Walter T. Coryell Sr. is running for one of the three seats on the county commission. He filed as a Republican last week at the county elections office. The former Chestertown police chief retired in March 2008. His career includes 37 years with the Baltimore County Police Department, followed by seven as chief here.

During his years in law enforcement, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore and a graduate degree from Towson University. He has attended specialized training for police officers, including the FBI National Academy. Coryell is a volunteer member of the Maryland Defense Force.

In a press release, he wrote, “My life has been one of service to my fellow citizens, and I have been proud and thankful for the honor of being of service to others. I know that our County, State and Nation face unprecedented challenges. We must find reasonable ways to do more with less, but we must not sacrifice what is good about the quality of life in Kent County.”

His entry into the race makes him the third to file for the November election. The field for county commissioner, so far, includes incumbent Democrat William Pickrum and Republican challenger Tim Lloyd.