Who is Gary Morton?

Gary Morton: A Lifetime of Service, Leadership, and Vision for Frederick County

Gary Morton, a lifelong resident of Frederick County, has dedicated his life to serving his community. Born at Frederick Memorial Hospital in 1961, Gary grew up in Frederick City, attending local schools: North Frederick Elementary, Elm Street School, and Governor Thomas Johnson High School, from which he graduated in 1979.

Gary’s passion for public service began early, inspired by his father, a life member of the Junior Fire Company who was recognized as “Firefighter of the Year” in 1976 for rescuing a man from a burning house. Following in his father’s footsteps, Gary became a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Junior Fire Company in 1977. Today, he and his father hold Life Member status with the company, a testament to their lasting contributions to Frederick City.

In May 1980, Gary joined the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, beginning as a Corrections Officer. After completing the Corrections Academy, he served five years in the Detention Center, rising to the rank of Sergeant in the Corrections Bureau. In 1985, Sheriff Robert Snyder selected Gary to become a Deputy Sheriff, and he went on to graduate from the Western Maryland Police Academy.

Throughout his 35-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, Gary served in various roles, including Courtroom Security, Civil Process, Patrol Division, Canine Unit, Recruitment, Special Services Team, Traffic Unit, and more. He steadily advanced through the ranks, holding positions from Deputy First Class to Major. His dedication to operations defined his career, with 29 of his 35 years spent in the Operations Division, 1 year in the Administrative Division and 5 years in the Corrections Division.

Gary’s contributions extend beyond his assignments. He was instrumental in developing key initiatives for the Sheriff’s Office, including:









Gary demonstrated his vision and compassion for the agency, its personnel, and the Frederick County community through these efforts.

Personal Life
In 1984 Gary married Stacey. They have now been married for over 40 years and counting. Together Gary and Stacey had two boys, Greg and Brad, who also live in  Frederick County and serve in law enforcement as Deputy Sheriffs. Gregory is with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Brad is with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Both are married and each have two sons, giving Gary and Stacey 4 grandsons.

A Call for Change
Gary’s decision to run for Sheriff stems from his lifelong commitment to the community and his belief in the importance of strong, ethical leadership. After retiring in 2015, Gary has remained closely connected to Frederick County. He has listened to the concerns of community members and Sheriff’s Office staff, who have voiced their desire for a new direction.

Gary recognizes the challenges facing the Sheriff’s Office, including fractured relationships, declining trust, and a loss of vision. He is committed to rebuilding those relationships—with sworn and civilian staff, allied agencies, the State’s Attorney’s Office, schools, businesses, and the broader community.

A Vision for the Future
As Sheriff, Gary Morton pledges to lead with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. His priorities include:







Gary believes that strong leadership requires a clear vision for the future. His experience, values, and unwavering dedication make him uniquely qualified to lead the Sheriff’s Office into a new era of trust, collaboration, and progress.

The community of Frederick County deserves a Sheriff who will listen, lead by example, and prioritize the well-being of its citizens and the agency’s staff. Gary Morton is ready to bring his lifetime of service and leadership to the role of Sheriff and work tirelessly to create a stronger, safer, and more united Frederick County.

• Helping establish the Special Services Team.
• Serving on the first Traffic Unit to enhance public safety through proactive traffic enforcement.
• Being a founding member of the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.
• Contributing to the creation of the Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program for youth development.
• Designing graphic updates for Sheriff’s Office vehicles, the agency’s first Challenge Coin, and career rings to honor deputies’ service.

• Restoring trust and morale within the Sheriff’s Office.
• Strengthening partnerships with community members and allied organizations.
• Revitalizing programs and initiatives that have fallen by the wayside.
• Ensuring the agency is prepared to meet the needs of Frederick County’s growing and dynamic population.