Meet William
A Proven Leader. A True Neighbor. Your Voice.
My roots run deep in public service and community commitment. Born and raised in Queens, NY, I graduated from Bayside High School and served as a 57F Mortuary Affairs Specialist in the Army Reserves.
In 1992, I transitioned to the DC Department of Corrections at the Maximum-Security Unit in Lorton, VA. Following the closure of Lorton Prison, I continued my career with the Maryland Division of Corrections at MCI-J and later at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections before joining the Baltimore Police Academy 116th Recruit Class in June 2003. Since graduating, I have proudly served with the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office, where I remain employed today. I am married to my beautiful wife, Leticia Merrill, and we share an adorable furbaby, Ginger Merrill.
Together, we can build a Sheriff’s Office that reflects the best of Baltimore County — strong, united, and committed to serving every resident with fairness and respect.
23 Years of Service.
A Lifetime of Commitment.
Modernizing the Sheriff’s Office
Strengthening Public Safety & Court Security
Supporting Deputies & Building Morale
Collaboration That Protects Communities
MISSION STATEMENT
Leading with Integrity. Serving with Purpose. Protecting Baltimore County.
I am running for Sheriff of Baltimore County with a deep commitment to service, integrity, and community. For more than 23 years, the Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office has been more than a career to me. It has been my family. I have proudly served as a Deputy First Class, working alongside judges, magistrates, the State’s Attorney’s Office, clerks, jury personnel, the 911 Center, juvenile services, police, fire, and EMS. Every day, I have seen firsthand how these partnerships, along with the support of our residents, are essential to the safety and strength of our community.
My mission is to modernize, strengthen, and elevate the Sheriff’s Office to meet today’s challenges with professionalism and preparedness. This includes enhancing courthouse security, updating reporting systems, improving uniforms and equipment, and increasing staffing and morale. Our deputies deserve the tools, training, and support needed to serve effectively and safely.
I am committed to strengthening collaboration across all public safety partners, including County Police, Fire, EMS, the Bureau of Corrections, and our State and Federal agencies. Public safety depends on communication, coordination, and a shared commitment to protecting our community.
I am a public servant who understands this office from the inside out. I have dedicated my career to this work, and I will lead with integrity, support our personnel, and ensure the Sheriff’s Office operates with accountability, professionalism, and pride.
Together, we will build a Sheriff’s Office that reflects the very best of Baltimore County, strong, united, and committed to serving every resident with fairness and respect.
“ The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create it ”
James J. Dee