About | Runk For Sheriff 1

MEET KEITH RUNK

Keith began his service with the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division before graduating near the top of his class at the Maryland State Police Academy. Over the years, he led some of Maryland’s most specialized units; SWAT, K‑9, Dive, Negotiations, Motors, and Emergency Services; and was often chosen to step into struggling units to restore performance, morale, and accountability.

He became one of Maryland’s leading experts on active‑shooter response, training thousands of teachers, students, businesses, and community members. He helped write the statewide active‑shooter policy used for more than a decade and held Top Secret clearance to work directly with intelligence teams on safety and preparedness.

Keith played key roles in major incidents such as the DC Sniper Task Force, the Joseph Palczynski hostage incident, and statewide emergency responses including the University of Maryland riots, the Baltimore City riots, and the COVID‑19 and civil unrest response of 2020. He has also been trusted to provide security for world leaders including Pope John Paul II, U.S. presidents, and international dignitaries.

His service has been recognized with top honors, including two Medals of Valor, multiple Superintendent’s Commendations, Governor’s Awards, and the Maryland Meritorious Service Medal. Outside of policing, Keith is a lifelong athlete and coach, and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an “Outstanding American.”

After more than three decades of service, Keith remains committed to protecting the community he calls home and ensuring that public safety is guided by experience, integrity, and a focus on people before politics.

EDUCATION

Maryland State Police Academy

Police Officer Certification 1986
Graduated 2nd overall in class
Earned Marksmanship Award of 90th MSP Class

United States Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center

Federal Police Officer Certification 1984
Earned Academic Achievement Award, Marksmanship Award and Physical Fitness Award

Towson University

Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice 1983
Distinguished Scholar while playing Division I Lacrosse

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director of Public Safety-

Leads and supervises the Public Safety Department, including staffing, training, mentoring, and daily operations.
Develops and enforces safety, security, and workplace policies.

Maryland State Police- Lieutenant, Asst. Commander Special Operations Division

Supervises six specialized division units (SWAT, K-9, Dive Team, Negotiations Team, Motors, and Emergency Services Unit) Overseeing unit commanders, delegating assignments, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with policies, training, equipment, inspections, and operational readiness.
Assumes Commander duties when designated, advises MSP and allied executive command staff during critical incidents, coordinates multi-agency responses for high-profile events, reviews policies and MOUs, investigates personnel complaints, recommends disciplinary actions, and manages division reports, evaluations, and resources.
Supports statewide and operational initiatives, including serving as a Platoon Commander for the Advanced Mobile Field Force, coordinating Strategic National Stockpile security and escort plans during National Security Events, delivering public awareness seminars on critical incident response, and participating in committees such as the Governor’s Active Assailant Interdisciplinary Work Group.

Maryland State Police Lieutenant, Criminal Enforcement Division -Commander Gun Unit

Supervises 18 sworn and 4 civilian personnel responsible for investigations, gun tracing, and enforcement of federal and Maryland firearms laws, while directing supervisors, reviewing performance, delegating assignments, and supporting evaluations, awards, and disciplinary actions.
Manages unit operations and budget, including oversight of a $100,000 grant, approving overtime, procurement, and expenditures, and ensuring compliance with MSP policy, federal/state/local laws, and unit SOPs.
Evaluates unit readiness and accountability by overseeing decentralized line inspections, assessing personnel, training, equipment, and operations, implementing corrective actions, performing administrative duties assigned by command staff, and maintaining responsibilities related to active shooter training and response.

Education and Training Division- Agency Expert on Active Shooter Incidents and Response

Selected by the Chief of the Special Operations Bureau to lead a newly created role in the Maryland State Police Education and Training Division, coordinating and delivering active shooter response training for Maryland Higher Education and K-12 institutions. Developed and reviewed response policies and trained schools, private businesses, and federal/state/local agencies on effective coordination and interaction with first responders. Earned reputation as one of the leading experts statewide on active shooter events and response and have accomplished the following:
Safe Schools Initiative Focus Group
Division Safety Officer
Governor’s Active Shooter Safety Education Training (ASSET)
ALERRT Active Shooter Instructor
Panel Expert
Governor’s Maryland Active Shooter Response Workgroup
State and Local Emergency Management Associations - Panel Expert
Harford County Critical Incident/Active Assailant Response Planning Group

Commander/First Sergeant: Special Tactical Assault Team Element

Supervised 21 full-time SWAT officers and 18 additional specialized personnel (K-9, Negotiations, Motors, Special Events), managing scheduling, training, evaluations, certifications, assignments, and operational readiness.
Managed unit operations, policy, and resources, including oversight of $1M+ in specialized equipment, budgets, overtime, procurement, inspections, and compliance with MSP, federal, state, and local laws while authoring and approving unit operating plans and implementing training tracking systems.
Led planning and response for critical incidents and major events, advising MSP and allied command staff, coordinating multi-agency operations (including BWI Airport and Strategic National Stockpile escorts), serving at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency during emergencies, and commanding 90+ hostage/barricade incidents and 1,100+ high-risk warrants while increasing unit production by 400%.

Special Project: Assistant Barrack Commander – Glen Burnie Barrack

Selected by the MSP Superintendent to address performance deficiencies, ensure policy compliance, and resolve personnel issues at a barrack of 30 troopers and 7 civilians.
Oversaw barrack operations, including scheduling, overtime authorization, and coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.
Implemented updated performance guidelines for sworn and civilian personnel, resulting in improved productivity and morale.

Uniformed Sergeant and Corporal: Waldorf and Bel Air Barracks, S.T.A.T.E. TEAM

Transferred to the Special Operations Division in 1997 with the creation of the full-time S.T.A.T.E. Unit.
Supervised a shift of five troopers, assigning calls, reviewing reports, handling citizen complaints, and monitoring performance to ensure compliance with MSP policies.
Responded to major incidents and served as a SWAT team leader for seven S.T.A.T.E. Team members statewide while managing barrack operations; promoted to First Sergeant in August 2000.

Uniformed Patrol Trooper: Berlin, Glen Burnie, and Leonardtown Barracks

Responded to traffic and criminal calls, achieving a high arrest and case closure rate.
Conducted investigations, enforcement, and reporting, earning recognition for performance and leadership.
Selected for S.T.A.T.E. assignment, performing patrol and specialized duties; promoted to Corporal in August 1990.
United States Secret Service Uniformed Division Police Officer
Assigned to security force of White House to protect United States President

Ocean City, MD & Bethany Beach, DE Police Departments

Seasonal Police Officer

TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Technical Training

Academy General Police Topics
Basic Radar School
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Gang Recognition
Firearms Instructor School
Instructor School
ICS 200 ICS for Single Resource
IED Response and Intelligence
Gathering
Counter Surveillance and Threat
Assessment Strategies
ALERRT Active Shooter Instructor
School
IED Recognition and Mitigation
Active Shooter Workshop and IED
Awareness (2014-2015)
Hostage Negotiations Seminar
ICS 100 Intro to Emergency
Management
A.L.I.C.E. Certified Instructor
ALERRT C.R.A.S.E. Instructor
Advanced Mobile Field Force School
Terrorist Weapons, Tactics and
Techniques seminar

Leadership Training

Basic Supervisor School
Swat Commanders Course
ICS 300
ICS 400 Advanced ICS
IACP Leadership in Police
Organizations
Mobile Field Force Command and
Planning
Officer Involved Shootings, Applying
4th Amendment, Use of Force and Stress
Management
NTOA Critical Incident Management
Bomb Threat Management
FEMA All Hazards Incident
Management Team Certification
ICS 701a Multiagency Coordination
ICS 702a Public Information System
ICS 703a Resource Management
ICS 704 Communication and
Information Management
Critical Decision making for Complex
Coordinated Attacks
ICS/EOC Management
ICD 800 National Response Framework
MSP Administrator school

Specialized Training

High Risk Tactical Tracking School
State and Local Anti-Terrorism
Response
Maritime Critical Incident Response
Advanced Maritime Critical Incident
Response
Chemical Awareness Training
Radiological Response Training
Threat Management and Response to
Bus Hijackings
Anti-Terrorism Response and
Preparedness
Advanced Swat and Hostage Rescue School
FN 303 Less Lethal Instructor
TASER Instructor
CBRNE Operations
WMD Tactical Operations
Advanced WMD Tactical Operations
Counter Offensive Operations
Tactical Helicopter Operations
Basic Inflatable Boat Operator For
Tactical Operations
Tactical Response Issues
Bomb and Booby Trap Recognition
Basic Swat Commander School
Advanced Swat Commander School
Threat Assessment, Risk Management, and Operational Planning
Response to Chemical and Radiological incidents
VIP Protective Operations
Counter Assault Training and Motorcade Protection
Arial Rescue Training
Cold Weather Survival Training
Advanced Cold Weather Survival Training
Counter Sniper School
Linear Assault Training
Explosive Ordinance Detection and Identification
Surveillance Detection and Vulnerability Assessments course
Executive Protection class
Public Order Commander’s Course
Sport and Special Event Enhanced Risk Management and Assessment Course

AWARDS

Two Maryland Governor’s Citations – Medal of Valor (Highest MSP Award) for performance involving life-threatening situations during two separate shooting incidents (1994 & 1998)
Superintendent’s Commendation (2nd Highest MSP Award) and Baltimore County Critical Incident Award for outstanding performance during Joseph Palczynski manhunt and hostage barricade (2000)
Superintendent’s Salute (4th Highest MSP Award) for D.C. Sniper Task Force (2002)
Superintendent’s Salute (4th Highest MSP Award) for participation in World Police and Fire Games (1999)
Commander’s Award for outstanding performance and management of personnel (2000)
Two Commander’s Awards for community service, dedication to duty, and exemplary performance (1992-1993)
Superintendent’s Letter of Recognition for safe rescue of 5-year-old boy in hostage barricade (2003)
Unit Citation for outstanding performance as member and Commander of MSP S.T.A.T.E. Team (2000)
Commander’s Award for dedication to duty and exemplary performance to S.T.A.T.E. for 21 years of service (2011)
Unit Citation for Exemplary Performance as a member of Education and Training Division (2014)
NCAA Championship Lacrosse Official (1 of 15 selected in country – 2014)
Governor’s Award for Crime Prevention for involvement in project L.O.V.E. 1992
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention Award for community outreach and active shooter education program (2015)
Inducted to National Wrestling Hall of Fame “Outstanding American” (class of 2016)
Joint Staff Badge (Maryland Army National Guard Joint Staff) for outstanding service
The Maryland Meritorious Service Medal (State of Maryland Military Department
Authorized by Governor Hogan) for exceptional and meritorious service while assigned to the Maryland Army National Guard during Covid 19 and Civil unrest response 2020

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Ray Alan Minnick Interstate Task Force (1998 Bank Robbery Suspect)
VIP Protection Detail for Pope John Paul II (1995)
Security detail for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 1998 Mideast Peace Talks
Security detail for Elian Gonzales, Wye Mills, MD (1998)
Security detail for President George Bush, Annapolis, MD (2010)
Joseph Palczynski manhunt and hostage barricade incident which was one of longest in U.S. history; co-developed rescue plan and contingencies which led to successful resolution of standoff (2000)
DC Sniper Task Force – 1 of 6 members who captured snipers, co-planned, developed, and implemented multi-agency tactical operational plan that led to successful capture of both suspects.
Security detail MACABI Games – international Olympic style event for Jewish community
Security detail for Vice President Gore at 1996 Olympics – Atlanta, GA
Discovery Building Suicide Bomber/Hostage situation – assisted with planning multi-agency tactical response leading to successful resolution of incident (2010)
Received Top Secret Clearance in May 2013 – granting allowance to regularly attend intelligence meetings leading to ability to address training, response, and safety issues for agency.

Authored, developed, and implemented agency-wide and allied agency training for active shooter response policy and tactics that were adopted by MSP in 2000 and used until 2013 when the agency transitioned to ALERRT.
Co-authored, developed, and implemented Civilian Response to Active Shooter Training program in 2010 and program was awarded Governor’s Award for Community Outreach in 2015. Training well over 3,000 people
Selected to assist with development of curriculum and instruct first ever active shooter response school for school resources officers (July 2013)
Tactical Commander for University of Maryland Riots (2000-2003)
Baltimore City Riots, served as advisor to command personnel and platoon commander for mobile field force operations (2015)
Covid 19 Response and Civil unrest 2020- served as member of IMT and advisory to Executive
Command in Response and planning as well as the Liaison to the Maryland Army National Guard where I also served as an advisor for Joint operations to Joint Staff personnel. This involved the planning, training, and coordination of National Guard Missions and oversight of National Guard personnel.