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Full Bio

Andrew Opel was born and raised here in Allegany County.

He has spent his entire life pursuing excellence in every endeavor. 

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Although his career has taken him around the world, and to every corner of this great nation, his lifelong dream has been to dedicate all his heart, soul, and effort to the people he is proud to call neighbors, friends, and family, right here in Allegany County.

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Below is a brief encapsulation of the relevant experience & qualifications of your next Sheriff of Allegany County.

USAF, Military Police
Active Duty - Honorable Service

  • Basic Military Training, Honor Graduate

  • Security Forces Technical School, Distinguished Graduate

  • Senior Airman Below the Zone, Rapid Promotion

  • Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Distinguished Graduate

  • National Defense Service Medal

  • Global War on Terror Service Medal

  • USAF Expeditionary Combat Service Medal

  • USAF Achievement Award

  • Afghanistan Campaign Award, with 2 Service Stars

  • USAF Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Oak Leaf

  • USAF Longevity Service Award

  • Phoenix Warrior Expeditionary Ground Combat School

  • Silver Flag Expeditionary Ground Combat School

  • Security Forces Craftsman Level

  • Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Armory Operations

  • Patrol Supervisor / Squad / Fire Team Leader

  • Special Investigations/Intelligence Asset

  • 42 Combat Zone Patrols as M240B Machine Gunner

  • Host Nation Security Team Lead Liason

MD Law Enforcement
Cumberland PD - ACSO

  • Perfect Score (100%) Peace Officer Standardized Test (POST) Exam

  • Class Corporal, Washington County Police Academy

  • Qualified Expert in District Court, Drug Investigations

  • Highest Producing Officer Award (Most Criminal Arrests)

  • Most Street Level Felony Drug Arrests

  • Officer of the Quarter

  • MD Certified SWAT Operator

  • Road Patrol Supervisor / Senior Deputy in Charge

  • Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Certified

  • ​Expert Marksman

  • Current MD Police Certification/ In Good Standing

Additional Experience

  • Wilderness First Responder Certified

  • Wilderness Survival Guide

  • ​Combat Weapons Instructor

  • Range Safety Master Officer

  • MD Security Officer Certified

Community Advocacy

  • Program Director, Adult & Teen Challenge Tri-State​

  • Founder, Common Ground Revival

  • Voted Allegany Magazine, Favorite Community Ministry, 2025

  • Men's Alliance, Appalachian Tribe Leader, Men's Outreach Program

  • Volunteers for elderly & disabled home repair assistance

Family Life

Andrew is happily married to the love of his life, Abigail Wilhelm, from Avilton, MD. They have 4 children between them, 1 boy and 3 girls. Abigail is a nurse, women's fitness & yoga instructor, and trauma therapy coach.

 

They attend Central Assembly of God in Cumberland, MD. 

Their hobbies center around family & church activities, fitness, and personal development.​

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