Executive Summary
- Governor Patrick Morrisey appointed Michael Baylous as the new Secretary of the WV Department of Homeland Security.
- Baylous is retiring as U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia, a post he was nominated for by President Donald Trump in 2018.
- His 30-year law enforcement career includes service with the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
- Baylous replaces Douglas Buffington II, who had been serving as acting secretary since June.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed Michael Baylous as the new Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, a move announced just days after Baylous confirmed his retirement as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Baylous, whose career in law enforcement spans more than 30 years, stated he would vacate his federal post effective Sunday. He was originally nominated to the position of U.S. Marshal by President Donald Trump during his first term in 2018. This appointment marks a rapid transition from federal service to state cabinet leadership.
In a statement released by the governor’s office, Morrisey cited Baylous’s extensive experience as a primary factor for the selection. “Michael Baylous is a proven leader with deep experience protecting communities, managing complex operations, and coordinating across agencies,” Governor Morrisey said. “He understands public safety from the ground up, and he has earned the trust of law enforcement, emergency responders, and communities across our state.”
Prior to his tenure with the U.S. Marshals Service, Baylous served with the West Virginia State Police. His roles included trooper, field trooper, investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and public information officer. Governor Morrisey highlighted that this background prepared Baylous for the diverse challenges facing the DHS, ranging from natural disasters to public safety threats.
During his time as U.S. Marshal, Baylous directed operations that resulted in hundreds of felony arrests and the recovery of missing children. His tenure included high-profile successes, such as the capture of Charles Ray Blevens in 2015, who was listed on the U.S. Marshals Service Top 15 Most Wanted list. Baylous succeeds Douglas Buffington II, who has served as the acting DHS secretary since June.
State Agency Leadership Transition
The appointment of a former federal marshal to lead the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security suggests a strategic focus on strengthening the interoperability between state and federal law enforcement agencies. Given Baylous’s dual background in state police operations and federal fugitive recovery, the transition points toward a continued emphasis on aggressive public safety initiatives and complex inter-agency coordination. This leadership change ensures that the state DHS retains experienced oversight as it manages critical infrastructure protection and emergency response protocols.
