Chaplain’s Report: Serving in the Secret Service

Troy Shoaf

On July 13, 2024, the global community watched in stunned silence as an attempt was made on the life of former president Donald Trump. What began as a moment of sheer terror quickly transformed into one of profound admiration as the brave men and women of the Secret Service sprang into action. Without hesitation, they formed a protective barrier around the former president, putting their own lives at risk to shield him from harm. Their selfless courage and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s former leader left a lasting impression on all who witnessed the extraordinary display of heroism.

The Secret Service is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the United States and is recognized as one of the most prestigious and elite agencies globally. The Secret Service began in 1865 as a bureau in the Treasury Department to fight the rampant counterfeiting of America’s currency. By the conclusion of the Civil War, it was estimated that nearly one-third of the currency in circulation was counterfeit, presenting a severe threat to the stability of the nation’s financial system. While the Secret Service continues to tackle issues related to counterfeit money, its mission has since broadened to encompass a range of financial crimes, including credit card fraud, wire and bank fraud, and various forms of cyber-enabled financial crimes (https://www.secretservice.gov/ about/history).