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Warsaw's former mayor, Jeff Plank, will soon become a Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest honor, State Senator Kent Adams announced Thursday.
At a roast for Plank Thursday, Adams announced through a letter read by John Davis that Plank's award was approved by Governor Frank O'Bannon. Adams will present the award to Plank soon, he said.
Adams' announcement was among the accolades, tributes and insults that flew at the roast, a surprise gathering of more than 100 people at Center Lake Pavilion. Hosted by Grace College Professor John Davis, the roast included friends, colleagues, community leaders and city workers who shared comments about the former mayor.
Gus Sideris, who has worked on Plank's mayoral campaigns, called Plank "a modest and humble man, and with good reason, I might add."
Warsaw's public works superintendent Kim Leake brought up Plank's driving reputation and the need for frequent car repairs, and said that during Plank's tenure as mayor, Warsaw was the only town with a wrecker service on retainer.
And Warsaw Police Chief Craig Allebach returned Plank's city identification badge to him "so you could prove to people you really were mayor."
All of the speakers also thanked Plank for his service to the community and several listed his accomplishments, such as the Senior Opportunity Center, Central Park, neighborhood parks, sewer improvements and expansions, city budget integrity, revitalization of downtown and the yard waste recycling program.
Davis recognized Plank for his ability to motivate people, his strength of character and "his moral and ethical integrity."
Plank, who was given a chance to respond at the end of the program, said he was only as effective as the people surrounding him. He also said that his greatest concern continues to be the people throughout the community who are suffering: "They must never, ever be forgotten."
He thanked those present for their support over the years, and said, "Being mayor of this city has been the most marvelous experience, the greatest blessing that I've had."
