Stephen Brownhill
Chief Deputy
A law enforcement professional with 28 years of service to the Cecil County Sheriff's Office, Captain Stephen Brownhill is a proven leader with deep community roots. Having grown up in a law enforcement family, he was inspired by his father, a police captain in Pennsylvania, to dedicate his life to public service. After graduating from the Harford County Sheriff's Office academy, he became a resident of Cecil County in 1998.​
Captain Brownhill's career trajectory is a testament to his exceptional leadership. After serving in roles like patrol and the Drug Task Force, he quickly advanced to a supervisory position just three years into his career. He has since overseen the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions, managing complex cases, including homicides. Over his long tenure, he has worked, supervised, or commanded every unit in the law enforcement division.
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​Awards and Professional Recognition
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Cecil County Sheriff's Office Deputy of the Year Award
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Life Saving Award
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Superintendents' Salute Award from the Maryland State Police
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Court-recognized expert in police Use of Force
Advanced Training and Expertise
Committed to continuous professional development, Stephen was the first member of the Cecil County Sheriff's Office to graduate from the prestigious FBI National Academy in 2018. He is also a graduate of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program and a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission certified instructor.
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Extensive Administrative and Management Experience
With over 13 years in police administration, Captain Brownhill has demonstrated invaluable expertise in:
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Ensuring compliance with the Maryland Police Accountability Act
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Human resources, personnel management, and hiring
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Overseeing internal affairs and professional standards
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Fleet management
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Facilitating professional development and training
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Budgeting, grant writing, and management
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Managing significant technology and capital projects
Community and Civic Engagement
Stephen's commitment to the community is reflected in his long history of public and professional service. He is a board member and former Chairperson of the Cecil County Public Safety Pension System, a former Treasurer of the Cecil County Fraternal Order of Police and a lifelong Republican. In his personal time, he has volunteered as a youth ice hockey coach, an example of his dedication to fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Stephen and his wife, Amanda, reside in Cecil County, where they have raised their family and successfully own and operate a local business in Elkton.