Kelly Waddell is a native of Newport News, Virginia who was born and raised in the city. He graduated from Menchville High School in 1999. He earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University and a master's degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.

Captain Waddell has worked for the Poquoson Police Department since 2007. He was promoted to Master Police Officer in 2010, Sergeant in 2011, Lieutenant in 2016, and then to Captain in 2019.

Captain Waddell volunteers his time as a youth football, baseball, and wrestling coach.