Sheridan College announces 2021 distinguished alumni

Sheridan College has named Sheridan County Sheriff Allen Thompson as the 2021 Distinguished Alumni. 

According to Sheridan College, the Distinguished Alumni awards allow the college an opportunity to profile students who have succeeded and serve their community and Sheridan College. The awards go to alumni who have earned an Associate’s degree or a Certificate of Completion in a non-degree program at Sheridan College. Honorees have demonstrated achievement in their chosen profession, service to the community, or outstanding contribution to Sheridan College.

In a news release, Sheridan College celebrates Thompson and his achievements while showcasing the many reasons he has earned this distinguished award. 

Sheridan College and the Sheridan College Foundation will honor Sheriff Thompson during the commencement ceremony on May 1, at the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome.

According to the release, Sheriff Allen Thompson, class of 1996, has dedicated his life to serving his country and his community with professionalism and excellence. Sheridan College Criminal Justice Department head Jonni Joyce nominated Thompson for this year’s Distinguished Alum, having worked with him through the Sheridan College Criminal Justice program. Of Thompson, Joyce said that among many other things, “he always answers the call.” 

Sheriff Thompson enlisted in the Army immediately following his high school graduation. While serving his country as an infantryman, he received multiple awards and decorations. After his enlistment concluded, he continued his service in the Montana National Guard.

A friend convinced Thompson to attend Sheridan College where he enrolled in the Police Science program, graduating with an AAS and AA in Police Science. He was a member of the Criminal Justice Club and Phi Betta Kappa at Sheridan College, all while serving in the Wyoming National Guard and earning National Soldier of the Year.

In 1998, Thompson was hired by the Sheridan Police Department and attended the Wyoming State Law Enforcement Academy where he graduated with honors, earning the Academic Excellence Award. He worked as a patrol officer for two years before being promoted to Sergeant.

In 2006, Thompson joined the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Department as a road deputy. He quickly worked his way up the ranks, from deputy to Corporal to Sergeant to Lieutenant, then was named Undersheriff in 2016. The acting Sheriff retired a year later and Thompson was appointed by the County Commissioners to fill his term. He successfully ran for the office of Sheriff in 2018. Twenty-two years after graduating from Sheridan College, Thompson earned the highest position in law enforcement in Sheridan County.

Sheriff Thompson has not forgotten where it all began and has been very active in the Sheridan College community. He has assisted the Police Science program as a guest lecturer and serves on the Sheridan College Criminal Justice Advisory Board. 

As Sheriff, he has hired Sheridan College students in part-time detention positions while they are working on their degree requirements. He believes this helps the students by providing law enforcement experience on their resumes, making them more competitive in the job market once they graduate.

Thompson also serves his community in other ways. He is a member of the Big Horn Lion’s Club, the Center for a Vital Community Advisory Board, the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board, the Wyoming POST Commission and the Wyoming Sheriff’s Association. He also volunteers his time with the Salvation Army and Community Cleanup efforts.