Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office mourning sudden death of lieutenant-investigator

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark. – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is grieving after the unexpected loss of one of its lead investigators.

A department spokesperson said that Lieutenant Terry Wingard has died. No cause of death was given by the department representative, but the death was stated to be “untimely.”

Wingard began in law enforcement as a Pine Bluff police patrolman in 2007 and joined the sheriff’s office in 2009. In 2015 he transferred to the sheriff’s office’s Criminal Investigation Division where he rose through the ranks to become the assistant commander.

The lieutenant was also a member of the department’s special response team.

Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. said he and the department lost someone who was more than an officer.

“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,” Woods said. “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.”

The sheriff has directed that all flags be flown at half-staff to commemorate Wingard’s passing.

Wingard is survived by his wife, Sarah-Miller Wingard, his father and mother Richard & Yvonne Wingard and sisters Alisha Todd & Kelly Connell. The spokesperson said details of the memorial service have not been finalized and will be shared with the public at a later time.

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