Sergeant Michael Cannon was recently named the 2023 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year at West Virginia University Potomac State College. Sgt. Cannon has served as a University Police officer at the College for more than 32 years. He has also severed as a firefighter in the Keyser community for 37 years and recognizes that no greater need exists than that of 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 general 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 provides assistance to 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 to the entire WVU system. “Mike’s historical knowledge of the campus and community as well providing needed information for current programming and grant applications has proven to be invaluable.