Community Corner

Edward Hopkins: Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Spokesman

The new spokesman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office will start Monday, Nov. 26.

You need only take a look at his recent resume to see that Edward Hopkins is invested in Bel Air and Harford County.

Hopkins was recently named the new public information officer for the Harford County Sheriff's Office. He will hit the ground running Monday, Nov. 26. He is also a part of Bel Air town government and and Bel Air Fire Company leadership.

Monday will not technically be Hopkins' first day with the sheriff's office or even in the position of spokesman.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hopkins served as a police officer with the sheriff's office for 29 years, retiring with a rank of Lieutenant, according to his profile on the Town of Bel Air's website. Before retiring, Hopkins worked as the spokesman for the sheriff's office for about seven years, from 1994 until about 2001.

"When I left the sheriff’s office in September of 2005 I got recruited by Governor Ehrlich's communications team," Hopkins said.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hopkins spent two years working with juvenile services under Ehrlich until a new communications team took over when Martin O'Malley was elected govornor.

In August of that same year, Hopkins again started working at the state level, this time overseeing domestic preparedness with Maryland Emergency Management Agency. He later moved into the external affairs office.

In July, the secretary Hopkins was working with left for a new job and with the new secretary came a new staff.

"I was serving in an at will position," Hopkins said.

The turn over left room for a professional change, and returning to the sheriff's office seemed a good fit for Hopkins.

"Part of it is wanting to come back home," Hopkins said.

Hopkins, age 55, is a lifelong Bel Air resident and currently lives in the neighborhood where he grew up. His three sons have attended Bel Air schools and Hopkins considers his community members an extended family.

His involvement with county law enforcement and return to the sheriff's office are not the only ways Hopkins serves his home town.

Hopkins is now in his second term as Bel Air Town Commissioner. On Monday he was voted to continue as chair of the board, a role that translates to defacto mayor of Bel Air.

He has also been a part of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company most of his life and is now filling the role of chief of the fire company.

Hopkins explained he has long hoped to play a role in local government and be chief of the fire company at some point in his life.

"Those two roles just happened to come together at the same time," Hopkins said.

While he may have a lot going on, Hopkins says he is confident in his ability to fill each role well. He hopes to stay on as commissioner and fire chief for at least another year.

"I’ve been able to balance my positions and work for some time now," Hopkins said.

He said he also has the support of town staff and the fire company if he needs it.

"I am blessed with a great group of people to back me up," Hopkins said.

Serving the town of Bel Air and building up the community is something Hopkins is passionate about.

"It might sound silly to some people, but I look at the town of Bel Air as my family," Hopkins said.

He explained his parents instilled in him a strong sense of community.

"I was born and raised in the town of Bel Air and not only do you have your parents, but you have your circle of friends and it's all concentric circles that form what Bel Air is." Hopkins said. "It’s a tangible thing for me."

Hopkins will continue contributing to the community as chief, mayor and, starting Monday, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

"I am excited," Hopkins said of working once again at the sheriff's office.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here