Terry Wingard's
Shield Foundation
Terry's Story
A LIFE OF SERVICE. A LEGACY OF SUPPORT.
A Life of Service
Terry Wingard was born September 24, 1985, to Richard and Yvonne (Terry) Wingard. With two older sisters, Alisha (Wingard) Todd and Kelly (Wingard) Connell, Terry grew up surrounded by family and a tradition of service. His father worked for the White Hall Police Department and also served as a White Hall Volunteer Firefighter.
Terry began his own career in public service as a dispatcher for Jefferson County 911 Dispatch (MECA). After graduating from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, he achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a law enforcement officer when he joined the Pine Bluff Police Department on January 2, 2007. On February 4, 2009, Terry joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Officer.
Jefferson County 911 Dispatcher (MECA)
Began his career in public service
Pine Bluff Police Department
January 2, 2007
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
February 4, 2009
Terry loved all aspects of his profession. Throughout his career, he served in many roles, including dispatcher, SWAT, bike patrol, and K-9 handler with his cherished partner, Andor. In 2015, Terry joined the Criminal Investigation Division, where he was promoted to Sergeant and later Lieutenant. He spent the remainder of his career serving as Assistant Commander of CID as well as the Jefferson Response Team.
More Than a Badge
But Terry was so much more than a badge. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a friend, and the “fun uncle.” The one who taught his five nephews things their parents didn't always approve of—and then gave that unmistakable “Terry giggle” when he got caught.
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Most of all, Terry had a love for his family and friends. He was the life of the party and could make you laugh until you cried, aggravate you beyond belief, call at the most inconvenient times just to “chat,” or push your buttons like no one else. But if you were lucky enough to truly know him, you knew this: he loved you, and he always had your back.
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Terry loved being outdoors—whether he was in the woods, on an ATV, riding his motorcycle by himself or with the Blue Knights, or heading out on a family trip where he always insisted on taking the scenic route. He loved to read, had a diverse taste in music, was a constant tinkerer, loved technology, and was a longtime advocate for animals.
A Legacy That Lives On
Terry also carried burdens. Like so many first responders, he saw things most people will never see. He carried experiences most people will never understand. And over time, that weight adds up.
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On August 2, 2024, we lost Terry to suicide. That day changed our lives forever. In the midst of that loss, we came face to face with a hard truth: mental health is still too often pushed aside, left unspoken, and hidden behind strength and silence.
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Terry’s story didn’t end there. His family created Terry Wingard’s Shield to stand in the gap for first responders and their families—to support those struggling with mental health and to bring greater awareness to suicide within these professions.​​​
His story continues through these three words:
Share
Share your stories so others know they’re not alone.
Seek
Seek help without hesitation—because that first step is strength, not weakness.
Stand
Stand for one another because sometimes the strongest thing we can do is hold the line for someone else
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."