I’m Matthew Gullion and I’m running for Bel Air Town Commissioner. I want you to know who I am so that I may have the humble privilege to represent your values on the Board of Town Commissioners.

I am 43 years old and a lifelong Harford County resident, having grown up in Darlington, Maryland. At the age of 16, I began my journey of public service by joining the Darlington Volunteer Fire Department, where I spent nearly a decade responding to emergencies and helping my neighbors in times of crisis. In 2002, I joined the Bel Air Police Department as a cadet. My early responsibilities included community outreach and parking enforcement; over the years, I advanced steadily through the ranks to become a sergeant and later Acting Deputy Chief of Police.

During my nearly 20-year career with the Bel Air Police Department, I held assignments in patrol, community services, school policing, investigations, and administration. As a detective corporal, I helped develop and lead the Bel Air Drug Abatement Response Team (D.A.R.T.), which achieved a 37% reduction in opioid overdoses in our community. As an administrator, I oversaw communications, records, traffic safety, school security, and numerous innovation projects, while supervising over 20 sworn and civilian staff. I also commanded public safety operations for large-scale town events, engaged in police reform discussions with the Harford Coalition for Equal Justice, and, when asked, stepped in as Acting Deputy Chief of Police. My service was recognized with multiple commendations, including the Maryland Chiefs of Police Exceptional Service Award, lifesaving awards, DUI enforcement honors, “Officer of the Year” recognition, and many other.

In 2007, I married my wife Tamara, and together we have raised three children. Although we primarily homeschool our children, our oldest is now a public school senior. I have always valued education, both for my family and myself. I earned an associate’s degree from Harford Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College, and a master’s degree in Leadership from LBC | Capital Seminary and Graduate School. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Criminal Justice Leadership at Liberty University.

In 2004, I made the most important and eternal decision of my life when I placed my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Through the guidance and discipleship of my grandfather, Rev. Harold Hubble, I began serving in ministry leadership, first as a youth minister and later as a pastor. For thirteen years, I balanced my law enforcement career with bivocational ministry, preaching, teaching, counseling, and providing spiritual care to church congregations, the community, and our first responders. Four years ago, I left law enforcement to answer God’s call to serve in full-time ministry. Currently, I serve as an Associate Pastor to Students and Outreach at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Port Deposit, MD. I remain closely connected to the first responder community through counseling, faith-based training, and trauma support.

My life’s work has been centered on faith, service, and freedom. I support our military, our police, our first responders, and our dedicated volunteer firefighters. My vision for Bel Air is clear: we must remain sensible in our decision-making and steadfast in keeping our community safe. With decades of experience in public safety, ministry, and community leadership, I am committed to preserving the small-town values we cherish while preparing Bel Air for a thriving, secure future for our families, seniors, and generations to come.