Thompson sworn in as Priest River officer

PRIEST RIVER — Officer Lane Thompson was sworn in during Monday’s City Council meeting as the newest member of the Priest River Police Department. Thompson came to Priest River from San Bernardino, Calif., where he served in law enforcement for more than 27 years before retiring and moving to Idaho.

“We are very proud to have him,” said PRPD Chief Drew McLain. “He will be a valuable asset to the Priest River Police Department with a variety of experiences.”

Thompson has a variety of experience, he said, including patrol, as well as detective work in major crimes such as homicide. McLain said in talking to one of Thompson’s former supervisors, he learned they have more homicides in San Bernardino than the entire state of Idaho has in one year.

In addition to joining the local police department, Thompson also serves in the National Guard.

The new officer has already helped nab one suspect, McLain said, just driving to the grocery store his first day on the job. The suspect was accused of committing a theft the day before, and Thompson recognized him from a picture and called it in.

“It was perfect — so we are very excited to have him,” McLain said.