Retired military adviser for Mary Fallin and Kevin Stitt to join Oklahoma County jail trust

Retired Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson is returning to public service.

Thompson, who served Gov. Mary Fallin during her administration as Oklahoma's secretary of safety and security, as commissioner of the Department of Public Safety and as leader of the Oklahoma National Guard for Fallin and for Gov. Kevin Stitt, was appointed Monday to the Oklahoma County Jail Trust.

Thompson retired from the Oklahoma National Guard after serving as its adjutant general and serving as Oklahoma's secretary of the military for Fallin and Stitt between 2017 and November 2021.

He enlisted in the guard in 1983, received his commission three years later and deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2008, plus played an integral role in the guard's response to Hurricane Katrina.

Due to another commitment, Thompson could not appear Monday before Oklahoma County commissioners to make a statement before they voted.

Commissioner Brian Maughan nominated the retired general to serve.

"He is interested and willing, so," Maughan said, "I am putting it forward for you guys to consider."

"I am certainly on board," Commissioner Myles Davidson said. "Given his background as head of Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety, he just brings a wealth of knowledge to this area."

Commissioner Carrie Blumert also applauded Thompson's appointment, noting it would return the trust to having a complete roster of nine members.

Commissioners unanimously approved Thompson's appointment to the trust.

Thompson's appointment comes at critical time for Oklahoma County jail

Thompson replaces Adam Luck, who resigned from the trust in early February.

His appointment to the trust comes as it faces the task of fixing health and safety issues at the aging, troubled Oklahoma County jail.

The trust will spend $175,000 to fix health and safety issues at the facility under a proposed settlement negotiated with the Oklahoma State Department of Health on Feb. 13. The Health Department is responsible for inspecting jails across the state.

The agreement will require the trust to take care of cockroaches, bed bugs, dirty conditions and facility staffing issues.

The proposed agreement covers deficiencies inspectors repeatedly have identified and could be voided if the trust fails to adequately address them. Initially, state officials sought to fine the county $75,000, plus require it to address those concerns.

The trust is expected to vote on the settlement at its next meeting.

Thompson on Monday acknowledged the hurdles the trust faces in fixing the current facilities are numerous, but he asserted they can be overcome.

"I know there are a ton of challenges the the trust is faced with, and it isn't going to get any easier," Thompson told The Oklahoman. "We just need to incrementally start making decisions that are good for the public, good for the taxpayer and will enhance public safety.

"It is not like wine, it doesn't get better with time, so the sooner we are able to make incremental changes, I think the better off we all are.

"I have lived a life of service, and I have experience that would be helpful. I want to thank the commissioners for their confidence in my abilities, and I am very much looking forward to being a part of the team."

Timothy Tardibono, executive director of Oklahoma County's Criminal Justice Advisory Council, told county commissioners Monday he agreed Thompson's experience will be valuable toward helping evaluate the jail's ongoing staffing problems and its other operational issues.

"We are grateful for his service so far in his career and thank him for his willingness to continue that public service," Tardibono said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson joining Oklahoma County Jail Trust