Media Inquiries and FOIA
DHS Press Releases
For media inquiries involving the W.Va. Department of Homeland Security (formerly Military Affairs and Public Safety) or its component agencies, please contact:
Communications Director Lawrence Messina
(304) 957-2515
Lawrence.C.Messina@wv.gov
Freedom of Information
The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) declares
that “all persons are, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, entitled to
full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the
official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees.”
*** FOIA requests seeking records of a DHS component agency should be submitted to that agency and addressed to the agency head. ***
To request records available under FOIA from the Office of the Secretary, W.Va. Department of Homeland Security:
• Please be reasonably specific regarding the information being sought;
• Please indicate whether you are requesting copies or an in-person inspection of
records. Please note that the law allows the charging of fees to cover copying
costs;
• Submit your request to:
W.Va. Dept. of Homeland Security
Office of the Secretary
W.Va. State Capitol
Suite W-400
Charleston, WV 25305
ATTN: FOIA Request
• Address your request FOIA to Cabinet Secretary Jeff Sandy, and cc'd to or submitted in care of General Counsel Thom Kirk.
• These FOIA requests, properly addressed, can also be emailed to: Lawrence.C.Messina@wv.gov