Michael C. Thompson
Michael C. Thompson | |
---|---|
Michael Thompson in 2017 | |
Adjutant General of Oklahoma | |
Assumed office November 15, 2017 | |
Governor | Mary Fallin |
Preceded by | Robbie Asher |
Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety | |
In office 2011–2017 | |
Governor | Mary Fallin |
Preceded by | Kevin Ward |
Succeeded by | Rusty Rhoades |
Personal details | |
Spouse(s) | Deborah |
Children | Brandon and Jared |
Occupation | State Trooper |
Military service | |
Allegiance |
|
Service/branch | Oklahoma Army National Guard |
Years of service | 1983–present |
Rank | Major General |
Michael C. Thompson is a United States politician and Oklahoma Army National Guard member who currently serves as the Adjutant General of Oklahoma.[1] He is a major general in the U.S. Army Reserve[2] and a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet.
Thompson previously served concurrently as the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, the commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and assistant adjutant general. In his capacity as Public Safety commissioner, Thompson commanded the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. As Safety and Security secretary, he was also a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet and was responsible for directing all state public safety and corrections agencies.[3]
Promotions
Insignia | Rank | Date |
---|---|---|
Commissioner | 2011 | |
Captain/Major | 2003 | |
1st Lieutenant | 2000 | |
2nd Lieutenant | 1995 | |
Trooper | 1990 |
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 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.[4]
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.[5] 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:
- As a colonel, Thompson was assigned as brigade commander for the 90th Troop Command, in charge of over 2000 soldiers.
- As a lieutenant colonel and commander of the 279th Infantry Regiment, Thompson’s battalion led the way in providing relief and support to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
- As a major during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Thompson commanded a security force unit which was the first infantry unit from Oklahoma to earn the Combat Infantry Badge since the Korean War.
- As a captain, Thompson was one of the first responders to the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing.
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 | ||
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Preceded by Kevin L. Ward |
Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security Under Governor Mary Fallin January 10, 2011 – November 14, 2017 |
Succeeded by Billy D. Rhoades III |
Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Under Governor Mary Fallin January 10, 2011 – November 14, 2017 |
References
- ↑ "Governor names Adjutant General". NormanTranscript.com. October 19, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
- ↑ "PN532 — Army". Congress.gov. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
- ↑ Hoberock, Barbara (December 21, 2010). "Gov.-elect Fallin names Michael Thompson as DPS commissioner nominee". Tulsa World. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
- ↑ Appoint Order by Governor Fallin Appoint Thompson as Commissioner, Office of the Oklahoma Secretary of State, Published: 10-Jan-2011
- ↑ Fallin Names Michael Thompson as Public Safety Commissioner, CapitolBeatOK Staff Report, Published: 22-Dec-2010