Who is Lt. Earl Wigfall
Earl Wigfall is a lifelong South Bend resident with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience serving the people of Indiana. He began his career in 1995 and graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1996. After early leadership roles and a promotion to Sergeant in Indianapolis, Earl returned home in 2001 to join the St. Joseph County Police Department.
During his career, Earl has served as a patrol officer, detective, instructor, and peer support officer, with a strong focus on training, professionalism, and officer wellness. Promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant in 2015, he later led the department’s Training Division beginning in 2019. In 2023, Earl was promoted to Lieutenant.
A United States Air Force Veteran, Earl believes effective law enforcement is built on preparation, accountability, and community trust. He and his wife, Anita, have been married for 41 years and are proud parents and grandparents.
Lt. Wigfall speaking to the families of fallen police officers after cycling hundreds of miles to raise funds and awareness for their families.
Career achievements & qualifications
★ Nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience
★ Graduate, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (Class 96-126)
★ Former Field Training Officer (FTO)
★ Promoted to Sergeant, Indianapolis Public Schools Police Department (2000)
★ St. Joseph County Police Department service since 2001
★ Patrol Officer and Jail Merit Officer
★ Crime Scene Technician
★ Detective
★ ILEA Certified Instructor
★ Law Enforcement Resiliency & Peer Support Officer
★ Citizens Police Academy Instructor
★ Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Instructor
★ Fatal Alcohol Crash Team Member
★ Taser Instructor
★ STOPS Instructor
★ Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Instructor
★ SIMS Instructor
★ Promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant (2015)
★ Training Division Commander (2019)
★ Promoted to Lieutenant, St. Joseph County Police Department (2023)
★ Oversaw training for Merit Officers, Correctional Officers, Reserve Officers, Horse Posse, and Courthouse Officers
★ Responsible for ensuring compliance with all Indiana Law Enforcement Academy training mandates
★ United States Air Force Veteran