It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of Lieutenant Terry Wingard, a dedicated and respected member of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) and a beloved figure within the law enforcement community.
Lieutenant Wingard began his distinguished law enforcement career on January 2, 2007, with the Pine Bluff Police Department, where he served as a patrolman. His commitment to protecting and serving the community led him to join the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on February 4, 2009. Initially assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division, Lieutenant Wingard’s exemplary performance and leadership earned him a transfer to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in 2015, where he rose through the ranks to become the Assistant CID Commander. Lieutenant Wingard was not only an integral part of CID but also an active member of JCSO’s Special Response Team, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to duty.
“The news of Lieutenant Wingard’s untimely passing is devastating for the men and women of JCSO, as well as the entire law enforcement community,” Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr said, adding that the loss of Lieutenant Wingard is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. “Lieutenant Wingard was more than just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a brother in uniform who embodied the values of honor, courage, and commitment.”
In recognition of Lieutenant Wingard’s devoted service and as a mark of respect, I have issued a directive for all flags, including JCSO’s thin blue line flag, to be flown at half-staff. This gesture symbolizes our collective mourning and the profound impact that Lieutenant Wingard’s life and service have had on us all.
Details of memorial services for Lieutenant Wingard will be forthcoming and will be shared with the public once they are finalized. As we come together to honor his memory, let us keep his family-his wife, Sarah Miller-Wingard; his father, Richard Wingard; his mother, Yvonne Wingard; and his sisters, Alisha Todd and Kelly Connell-in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lieutenant Wingard’s legacy of service and dedication will forever be remembered, and his absence will be deeply felt across our department and the broader community.
We ask that during this time of mourning that the family and all who knew Terry be kept in prayer as we continue the grieving process.
