A corrections counselor at the state Regional Correctional Facility in Findley Township will be among 11 individuals statewide to be presented an Oustanding Performance Award by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

William Cole will be presented his award during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to a news release.

Cole began his career with the department in 1999 as a drug and alcohol treatment specialist, earned a promotion and then transferred to become a corrections counselor.

Cole has involved himself in various programming, including assignment to the Citizenship Oversight Committee, National Issues Forum and the Hostage Negotiation Team. He provides training to other institutions in the initiation of the Character Development Program, which he developed, and was instrumental in the development of the Unit Based Citizenship Program.

Cole earned a master's degree in criminal justice from Youngstown State University in 2002. He was previously a vice president of the Society for Future Criminal Justice Professionals, executive secretary for Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and a coach for the Northwest Little Gridder football team.

In addition to the performance awards, five Medals of Honor and the Thomas Fulconer Award will also be presented.

The awards are presented each year to employees who are nominated by their co-workers for their exceptional job performance, heroic deeds or for embodying the character and dedication of Fulconer, a corrections department deputy secretary who died last year.

The program is being held in conjunction with "Corrections Employee Week."