Caption: Sergeant Michael Cannon (center) was recently named the 2023 PSC Outstanding Staff Person of the Year. Also pictured are WVU PSC Campus President Chris Gilmer (left) and Major Ricky Jackson, deputy chief at the WVU Police Department on the Morgantown campus.
Sergeant Michael Cannon was named the 2023 PSC Outstanding Staff Person of the Year. Sgt. Cannon has served as a WVU University Police Officer for more than 32 years. He has also served as a firefighter in the Keyser community for 37 years and recognizes that no greater need exists than the safety and security of people.
“As a member of the University Police Department, I have known Sgt. Cannon professionally for more than 25 years, first as a peer working on a sister campus and in recent years working directly with him on the WVU Potomac State College campus. He proudly represents the University’s values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation,” said Major Ricky Jackson, deputy chief at the WVU Police Department on the Morgantown campus.
Sgt. Cannon’s daily routine consists of walking the campus and its buildings with specific emphasis on student-occupied and frequented areas, and so much more. He engages with students by providing educational information and advice on how they can keep themselves safe on campus and off campus. His canine companion, Kato, also provides a positive segue between law enforcement and the public.
He checks on students when requested by a parent and assists those in need or connects them with the person or entity that can provide the assistance needed. Sgt. Cannon also directs traffic and provides a security presence for special events such as move-in days, graduation, and athletic events.
He helps local police departments when requested as a law enforcement officer and a drug detection canine handler.
Additionally, Sgt. Cannon serves as the campus Clery Coordinator to ensure compliance with federal law. This is of significant value as non-compliance would have serious consequences for the entire WVU system. “Mike’s historical knowledge of the campus and community as well as providing needed information for current programming and grant applications has proven to be invaluable,” Jackson said.