Thiele named to state sheriff’s group

The area’s top cop has been named to an executive position within a prestigious state organization.
Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele has been selected as fifth vice president of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. The group consists of a president, five vice presidents and the immediate past president, as well as district directors. All serve as sheriffs in Minnesota.
Prior to his recent selection, Thiele had served for two years on the association’s executive board as a director for District 6, which includes 13 counties throughout southeast Minnesota.
“It is a great honor to be part of this executive board knowing I have the trust of my colleagues from my district,” said Thiele, who has been sheriff since 2011. “The honor of being on the board and being able to put my voice forward to represent Steele County and my colleagues is why I’m in it.”
Thiele would eventually become president of the group as the vice presidents typically move up one spot each year.
MSA meets monthly, which throughout most of 2020 has been done virtually.
The association, which is based in St. Paul, provides training and education for all 87 sheriffs and their deputies. Thiele said the association is heavily involved in dealing with legislative issues to advance the betterment of the public.
The organization was formed in 1885.