For Patrick Freaney ’98, protecting others isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. As the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New York field office, he leads a team responsible for safeguarding high-profile individuals, including world leaders and dignitaries. His career has taken him across the globe, working in high-stakes environments. But his journey to the Secret Service began long before his first assignment. It started with a defining moment in his teenage years.
A Personal Motivation to Protect
During his junior year of high school, Freaney’s mother became the victim of a violent robbery. The attacker, who was never caught, punched her in the face and shattered her foot, leaving both physical and emotional scars. The trauma his family endured had a profound impact on him, reinforcing his desire to build a career in protection.
“I needed to find a career where I could protect people from harm,” he recalls. That commitment led him to Siena, where he studied history and played lacrosse. But even with a clear goal in mind, the road to becoming a Secret Service agent wasn’t easy.
Persistence: The Key to Success
Freaney first applied to the Secret Service during his senior year at Siena. He was rejected.
“I was told they had better applicants,” he says with a smile.
Instead of giving up, he enrolled in the New York State Police Academy, gained experience, and reapplied two years later. This time, he was accepted.
His career began at the New York field office, then located at 7 World Trade Center. Just seven months in, terrorists flew Flight 11 into the North Tower on September 11, 2001. Freaney was inside the building when the first plane hit. He made it out safely, but the experience cemented his understanding of the critical role security agencies play.
From there, his career accelerated. He joined the elite Counter Assault Team before being assigned to President Barack Obama’s detail. For four years, he was at the president’s side—on Air Force One, in motorcades, and stationed outside the door of his residence.
How to Break into the Secret Service: Expert Advice
During a recent visit to Siena, Freaney shared key insights for students interested in the Secret Service. His advice extends beyond tactical skills—it’s about character, smart decisions, and preparing for the job’s intense physical and mental demands.
1. Your Decisions Today Will Shape Your Future
“The choices you make now—especially in high school and college—can determine whether or not you’ll have the opportunity to become an agent,” Freaney warns.
The Secret Service conducts extensive background checks, and past mistakes can close doors before they even open. He stresses the importance of integrity: making responsible choices, staying out of trouble, and demonstrating strong moral character.
“To be an agent, it’s important to do the right things when no one is watching,” he emphasizes.
2. Physical and Mental Fitness Go Hand in Hand
Becoming a Secret Service agent isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about meeting the agency’s high physical standards. Candidates must complete a rigorous fitness test, including running, push-ups, and other strength-based exercises.
“Physical fitness and academics are equally important,” Freaney explains. “You need the endurance to keep up with the demands of the job, but you also need the intelligence and critical thinking skills to assess threats and make quick decisions.”
3. Discipline is the Foundation for Success
Law enforcement demands a high level of discipline, from following orders precisely to maintaining a structured lifestyle.
“Discipline is important in order to be successful at anything in life, especially law enforcement,” Freaney says. “You need to be able to push through tough situations, whether that’s a grueling training exercise or an exhausting security detail that lasts for days.”
He compares it to being part of a team, like the Siena lacrosse program he was involved in as a student. “Most people join a team because they want to be part of something bigger than themselves. The same goes for the Secret Service—it’s about the people around you and protecting them at all costs.”
4. Live the Motto: ‘Worthy of Trust and Confidence’
The Secret Service’s motto, “Worthy of Trust and Confidence,” is more than just a slogan—it’s a requirement. Agents must be reliable, honest, and prepared to act under extreme pressure. “Be a person who lives up to that motto,” Freaney urges. The agency entrusts its agents with the highest levels of responsibility, and trustworthiness is the foundation of the job.
From Siena to the Secret Service: A Full-Circle Moment
More than two decades after graduating, Freaney returned to Siena and found himself face-to-face with the lacrosse team during a workout. He took the opportunity to speak with them, sharing how his experiences as a student-athlete prepared him for one of the most demanding careers in the country.
“It’s not about you anymore; it’s about something greater than you, something much deeper,” he told them. “It’s about the people around you—those that you will do anything to protect.”
Whether it’s a family member, a teammate, or the President of the United States, that mentality has defined Freaney’s career.
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
Freaney’s journey from a Siena student to Special Agent in Charge of one of the country’s most critical field offices serves as an inspiration to those aspiring to join the Secret Service. His advice is clear:
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Make responsible choices now.
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Stay physically and mentally sharp.
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Develop discipline in all areas of life.
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Always act with integrity.
A career in the Secret Service demands sacrifice, dedication, and an unbreakable commitment to protecting others. But for those willing to rise to the challenge, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to serve a cause greater than themselves.
If you’re considering a career in the Secret Service, start preparing today. Because as Freaney’s story proves, persistence, preparation, and character can turn even the biggest obstacles into stepping stones toward success.
