Bodyguard Training Course (July 7-11)

Book Alleges Secret Service Cannot Protect Obama

The President on the steps of the Washington Monument

“The U.S. Secret Service has cut corners in ways that may have jeopardized the safety of President Obama, according to a new book by a veteran Washington journalist and author, Ron Kessler.  The book, “In the President’s Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect,” details instances of “laxness in how they protect” Obama.

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Wow.  Powerful allegations.  I’ll reserve passing any judgement until I read the entire book myself.  However, I will say that having had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Obama on multiple occasions (from when he was a rising star Senator, to his current role as Commander in Chief) and liaising with his staff, the agents entrusted with his safety have always appeared attentive and mission-focused.    I did have some concerns during my time the inauguration– the sheer size and magnitude could have been nothing but overwhelming –but was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to bring them up to key parties.  

One thing I will say is that the men and women of the United States Secret Service have a very demanding job and one that allows zero margin for error. Lopsided or not, a book like this will surely light a fire that will make some take a closer look at any deficiencies for the greater good.  

The book is due on shelves August 4th. 

At the Presidential Inauguration

Real Life James Bond outed on Facebook

The wife of Sir John Sawers, diplomat, spy, and the current British ambassador to the United Nations and soon to be the chief of MI6, — the British Secret Intelligence Service,  posted photos to her Facebook account that could possibly reveal sensitive information regarding the real life 007. The photo section in question has since been marked PRIVATE after news agencies started reporting the potential security leaks.  For the full story, click HERE.

Ok folks, social networking isn’t for everyone.

Clinton-Era Secret Service Records Stolen?

A backup hard drive which contained information regarding Former President Bill Clinton was discovered missing by the U.S. National Archives and Recording Administration (NARA). Authorities are not sure if it was “misplaced” or “stolen” but the end results are lots of confidential information is missing.

“On the drive were details about the security procedures used by the U.S. Secret Service at the White House”. For the full story, click HERE.

Not good.

Thanks M.Booth for the sourcing.

Security Gridlock with Obama UK Visit

Britain’s police and security are on high alert as US President Barack Obama arrives in London for this week’s G20 summit. The capital is hosting the largest gathering of world leaders since 1946, and the first UK visit for Mr Obama and his 500-strong entourage. Click on the link for the full story.

The Inauguration and ICON

People often come up to me and say “Wow, your job must be so cool”…I often downplay that because so much goes on behind the scenes that anything “cool” is often leveled out by long hours, stressful and potentially dangerous situations and sometimes just flat-out boredom. However there are times like the last few days where I had the distinct honor of being able to apply my craft in direct association with the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

And while there was the stress, long hours and the hurry-up-and-wait that accompanies events of a vast magnitude. I will go on record and say that being a part of that experience was one of the highlights of my professional career.

AND YES, IT WAS DAMN COOL.

ICON Inauguration Security Services

Yep, Back at it again…

The Teams are on the ground and moving around.

For celebrities, private individuals and corporate executives attending functions associated with the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, ICON can provide you with premium security services.

For more information visit www.DNCSecurity.com or contact 651-695-8778.

(One day i’ll have to share with my Blog readers how I almost got the Obama account before he hit the stratosphere –and the Secret Service.)

Around the World in 30 Days

From China to the DNC to the RNC to the NFL Kick-off to LA to the Obama/McCain Service Forum in NYC.  It’s been a crazy 30 days.  Thanks to everyone at ICON that kept the plates spinning to make the assignments a success, and keeping all the clients happy. 

Now back to the moutain of paperwork that’s accumulated.  uggh.</p

Anarchists planned kidnapping of RNC delegates

A year ago, the Ramsey County sheriff’s office began looking closely at a group called the Republican National Convention Welcoming Committee.

Erik Oseland, one of the six group members arrested here, produced a video called “Video Map of the St. Paul Points of Interest.” It included such major companies as Travelers Insurance and Qwest, hotels such as the Embassy Suites and the Crowne Plaza.

Click on the exerpt for the full story.

World’s Smallest Earphone

Hardgeek profiles the “worlds smallest earphone” dubbed the “Secret Service Invisible 2-Way Micro Headset”.   Looks interesting, but does it work effectively?  Anyone with an answer to that drop me a line.