STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2009) - For two decades, Russ Plummer served as one of the first impressions many members of the public had about the Indiana Senate. As head doorkeeper, he offered friendly greeting to everyone.
Recently, Plummer found himself in an unusual circumstance. He was not in his normal spot outside the Senate Chambers lending a hand. Instead, he was on the Senate floor, getting a hand for the important role he played.
State Sen. Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood) authored the resolution, describing Plummer as a U.S. Air Force radio operator who was stationed in Japan following the Korean War.
"Plummer was instilled with a sense of discipline and honor, which served him well in his role as doorkeeper," Waltz said.
"You are a gentleman of the highest caliber," said State Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford), co-author of the resolution who added that Plummer has relatives in the Seymour and Brownstown areas of his district.
Now an Indianapolis resident who wrapped up his doorkeeper duties at the end of the 2008 legislative session, Plummer said he was completely surprised by the recent honor.
"It went so fast," Plummer said of his doorkeeper days. "I was here for the 1992 special session, witnessed four governors take office and saw the longest-serving Senate President Pro-Tem (Robert Garton) leave office. But one of the biggest thrills is the people I've had a chance to meet and greet over the years."
Admiration of Plummer was bipartisan. State Sen. Jim Lewis (D-Charleston) knew Plummer long before he came here as a doorkeeper.
"I ran into him in the late 40s," Lewis told the Senate. "I mean literally ran into him - on the basketball court in high school. He played for Vallonia High School and he was hard to move underneath the basket."
State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) said Plummer was the best kind of ambassador for state government.
"When I had the restaurant business, I always emphasized to the maitre d' and to the valet parker that you play the most important role in my restaurant because you are the first and last person that the customer sees," Alting said. "The same happens, I think with the Senate doorkeepers. You are the first and last individuals that many of the state citizens get to see when they visit the statehouse. We couldn't be prouder of you."
Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) - who came back to the Senate in 2008 after a 12-year absence - said Plummer's kindness is a link to both of her tours of duty here. "When I was elected to serve again in 2008, my daughter asked 'Mom, are those really nice doormen still there, like Russ?'"
Plummer said his first day on the job was a memorable one. One of the first people he encountered at the doors trying to get into the Senate chambers was dressed in a bear suit.
"It was Sen. Bill Vobach," Plummer said. "He was promoting the Indianapolis Zoo, which had not been built yet."
Praise for Plummer also came from two of the Senate's key people - State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) and Senate President Pro-Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne).
"I would get to the Statehouse early and Russ was always here to help with anything I might need," Kenley said.
"We appreciate all the great years of work," Long said. "We miss your smiling face and great sense of humor."
Plummer has a son, daughter, and five grandchildren.
Sen. Waltz represents Senate District 36, which includes portions of Marion and Johnson counties.
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