joyce worked with the PBA to pass legislation in Howard's honor that enhanced benefits for survivors of officers who lose their lives in the line of duty (SB-411).  She made several trips to Raleigh with chapter members to speak on behalf of the legislation. She also offered poignant remarks at the bill signing ceremony when the legislation became law.
 

As part of the luncheon, Beth and Joyce were presented framed "Patrolman's Journal magazines by the PBA.  Sgt. Hutchens had been on the cover of the most recent edition and Beth had written a beautiful article about his legacy.  Sgt. Howard Plouff had been featured on a previous cover with an article about Joyce’s efforts in honoring him through the passage of SB-411.   These framed covers with serve as a lasting keepsake for both of them.   Beth and Joyce offer incredible examples of determination and grace in the face of extreme adversity.  Lou Taylor is also to be commended for her efforts in moving the chapter forward during these difficult times.   On January 11-13, 2010, a contingent of Winston-Salem chapter members led by Lou and Beth attended the “Traumas of Law Enforcement” seminar in Charlotte, N.C.  The seminar was sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors Inc. (C.O.P.S) and prepared participants for handling a line-of-duty death.  The Winston-Salem chapter is using the information from the seminar to develop a peer support group within the Winston-Salem Police department. 

 

Plaque Given to Beth Hutchens

Plaque Given to Joyce Plouff