Call them the dedicated ones.

ElevenWest Virginia University students known as WVU cadets are assisting with safety and security on campus through a pilot program organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) and WVU Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The program, SGA & DPS Partners for Safety, introduced student walking patrols on the Downtown Campus this fall after WVU President Mike Garrison joined University Police Chief Bob Roberts and SGA leaders in announcing several new safety initiatives, including a text message emergency alert system; surveillance cameras at key locations; and improved lighting along sidewalks and streets connecting the Wise Library, downtown residence halls, Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) and Mountainlair.

Since beginning their foot patrols in October, the cadets have proven to be a valuable asset to WVU Police, helping to spot and report disturbances, destruction of property and suspicious activity. Cadets also assist motorists in need and help watch over buildings and facilities.

WVU cadets are Ian Albert, Matt Childers andRoy Drake, all of Morgantown; Jonathan Friend of Bruceton Mills; David Weimer of Fairmont; John Dodson of Harpers Ferry; Daniel Wesley Talbott II of Rachel; Jeffrey Mantz of Capon Bridge; Robin Nelson of Marlinton; Bryan Steward of Springfield; and Pat Doerner of Feasterville, Pa.

The cadets have added an extra set of eyes and ears to our patrol staff,Roberts said.WVU has a proven track record of being a safe campus, and these dedicated students are helping to keep it that way.

SGA President Jason Parsons, who worked on the initiative with other student leaders, also praised the cadets and noted that safety remains one of student governments top priorities.

I think safety is such an important issue for students,Parsons said,and the WVU cadets have done a great job helping to provide a safe atmosphere on campus. Theyre part of a very important project that SGA is proud to be a part of.

Because of the added safety measures, Parsons said students studying late at the library, parking in the garage at night, returning to campus from downtown Morgantown and other venues will not only feel more secure, but will know others are watching out for them.

Lt. Brian Hoxter and Sgt. Peggy Runyon of the WVU Police are charged with overseeing the cadet program, a job that includes doing background checks on applicants, conducting interviews, mentorship, training and teaching cadets the required policies and procedures. Cadets must also be certified in CPR and first aid. They patrol in teams of two, wearing bright reflective vests over civilian clothes and dark blue ball caps labeledWVU Cadet.They carry flashlights, first aid pouches and radios to communicate directly with WVU Police dispatch.

The cadets’role is limited to observation and reporting only. They are carefully instructed not to get involved in situations such as breaking up a fight, Hoxter noted. Cadets use their radios to call in WVU Police to handle such a scene.Obviously, we cant be everywhere all the time,Hoxter said.The cadets are a great asset because they help alert us to potentially dangerous situations. That often allows us to prevent those situations from escalating.

It has already helped to reduce incidents in the short time they have been working,Runyon said.Students are helping students to improve the safety and welfare of the campus.

Cadets come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all have an interest in safety and justice. Many are majoring in criminology at WVU , while others are involved with the Army or Air Force through ROTC or as members of the Reserve. Cadets work Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. A cadet can work up to 20 hours a week and earn $9 an hour. Several cadets said helping others while gaining valuable experience was their motivation for joining the program.

Being a WVU cadet is a great learning experience,said Matt Childers, a senior criminology major who is also a member of the 363rd Military Police Company in Grafton.Ive worked in the military as an MP, but now working under the WVU Police, I get to see more of the civilian side of things.

I like helping people,said Wesley Talbott, a freshman landscape architecture major who is also a volunteer firefighter in Marion County.It means a lot to be able to help out the University and be a part of keeping the campus safe.

Students who are interested in becoming a WVU cadet can contact Hoxter at 304-293-3136, or they may fill out an application at the DPS office in the Prete Building at 3040 University Ave.