West Virginia Governor Appoints New Homeland Security Secretary
– West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced today the appointment of Michael Baylous as the new Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security. The appointment comes just two days after Baylous announced his retirement as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Governor Morrisey praised Baylous as a “proven leader” with extensive experience in protecting communities, managing complex operations, and coordinating between agencies. “He understands public safety from the ground up, and he has earned the trust of law enforcement, emergency responders, and communities across our state,” Morrisey said in a statement. “He is exactly the kind of steady, experienced leadership West Virginia needs at DHS.”
Baylous brings over three decades of experience in law enforcement, public safety, and emergency operations to the role, having served at both the federal and state levels. As U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia, a position he was nominated to by President Donald Trump in 2018, Baylous directed law enforcement operations across the region. His responsibilities included overseeing fugitive apprehension, providing judicial security, and leading multi-agency task forces focused on combating violent crime and human trafficking.
Under Baylous’s leadership, the U.S. Marshal’s office in Southern West Virginia achieved significant results, including hundreds of felony arrests and the recovery of missing children. He also focused on improving operational efficiency and strengthening coordination with federal, state, and local partners.
Prior to his role as U.S. Marshal, Baylous served with the West Virginia State Police, holding leadership positions in logistics, investigations, and public information. This extensive background within the state’s law enforcement community is seen as a valuable asset as he transitions to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Governor Morrisey emphasized the critical role DHS plays in safeguarding West Virginians, particularly in the face of natural disasters and other public safety threats. “From natural disasters to public safety threats, DHS plays a critical role in keeping West Virginians safe,” Morrisey stated. “Michael Baylous has spent his career preparing for exactly these challenges.”
Baylous’s tenure as U.S. Marshal also included the capture of Charles Ray Blevens, a fugitive on the U.S. Marshals Service Top 15 Most Wanted list, in 2015. This success highlighted his ability to lead complex and high-profile investigations.
Douglas Buffington II had been serving as acting DHS secretary since last June, filling the role on an interim basis. Baylous will now assume full responsibility for leading the department and addressing the state’s homeland security needs.
The appointment of Baylous signals a commitment to experienced leadership within the Department of Homeland Security, as West Virginia faces ongoing challenges related to public safety and emergency preparedness.
