Jonathan Wackrow writes that US Secret Service agents loved President George H. W. Bush so much because of the deep and genuine respect he showed for them and law enforcement more broadly.
Since the Secret Service began protecting the then vice-presidential candidate in 1980, Timberwolf would be at the center of both world history and cherished memories for generations of special agents.
In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a present-day Secret Service employee who does not have a personal story of the late president. But more importantly, each of these stories would share a common theme: the deep and genuine respect that the President had, not only for members of the Secret Service, but also for law enforcement more broadly.
Throughout every phase of my career with the Secret Service, I came across stories of George and Barbara Bush, and the affinity that they had for the agents who protected them. When I was assigned to the presidential protective detail during the Obama administration, senior agents who had worked at the White House during the Bush 41 administration told stories of how the former President would adjust his schedule during the holiday season to ensure the agents could be home with their families.
During his time in office and the years that followed, Bush was always extremely personable toward the agents that protected him. Current special agents assigned to his protection shared with me that the President often took the time and care to inquire after their well-being and quality of life — just one daily reminder how he recognized and valued the men and women who stood willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for him and his family.
