FARGO - The retirements of two longtime leaders in the Cass County Sheriff's Office next year are expected to result in some organizational changes.
Chief Deputy Jim Thoreson said Wednesday he will retire by the end of 2012 after more than 40 years with the sheriff's office.
Lt. Col. Glenn Ellingsberg, who has twice served as jail administrator during his 38 years with the sheriff's office, said he plans to retire next spring at the earliest or next fall at the latest.
According to Thoreson, the organizational changes break down like this:
- Capt. Rick Majerus will become chief deputy, filling Thoreson's shoes.
- Ellingsberg's position will be eliminated when he retires. His duties will be spread among four captains.
- Sgt. Mitch Burris will be promoted to captain to fill Majerus' spot.
- Sgt. Judy Tollefson will serve as interim captain during the transition and eventually as a permanent captain supervising the jail.
- Capt. Carlos Perez, who now oversees the jail, will be transferred to the county courthouse, where he will oversee court transfer, hiring and recruiting, among other duties.
Capt. Mike Argall will remain in his current position. Thoreson said he informed Sheriff Paul Laney about six months ago of his plans to retire.
Thoreson was a 19-year-old college student when he started working for the department as a part-time jailer for $2 an hour in January 1971, he said. He's been chief deputy since 1979 and also served as a patrol deputy and investigator for the state's attorney's office.
"I've had a great career," he said.
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Ellingsberg also started as a jailer and has worked in civil process, emergency management, support services and as jail administrator. Law enforcement has gone through many changes over the years, "all for the better," he said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mike Nowatzki at (701) 241-5528
