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This week we had John Kirkwood, Deputy Director of Global Security at Land O Lakes Inc. talk to us about his illustrious career as a Secret Service agent. John has a BA in Criminal Justice and Political Science. He began his career in law enforcement in 1981 as an officer for the Lincoln Police Department. He was hired by the U.S Secret Service as a Special Agent in 1985 and was assigned to the Omaha Field Office and later served ten years in Washington D.C on the Presidential Protective Division and Counter Assault Team during President Clinton’s administration. He had many more opportunities to serve as a special agent and served on several boards. He is now retired from law enforcement and works in the private sector with Land O’ Lakes Inc. John had many interesting stories about his time in this field. We learned the Secret Service was started in 1865 (same day Lincoln was assassinated) and was actually born out of exposing and finding Counterfeit money as part of the Treasury Department. Secret Service didn’t start protecting President’s until Teddy Roosevelt which was after the assassinations of two previous presidents, Garfield and McKinley. After Robert Kennedy was killed congress decided that candidates also need Secret Service protection. This turned into protection for all President’s and First Ladies for life and also visiting dignitaries, the Secretary of Treasury, head of Homeland Security among others. He had a funny story about his encounter with the Pope who was also protected by Secret Service. Code: bad handshake John was eventually transferred to the President’s detail and gave us the ins and outs on the complexity of that process. He felt that all the President’s he worked with were lovely people and mentioned that Clinton was most personable to all people. It was a very interesting presentation and I was so happy to see so many of our Rotarians attending! Thanks to the Lloyds of Omaha for continuing to provide interesting programs for us every Wednesday! Many thanks to Tim Cavanaugh for filling in for me last week and also for reminding us that the Honor Roll Luncheon is coming up and we Rotarians need to help out with monetary donations and volunteer service to ensure we have a great event! Ok see everyone next week! Stay Warm! -Camille |
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