Imagine standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a U.S. president, navigating global summits and dodging potential threats—meet Joseph Petro, the Secret Service veteran who turned his high-stakes career into a gripping memoir. Born in 1944, Petro’s life reads like a thriller, blending military valor, presidential protection, and corporate security leadership with a knack for storytelling that captivates history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
The Making of Joseph Petro
Hailing from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Joseph Petro was a star quarterback at Allentown High School, earning a football scholarship to Temple University, where he graduated with a pre-law degree in 1966. But the gridiron wasn’t his destiny. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Petro chose a different path, enrolling in the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School. As a lieutenant, he patrolled the perilous rivers along the Vietnam-Cambodia border, earning a Bronze Star for his bravery. This intense military service set the stage for his 23-year career in the U.S. Secret Service, where he protected some of the world’s most powerful figures.
Joseph Petro’s Unforgettable Stories
Petro’s sole published work, Standing Next to History: An Agent’s Life Inside the Secret Service (2005, co-authored with Jeffrey Robinson), is a masterclass in understated drama. The memoir chronicles his 23 years in the Secret Service, including 11 years safeguarding presidents and vice presidents, with four years as Ronald Reagan’s close protector. Petro’s storytelling is vivid yet respectful, offering rare glimpses into the Reagans’ personal moments—like riding horses together or sneaking them out of the White House to evade the press. The book also details high-stakes assignments, such as orchestrating security for Pope John Paul II’s 1987 U.S. visit and witnessing Reagan’s historic meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, which helped end the Cold War.
Petro’s writing style is direct and engaging, blending meticulous detail with a professional restraint that avoids sensationalism. His focus on the logistics of protection—rehearsing assassination scenarios, negotiating with the KGB, or diverting a 26-car motorcade in Tokyo—makes the memoir both a historical document and a page-turner. While Standing Next to History is his only book, its unique perspective on the Secret Service and Reagan’s presidency has earned praise for its authenticity and insight.
Why Joseph Petro Matters
Joseph Petro’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the secretive world of presidential protection. His memoir not only demystifies the Secret Service’s operations but also paints an intimate portrait of Ronald Reagan, revealing the president’s warmth and dignity. Beyond writing, Petro’s post-Secret Service career as head of global security at Citigroup (1993–2013) and chief security officer at Time Warner (2014–2018) solidified his legacy as a leader in global security. His work continues to inspire those fascinated by the intersection of history, security, and leadership.
- Born: 1944, Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Key Work: Standing Next to History: An Agent’s Life Inside the Secret Service (2005)
- Awards: Bronze Star with Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
- Careers: U.S. Navy Lieutenant, Secret Service Special Agent, Citigroup Executive, Time Warner Chief Security Officer
Ready to step into the shoes of a Secret Service agent? Grab Standing Next to History and dive into Joseph Petro’s thrilling world of duty, danger, and history in the making!