MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Rutherford County Correctional Work Center Superintendent William C. Cope, CJM, has earned the Southern Regional Corrections Professionals Dedication to Excellence Award from the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO).

The regional award recognizes outstanding leadership, professional service, and significant contributions to the corrections field. Cope brings more than three decades of experience to his post, where he continues to improve local correctional operations, train and develop department staff, and expand reentry programming for individuals in custody.

The National Institute for Jail Operations will formally present the award to Cope on Thursday (October 15th) during the NIJO Southern Regional Conference in Chattanooga.