A memorial fund has been established to support the family of Lincoln County Sheriff's deputy Ryan Terpsma.

Terpsma was killed in the line of duty while answering a call for help the night of Friday, Oct. 30 night in Eureka.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office asked the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association to establish the Deputy Ryan Terpsma Memorial Fund to support his family.

According to a press release from Sheriff Darren Short, the fund is the official and only place for donations that the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the family are authorizing.

"The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (MSPOA) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Terpsma, who was killed in the line of duty on October 30, 2026, while responding to a call for service in Eureka, Montana," a MSPOA official said. "The loss of Deputy Terpsma is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day as they answer the call to serve and protect their communities. His death is felt not only by his family, friends and fellow members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, but also by the entire Montana law enforcement community and the people we serve.

"Our hearts are with Deputy Terpsma's loved ones and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We also extend our thoughts to the Eureka Police Department officer injured in the incident and everyone affected by this tragedy."

MSPOA will serve as the collection point for public donations from Nov. 2 through Dec. 31, 2026. As a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, MSPOA can accept contributions as charitable donations, eligible for tax deduction as permitted by law.

Most importantly, 100% of all donations collected for the Deputy Ryan Terpsma Memorial Fund will be provided directly to Deputy Terpsma's family to assist with funeral expenses and other expenses resulting from this tragic loss. MSPOA will not retain any portion of the contributions.

How to Contribute

Contributions can be made between Nov. 2 and Dec. 31, 2026, through either of the following methods:

By Mail: Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, Deputy Ryan Terpsma Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 794, Helena, MT 59624.

By Credit or Debit Card, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOyAgd5VjW1qAisbaRgCM3lUJ20vAmNhwCjJ3gK8egh7lW5Q/viewform.

"We are grateful for the generosity of those who choose to help and for the support Montanans show law enforcement," MSPOA officials said. "Deputy Ryan Terpsma made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. We ask Montanans to join us in honoring his life and supporting his family."