Tim Creel Announces Candidacy for Cullman County Sheriff
CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. — Law enforcement veteran Tim Creel has officially announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Cullman County, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and nearly two decades of military service.
For Creel, the opportunity to serve as Sheriff is the fulfillment of a lifelong goal and a return to the place where it all began.
“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.”
Creel emphasized that his campaign is driven by service and dedication to the people of Cullman County.
“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,” he said.
The Republican Primary Election will be held in May 2026, and Creel plans to begin his campaign publicly in mid-July 2025, with a series of community-focused events and introductions throughout the county.
“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.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Creel currently serves as an Investigator with the Guntersville Police Department, handling felony investigations and supporting surrounding jurisdictions when needed.
He and his wife Amanda recently returned to Cullman County after ten years in Guntersville.
“When Amanda and I first met, she was launching a new business in Guntersville, and I relocated there to support her goals,” Creel said. “Now, ten years later, with a shared understanding of my long-standing desire to return to Cullman, we made the move together. We’re thrilled to be back home among family, friends, and the community that means so much to us.”
Education & Training
Fairview High School, Class of 1984
Alabama Police Academy (Selma), Class of 1990
U.S. Army Basic Training, Completed
Law Enforcement Career
With over three decades of progressive experience, Creel has served in nearly every aspect of law enforcement:
Reserve Deputy, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (1987–1988)
Police Officer, Hanceville Police Department (1988–1989)
Police Officer, Hartselle Police Department (1989–1991)
Investigator / Supervisor, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (1991–2009)
Investigator, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office & Guntersville Police Department (2010–2013)
Senior Investigator / Patrol Supervisor, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (2013–2024)
Investigator, Guntersville Police Department (2024–Present)
Leadership Roles:
Major Crimes Investigator
Lead Narcotics Investigator
SWAT Team Leader & Commander
Patrol District Chief
Patrol Supervisor
Military Service
Creel has proudly served in the Alabama Army National Guard since 1985, 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
Conducted 20+ combat missions in hostile environments
Military Honors & Awards:
Bronze Star Medal • Combat Infantry Badge • Army Commendation Medal (2) • Army Achievement Medal (4) • Army Good Conduct Medal • Alabama Commendation Medal • Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal • Southwest Asia Service Medal • Reserve Component Mobilization Medal (2)
Specialized Training & Certifications
Creel’s professional development includes extensive law enforcement, counterterrorism, and tactical training:
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
Advanced Close Quarter Battle – Birmingham, AL
Army Basic & Advanced NCO Courses
Army Combatives Certification
International & Command Experience
Led and trained 1,500+ soldiers deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and Bosnia
Supervised 200+ SWAT operations
Participated in multi-national humanitarian training in Constanța, Romania
Served as Instructor and Course Leader for U.S. Army training initiatives
Looking Ahead
Creel says his experience reflects a lifelong dedication 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,” he said. “Cullman County deserves leadership that’s steady, transparent, and accountable—and that’s exactly what I intend to deliver.”