CULLMAN, Ala. – Law enforcement veteran Tim Creel said he’s dreamed about being sheriff for a long time. After more than 30 years in law enforcement and nearly two decades of military service, he said, the opportunity to run for sheriff of Cullman County feels like coming full circle for him.
“I started my career right here as a reserve deputy, and Cullman has always been home; no matter where I was,” Creel said. “I’ve served in nearly every capacity — from patrol officer and narcotics investigator to SWAT commander and major crimes investigator — and I’ve trained and led soldiers on combat missions overseas. Now, I’m ready to bring that leadership, discipline, and experience back to the community I love. I’m excited to run, not just because it’s a personal goal, but because I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people here through law enforcement.”
Creel’s plan is to start in mid-July with various introductory events.
“I’m prepared to bring steady leadership and a strong sense of accountability to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office,” Creel said. “I’ve worked in nearly every capacity of a law enforcement agency — gaining the experience needed to lead with integrity, serve with dedication and protect the community I’m proud to call home.”
He is currently an investigator for the Guntersville Police Department.
“We handle all felony crimes and some misdemeanor cases for the city and aid other agencies in the surrounding jurisdictions, when the need arises,” Creel said. “After spending the past decade in Guntersville, my wife Amanda and I are proud to share that we’ve recently found a home and are in the process of returning to Cullman. When Amanda and I first met, she was launching a new business in Guntersville, and I made the decision to relocate there in support of her goals. Now, 10 years later, with a shared understanding of my long-standing desire to return to Cullman, Amanda wholeheartedly agreed, and we made the move together. We’re excited to be back in the community that means so much to us amongst our children, grandchildren and friends.”
Creel shared his background:
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
- Graduate, Fairview High School, 1984
- Alabama Police Academy (Selma), Class of 1990
- United States Army Basic Training, completed
LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE:
With over three decades of progressive law enforcement service across multiple jurisdictions, including urban and rural environments:
- Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy, Cullman County (1987–1988)
- Police Officer, Hanceville Police Department (1988–1989)
- Police Officer, Hartselle Police Department (1989–1991)
- Deputy / Investigator / Supervisor, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (1991–2009)
- Deputy / Investigator, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and Guntersville Police Department (2010–2013)
- Senior Investigator / Patrol Supervisor, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (2013–2024)
- Investigator, Guntersville Police Department (2024–Present)
- Leadership & Specialized Roles:
- Major Crimes Investigator (Cullman, Jackson, Guntersville)
- Lead Narcotics Investigator (Cullman County)
- SWAT Team Leader and Commander (Cullman County)
- Patrol District Chief (Cullman County)
- Patrol Supervisor (Cullman & Jackson Counties)
MILITARY SERVICE:
- Proudly served since 1985 in the Alabama Army National Guard, including a combat tour in Iraq and multiple leadership deployments:
- Infantryman, 1/167 Infantry (Cullman Unit)
- Combat Tour: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2007–2008
- Operations NCO: Task Force Viking, 2010–2011
- Over 20 combat missions conducted in hostile environments
MILITARY HONORS & AWARDS:
- Bronze Star Medal
- Combat Infantry Badge
- Army Commendation Medal (2 awards)
- Army Achievement Medal (4 awards)
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Training Ribbon
- Alabama Commendation Medal
- Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
- Reserve Component Mobilization Medal (2 awards)
SPECIALIZED TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS:
Extensive professional training in advanced law enforcement, counterterrorism, and military operations, including:
- FBI Executive Law Enforcement Leadership, Elk River, AL
- DEA Clandestine Lab Certification, Birmingham, AL
- ATF Post-Blast & Undercover Operations, Hoover, AL
- REID Interview Interrogation Academy, Knoxville TN
- Practical Homicide Investigation, Huntsville, AL
- U.S. Customs Blue Lightning Task Force, New Orleans, LA
- Counterdrug & Tactical SWAT Training, Ft. McClellan, AL
- Desert & Arctic Warfare Readiness (Ft. Irwin, CA & Ft. Greely, AK)
- Advanced Close Quarter Battle, Birmingham, AL
- Army Basic & Advanced NCO Courses
- Army Combatives, Instructor Certification, Anti-Terrorism (Level I & II)
INTERNATIONAL & COMMAND EXPERIENCE:
- Led and trained over 1,500 deploying soldiers for assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and Bosnia
- Supervised 200+ SWAT missions
- Participated in multi-national humanitarian training operations in Constanța, Romania
- Instructor and course leader for U.S. Army training initiatives
Creel said his resume demonstrates a lifelong commitment to public safety, national service and ethical leadership.
“I will bring tested experience, deep operational knowledge and a principled approach to the office of sheriff of Cullman County,” Creel said.
The Cullman County sheriff’s race will be part of the Primary Election held May 19, 2026, with the General Election slated for Nov. 3, 2026. Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry will remain in office until January 2027.
