Starke County’s Chief Probation Officer is leaving the position after 10 years.
John Thorstad’s resignation is effective today (Thursday, March 1). According to Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, Thorstad was recently recognized by the Judicial Conference of Indiana with the highest award for a probation officer who “exemplified professionalism and commitment to transform lives, making our community safer for everybody.”
Thorstad served as a probation officer for 20 years and also served in that capacity in Porter and Lake Counties. He also served on the Indiana Supreme Court Probation Officers Advisory Board and several state and national probation boards.
Judge Hall recognized Thorstad as an “innovator who obtained numerous grants to start rehabilitation programs in Starke County, as well as implementing evidence-based practices.”
