The Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers presented the Al Reker Distinguished Service Award to Steve King, director of Mower County Correctional Services at the annual spring conference on May 22.

The Al Reker award is bestowed to a member annually to recognize contributions made by an individual over a sustained period of time in the field of probation. Further, this award acknowledges exemplary contributions and dedication to the profession of probation/parole.

The staff at Mower County Correctional Services nominated King for the Al Reker Award for his commitment to the employees of Mower County Correctional Services and his commitment and leadership in corrections.

King began in corrections as a juvenile agent in Todd-Wadena County, where he worked for five months. He was hired by the Minnesota Department of Corrections in 1988 and worked in several capacities during his tenure, including DOC agent, ISR agent, sex offender agent and Community Notification Agent for Level 3 sex offenders. King began his employment as the director of Mower County Correctional Services in January 2005. Since 2005, Steve has been instrumental in developing and supporting cognitive skills programming (Thinking for Change), domestic violence programming, Driving With Care (DWl program), pre-trial services and teen diversion.

King also serves on a plethora of boards and advisory committees: Mower County Collaborative Board, Mower County Governing Board, Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, Austin Area Drug Task Force, Seibel Visitation Center Board, Pacelli Catholic Schools Board and Gerard Academy Advisory Committee.