JOHN DAY – Law enforcement officials in two counties reached out to help a critically ill corrections officer from Grant County last week.

On Sept. 17, Ben Thompson, 23, was rushed from his John Day residence to Blue Mountain Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage. About 5 p.m. he was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Thompson was listed in serious condition this week at the Bend hospital.

Sheriff Glenn Palmer said Thompson has worked for the Sheriff’s Office as a jail officer since May. He previously worked for Dairy Queen.

Palmer said employees are donating their sick leave to Thompson in the event that his illness keeps him off work for a prolonged period. That arrangement is allowed by the union contract.

Jail administrator Steve McGuire, who is not governed by the union pact, also planned to seek the County Court’s permission this Wednesday, Sept. 24, to donate some of his time as well.

Meanwhile, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bend Police Department have located a trailer near the Bend hospital for the Thompson family to use during his care there.

Thompson is the son of Bill and Karen Thompson of Mt. Vernon and he has a brother, Cody, and sister, Katie.

People who want to help the family can drop off contributions designated for Thompson to the John Day Church of the Nazarene.