Veteran Federal Agent and Decorated Lawman Pledges to Restore Trust, Safety, and Integrity
Greensboro, NC
Billy Queen, a highly decorated former federal agent and military veteran, has officially declared his candidacy for Sheriff of Guilford County (NC). With a career spanning more than four decades in military, local, and federal service, Queen brings unmatched experience and a bold vision for law enforcement leadership in the county.
“The people of Guilford County deserve a sheriff’s office that works for them, that listens to every voice,” Queen states. “The safety and security of Guilford County and its citizens will be enhanced through proven programs that integrate community engagement in combating violent crime and drug problems.”
Queen began his service to our country by volunteering for the United States Army immediately after graduating from high school. A Vietnam War veteran, Queen served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 18th Airborne Corps, the 18th MP Brigade, and the 11th Special Forces Group.
Following his service in the United States Army, Queen served as a police officer with the High Point Police Department, where he became the youngest sergeant in the department. While working on a master’s degree at North Carolina A&T State University, Queen became the first white police officer hired at the NC A&T Police Department.
Queen went on to become a United States Border Patrol Agent and was assigned to the southern border in California. From there, Queen became a special agent for the United States Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE) and gained national attention for his undercover work infiltrating one of the country’s most notorious outlaw motorcycle gangs—an experience he detailed in his New York Times bestselling memoir, Under and Alone.
He is the recipient of three Medal of Valor awards, The Distinguished Service Award from the United States Bar Association, the Director’s Award from the United States Attorney General’s Office, and eight Special Achievement Awards from the ATF. He was named a Distinguished individual in the 2023 edition of Who’s Who in America.
He now plans to apply the same courage, strategic thinking, and integrity to serving the people of Guilford County.
Queen’s campaign is built around three core principles:
- Real Public Safety: Tackling violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity with proven investigative strategies and interagency collaboration.
- Community Connection: Rebuilding trust between deputies and residents through transparency, respect, and honest outreach.
- Restoring Integrity: Ending corruption, enforcing accountability at all levels, and setting a standard of ethical leadership from day one.
As a longtime resident of North Carolina and a passionate advocate for service-driven law enforcement, Queen says his candidacy represents a turning point for Guilford County.
“This isn’t about politics — this is about protecting families, respecting the Constitution, and giving Guilford County the honest leadership it deserves,” Queen said.