Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office deputy Mike Wilson of Howland has been spreading goodwill for the past 24 years. In his off time, he designs costumes and superhero attire that he wears to make presentations at schools and for charity organizations. Here, he dons his Captain America costume.

HOWLAND — Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office deputy Michael “Knightmage” Wilson has been spreading goodwill for the past 24 years.

Besides the hustle and bustle of his everyday work schedule, he is a costume designer and creator of superhero attire and other popular figures. When he is off duty, he gives presentations to students at school assemblies and to charitable organizations while wearing an assortment of costumes.

Wilson, 43, of Howland, has been a Mahoning County deputy since 2000. He received his criminal justice degree from Youngstown State University and graduated from Lutheran East High School in Cleveland. His girlfriend is Sgt. Gwendolyn Graham, who also is a deputy in Mahoning County.

For his charitable work, Wilson was named the Spanning the Need LLC Foundation’s Inspirational Person of the Year for 2023. He was chosen from among 24 nominees.

“Whether you are a police officer or deputy sheriff, it is of the utmost importance that we learn very vital critical thinking skills, along with interpersonal communication and problem solving skills,” Wilson said. “The overwhelming majority of the law enforcement community, especially in our tricounty area, serve admirably every day. They keep us safe on roads, streets, in our homes and even in the workplace. We probably don’t say ‘thank you’ enough for their service,” he said.

Wilson has been on a mission for years to prove to the community and to the world that law enforcement officers also are giving and loving members of society. In his basement are racks of more than 400 costumes he has single-handedly produced to date. He sketches the ideas on paper, purchases the fabric and other accessories and begins to sew the outfit.

“It is so rewarding to be introduced at an elementary school assembly as a police officer, and I then appear as Batman, Captain America, Robocop, Ghostbuster or even a vampire. The roaring cheers signify that I now have their undivided attention,” Wilson said.

He then has the opportunity to prove to the audience, adults and children alike, that public servants also are real human beings. He recognizes the importance of showing that there is a humanitarian side to the badge.

Wilson received the President’s Valor Award from former President Barack Obama at the White House during a charity event. Since then, he has received more than 20 additional awards.

“Wilson’s dedication to public service has been a cornerstone of his career as a deputy sheriff, contributing to the safety and well-being of Mahoning County residents for over two decades,” noted Anthony Spano from Spanning The Need organization. “His exemplary service and commitment to upholding the principles of justice have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community.”

Beyond his professional and creative endeavors, Wilson has demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy, using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Wilson often works closely with charity organizations as a sponsor and has partnered with more than 200 organizations worldwide to fundraise and bring awareness to these organizations.

Events and charitable organizations locally include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has become his favorite charity, as well as the Ronald McDonald House, Akron Children’s Hospital, the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Relay For Life, Canfield Community Days, Trunk or Treat and more. It is estimated that he has helped raise more than $500,000 for charity since 2012.

Wilson has traveled the world with his Pop Culture Creations, including Ireland, Aruba, Dubai, the Caribbean, for conventions and fundraising events.

But, with all of that said, Mr. Wilson is not just a great law enforcement officer, but also gained worldwide award winning recognition as a cosplayer, showcasing his creativity and talents as he brings fictional characters to life to inspire and educate children and adults alike and raise money for a worthy cause.

Cosplayer conventions take place in cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas. One of the largest conventions is the San Diego Comic-Con, where characters are needed in theme groups as they display their extravagant costumes. At the conventions, the cosplayers show off their costumes, sign autographs, fundraise and compete in costume contests. Wilson is rated as one of the Top 10 cosplayers in the world.

Wilson said he has two jobs — one is his career and the other is his passion. He is very fortunate that the sheriff’s office sees value in his passion and fully supports it.

“It has opened my career to break the stigma of people who wear a badge and the actual human beings behind it. I intertwine the two professions together and hope that I inspire and touch as many hearts as possible worldwide with the understanding that law enforcement officers are guided by the principles of justice, respect life and liberty, and treating everyone with dignity and respect,” he said.

Wilson is scheduled to appear on season 3 of the Judge Steve Harvey TV Show in late February or early March and recently has been nominated to be on “Dr. Phil” engaging in the topic, “Cops who have gone beyond the call of duty.”