Michael C. Thompson

Michael C. Thompson is a 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.