Michael C. Thompson

Michael C. Thompson
Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security
Assumed office
2011
Governor Mary Fallin
Preceded by Kevin Ward
Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Assumed office
2011
Governor Mary Fallin
Preceded by Kevin Ward
Personal details
Spouse(s) Deborah
Children Brandon and Jared
Occupation State Trooper
Website Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Military service
Allegiance  United States
 Oklahoma
Service/branch Oklahoma Army National Guard
Years of service 1983-present
Rank Brigadier General

Michael C. Thompson is an United States politician currently serving as the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security. Thompson is a Brigadier General with the Oklahoma National Guard, currently serving as the Assistant Adjutant General. Concurrent to his service as Cabinet Secretary, Thompson serves as the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. In this capacity, Thompson commands the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. As Secretary, Thompson is a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet and is responsible for directing all state public safety and corrections agencies.[1]

Promotions

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Promotions
Insignia Rank Date
Commissioner2011
Captain/Major2003
1st Lieutenant2000
2nd Lieutenant1995
Trooper1990

Biography

Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Langston University, and a Master of Science from Oklahoma State University. Thompson is a graduate of the resident Army War College, where he earned a second graduate degree, a Master of Strategic Studies. Thompson has been accepted in, and has completed course work towards a doctorate degree at Oklahoma State University. Thompson is a graduate of the 208th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va for senior law enforcement officials. Thompson also is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager’s Program offered by Oklahoma’s office of Personnel Management, a proud member of Leadership Oklahoma class XXVI and most recently has been recognized as a Henry Toll Fellow through the Council of State Government.

Thompson graduated from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's 45th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy in 1990. He served 22 years with the Patrol, eventually rising to the rank of Major. While serving as a Patrol Major, Thompson was appointed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin as Cabinet Secretary and DPS Commissioner in February 2011.[2]

In addition to his civilian job with the Department of Public Safety, Thompson is also a Brigadier General with the Oklahoma Army National Guard, serving as the Assistant Adjutant General.[3] Thompson began his military career when he enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard on December 13, 1983 in Oklahoma City. Thompson received his commission in 1986 through Officer Candidate School as an Infantry Second Lieutenant. Thompson is currently assigned as the Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Thompson’s notable previous assignments include:

Thompson’s awards include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Air Assault Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In 2012, Thompson joined the prestigious ranks as a Council of State Governments' Henry Toll Fellow honoree.

Personal life

Thompson lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, with his wife, Deborah Thompson. The Thompsons have two sons. Their oldest, Brandon Thompson, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and is a Captain in the United States Army. Their youngest son, 1st Lieutenant Jared Thompson, is a helicopter pilot with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Lieutenant Jared Thompson is also an Iraqi and Afghan combat veteran.

Political offices
Preceded by
Kevin L. Ward
Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security
Under Governor Mary Fallin

January 10, 2011-present
Incumbent
Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Under Governor Mary Fallin

January 10, 2011-present
Incumbent

References

  1. Hoberock, Barbara (December 21, 2010). "Gov.-elect Fallin names Michael Thompson as DPS commissioner nominee". Tulsa World. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
  2. Appoint Order by Governor Fallin Appoint Thompson as Commissioner, Office of the Oklahoma Secretary of State, Published: 10-Jan-2011
  3. Fallin Names Michael Thompson as Public Safety Commissioner, CapitolBeatOK Staff Report, Published: 22-Dec-2010
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