Patriotism, Public Service and a Desire to Always be Useful

Sean Quarmby
Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge (Supervisory Special Agent)
U.S. Secret Service


Patriotism, Public Service and a Desire to Always be Useful. That pretty much summed up my life growing up. My father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. My brother and two uncles retired from the New York City Police Department as Police Officers. I started my career with the United States Secret Service in New York City on April 9, 1990 and retired on April 30, 2015. Everything in between was a gift; an opportunity to serve this country and it was filled with memories and experiences that can never be erased. I had the opportunity to protect many U.S. Presidents and world leaders during my tenure as a Special Agent however being assigned to the Presidential Protection Division during the administrations of William J. Clinton and George W. Bush was a great honor. I experienced unprecedented exposure to security negotiations at the highest levels. There were detailed security plans, difficult political protocols to adhere to and unrealistic challenges, all which tested one’s level of integrity and courage.

Protecting President Bush While Out for a Run, President Clinton Welcomes Me to His Protection Detail, a Cold St. Patrick’s Day Morning in Chicago During President Clinton’s Motorcade

I also enjoyed the complexities associated with conducting criminal investigations, gathering intelligence and finding new ways to develop cyber-crime initiatives. Throughout my career I sought to meet the challenges associated with vulnerabilities to our nation’s critical infrastructure. I have worked with the best of the best and I always feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve with these men and women. I’m so honored to be remembered in this Museum, because law enforcement officers in this country have to answer the call every day. They must wake up and turn fear into courage simply by showing up and doing the next right thing.

This is not a time for awards or commendation but a time to recognize that our law enforcement officers have what it takes to turn fear into courage and move forward to protect and serve. That is the job description plain and simple and I am honored to be among them.

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