Keith L. Prewitt, the deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service, is retiring, the service announced Monday.
Since 2008, he oversaw the protection of the president, vice president and visiting heads of state. He’d been involved in the protection of inaugurations, political conventions, United Nations General Assemblies and multi-national summits.
A 29-year veteran, Prewitt oversaw in the service’s daily operations, including 7,000 personnel. He also led the service’s efforts against counterfeiting, its oldest mission.
"Keith's contribution to the agency has been invaluable," said Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan. "His experience, judgment and management skills have brought our agency much growth and success
through the years. His outstanding leadership and friendship have meant a lot to me."
A Memphis native, Prewitt is a former Memphis City Police officer. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology/criminal justice from Memphis State University and an MBA from the Keller
Graduate School of Management.
He joined the Secret Service in 1983 as a special agent in the Memphis Field Office.
"It is very difficult to leave a career of public service," Prewitt said in a statement released by the Secret Service. “The thing I will miss the most is working with highly dedicated people you know you can count on - people who epitomize service before self."
And pardon me, Mr. Prewitt, for taking the liberty of interjecting my definition of what serving America really means.
It was, quite likely, overstepping.
Posted by: ibsteve2u | March 12, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Prewitt said in a statement released by the Secret Service. “The thing I will miss the most is working with highly dedicated people you know you can count on - people who epitomize service before self."
I.e., people who understand what the word "American" is supposed to mean...people who understand that you cannot serve external masters while in government and call yourself loyal to your country.
People who understand that "American" should override both "Republican" and "Democrat" and so look at America - and the threats America faces - with unclouded eyes.
Posted by: ibsteve2u | March 12, 2012 at 09:10 PM