Sept. 27 marked the first memorial motorcycle ride honoring the legacy of the late 38-year-old Lt. Terry W. Wingard, a former member of the Jefferson County sheriff’s office.
The group of 50-plus cyclists and Jeep drivers, largely from law enforcement backgrounds, began gathering at 9 a.m. in the White Hall High School parking lot. Registrants wore the “colors” of four different clubs: the Blue Knights, Delta 7, Punishers and Condors.
Pine Bluff Arsenal security officer Dustin Summers, vice president of the Blue Knights and co-organizer of the occasion, shared what the day’s event was intended to accomplish.
“All the money raised by the ride goes to fund Terry Wingard’s Shield Foundation, a non-profit founded by Terry’s parents and siblings after losing him on Aug. 2, 2024,” Summers said.
The foundation’s mission statement says, “Terry Wingard’s Shield is an organization dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of all Arkansas first responders and their families. Our mission is to promote awareness, provide education and offer training to agencies, while supporting professionals and programs committed to mental health in this vital field.”
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Summers appreciated the supporters.
“I’d like to thank all the businesses and individuals who contributed to this event and all our volunteers helping make it happen. We’ve already raised over $18,000 in funds and items and spent only $1,000 to get here. It all goes to the foundation,” he said.
Wingard’s family were an integral part of the day. His parents, Sam and Yvonne Wingard, along with sisters, Alisha Todd and Kelly Connell, wore their neck pendants containing some of Terry’s cremains.
“We take Terry with us everywhere we go,” Todd said. “The proceeds from today are going to stand in the gap as a place for first responders to ask for help.”
She explained how the foundation’s shield emblem represents resilience, unity and the collective strength of first responders and the new organization’s commitment to creating a protective and supportive barrier for law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, 911 operators and their families against the mental and emotional challenges they encounter in the line of duty.
“It emphasizes how they are not alone in those struggles and how hope and healing can be found in mutual support,” Todd said. “We want it to be a place where they can come address mental health concerns without fear of judgement.”
Summers recalled his relationship with Wingard.
“Terry and I were best friends and used to ride together a lot, so his parents gave me his Honda VTX 1300 CC motorcycle. His buddies and I completely rebuilt it from the ground up based on several texts he wrote to me and others over a couple of years,” Summers said.
Summers explained how upon leaving White Hall High School at 10 a.m., riders would take Arkansas 365 to Redfield. From there they followed Arkansas 46 to Sheridan, then hit 270 for the return ride to White Hall City Park. The 50-mile round trip took just over an hour.
Beginning at 11 a.m., Jay Holmes and Cripple Creek Band performed on the park stage while the large crowd was treated to music, pulled pork sandwiches, door prizes and a silent auction.
For information or to contribute to the Terry Wingard’s Shield Foundation, contact Summers at (870) 692-6436.
