Celebration of life in Bellingham to honor Deputy Ryan Terpsma

Terpsma, a Whatcom County native, was killed in the line of duty in Montana late last month.

ContributedLincoln County Sheriff Darren Short (left) shaking hands with Ryan Terpsma in May 2026. Image courtesy of Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A memorial service has been scheduled to honor a fallen law enforcement officer from Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says a celebration of life is being held for Deputy Ryan Terpsma on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Terpsma was shot and killed during a response to a disturbance call in Eureka, MT on Oct. 30. It was his 28th birthday.

The suspect was arrested after leading police on a chase and later died in custody.

Terpsma, a Whatcom County native, graduated from Squalicum High School in 2017 before taking a job with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Montana earlier this year.

Saturday’s service takes place at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Community Church in Bellingham and is open to the public.

The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association has established a memorial fund to support Terpsma’s family. Donations will be put towards funeral expenses and other costs related to the family’s loss.