Keith Runk is a lifelong public safety leader, Harford County resident since 1990, devoted father of five, and longtime community member running for **Harford County Sheriff** in 2026. With over 34 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, Keith retired as a Lieutenant from the Maryland State Police in 2020 after a career marked by exceptional leadership and bravery. Team (SWAT), with 23
years total—including 12.5 years as Commander- participating in or leading over 90 hostage/ barricade incidents and 1,100 high-risk warrants. He was part of the multiagency team that played a key role in capturing the D.C. Snipers, contributed to the successful resolution of the Joseph Palczynski hostage standoff (one of the longest in U.S. history), and coordinating responses during major crises like the Baltimore civil unrest of 2015 and 2020. Hand-picked as Maryland's Agency Expert on Active Shooter Response, Keith trained thousands of officers, educators, businesses, and first responders nationwide and internationally. He served on the Governor’s Active Assailant Interdisciplinary Work Group, TSA panels, and DHS initiatives, earning the Governor's Award for Community Outreach. His honors include being awarded the Governor's Citation Medal of Valor on two occasions, multiple commendations, and induction into the Maryland Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an "Outstanding American" in 2016. A four-time medalist (including gold) in freestyle wrestling at the World Police & Fire Games, he also coached wrestling at John Carroll High School for nearly 20 years, shaping young athletes and giving back to the community. Keith believes there's no place for politics in policing. The Sheriff's Office should focus on community safety, school security (drawing on his active shooter expertise), transparency in reporting, accountability, and collaboration with residents and leaders. Harford County deserves proven, principled leadership that puts people first—without partisan games.
**Join Keith in building a safer, more transparent Harford County.**
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