Cameron Wassman named CMU police chief

Lieutenant Cameron Wassman has been named the next police chief of the Central Michigan University Police Department.

Wassman takes over the role effective July 1, succeeding Larry Klaus who announced his retirement in March. Lieutenant Mike Morrow, who was named interim police chief in April, will remain in the position through June 30.

Wassman joined the CMU PD as an officer in October 2000, and was later promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant, a role he’s held for the past 15 years.

“I look forward to the future of CMU and our police department,” said Wassman. “I’m honored to lead the department with a clear focus on safety, preparedness and strong community partnerships."

Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer Mary Hill chose Wassman for the role following a national search.

“Cameron’s wide breadth of experience, including supervision of community policing officers, supervising dispatchers, emergency management, Clery Act compliance and instructing in CMU’s First Year Experience, along with his vision for the future, positions him well to be the next leader of the CMU Police Department,” said Hill. “I want to thank Lieutenant Morrow for admirably leading the police department on an interim basis these past few months as we searched for the next chief.”

During his time as a lieutenant, Wassman has also held leadership roles in CMU’s Emergency Management program, managed the department's 911 dispatch operation, and acted as the department’s Public Information Officer.

As chief, Wassman will lead a staff that includes 23 sworn officers and 12 additional civilian staff members.