Editor's Note: 2011 Things were calming down when our big story from the first week of February is a new commissioner for District 1

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2011) - Department of Corrections Director of Probation and Parole Tim Carman today announced the promotion of John Cooper to the position of Probation and Parole District 1 Assistant Supervisor covering Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken and Trigg counties. He assumed his new duties in District 1 on Feb. 1, 2011.

"John has demonstrated the skills necessary to be a valuable addition to our leadership team," said Carman. "I am pleased to add a person with the integrity and dedication to keep the division on track in this demanding environment."

Cooper is a graduate of Murray State University, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He was also named the District 1 Outstanding Employee of the Year in 2010.

Cooper began his employment with the Division of Probation and Parole in January 2002. He was assigned to the Paducah Office but covered a caseload in Marshall County. In December 2002, he transferred to the Marshall County Office. In 2006, Cooper began writing Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports for the 42nd Judicial Circuit. He stayed there until October 2007, when he transferred to the Caldwell County Office.

Cooper is a member of the Marion Second Baptist Church. He currently resides in Crittenden County with his wife, Alicia, and their two daughters, Ashley and Shelby.