Former sheriff remembered
By Stu Merry, BHG News Service
McLean County residents said goodbye to a long-time former McLean County sheriff Monday in Washburn. Arlin L. Thompson, 78, passed away this past Thursday following a two-year battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. Arlin was born May 7, 1934, in Finley, the first of eight children born to Arthur and Lillian (Moe) Thompson. The Thompsons moved to Garrison when Arlin was 16. He graduated from Garrison High School in 1952 and then Minot State College. He served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. Thompson served his hometown of Garrison as the city’s police officer. He was elected McLean County Sheriff in 1960, serving in that capacity until 1999. McLean County Auditor Les Korgel remembers Thompson as being innovative with a small department.
