For Immediate Release: May 3, 2002

Corrections Officer of the Year is a STAR

(Columbus) Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) Director Reginald A. Wilkinson today named Robert Joy, 36, Ohio’s Corrections Officer (C.O.) of the Year. C.O. Joy received DRC’s prestigious Ronald C. Marshall Award at a luncheon honoring Ohio’s corrections officers. The keynote speaker was DRC’s first director, Dr. Bennett Cooper.

Officer Joy began his career at the London Correctional Institution (LOCI) in 1992 and is a member of the Department’s STAR (Special Tactical and Response) Team since its inception. During his preparation for STAR, Joy and other candidates received extensive training from agencies such as the FBI, the U.S. Marshals, U.S. Marine Corps, the Navy Seals and several police departments. Robert Joy enjoys training, and shares his knowledge and skill with others as an instructor in PR-24 (baton), firearms and unarmed self-defense.

Officer Joy is a member of the American Correctional Association and holds an Associate’s Degree in Political Science.

“Corrections officers are the backbone of this department,” stated Director Wilkinson. “The duties they carry out are instrumental in providing and maintaining safety and security as well as helping inmates prepare for a successful reentry to the community. Corrections officers are professionals who serve as role models in and outside of the prison, as evidenced by the men and women we are honoring today.”

For more information contact the DRC Public Information Office at (614) 752-1150.