Patrick Freeney faced a setback when he initially applied to join the US Secret Service, but as a 9/11 survivor and a former state trooper from New York, he wasn’t about to give up on his aspirations.
At 48, Freeney persevered and ultimately enjoyed a 25-year career with distinguished federal agencies, protecting US presidents and other high-ranking officials, eventually leading the New York Field Office.
This week, he bids farewell to his career.
“I’ve always felt a strong connection to New York. To end my career here, as a special agent in charge, fills me with pride. Leading this incredible group has been an honor,” he said.
Growing up in Long Beach, Freeney was the son of a firefighter and a schoolteacher. He attended Siena University and had always envisioned a path in law enforcement, influenced by the grandfather of an FBI agent. He began with the State Police Department in 1998, working in Farmingdale, Brewster, and Wappingers Falls.
Initially, he was turned down while trying to join the Secret Service.
“It was a humbling experience, but also a valuable lesson early on. It encouraged me to find solutions, and when I reapplied, it clearly paid off,” he noted.
This time, he joined the Secret Service on July 21, 2000. During the September 11, 2001 attacks, he was involved in the rescue and recovery efforts after the collapse of the World Trade Center.
His career progressed as he joined the Special Operations Division’s counter assault team in 2005, and then the Presidential Protection Division in 2008, where he safeguarded former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
“People often associate the service with protection roles, but we also address financial crimes significantly impacting individuals and the economy,” he explained.
In June 2012, he returned to Japan as an assistant to a special agent in charge in New York, eventually becoming the special resident agent in charge of the White Plains office in March 2016.
With further promotions that followed, he became an assistant special agent in 2018, leading the electronic crime task force, followed by another promotion to assistant special agent in charge the next year. By June 2021, he was the special agent in charge of the New York office.
Part of his responsibilities included overseeing security for the United Nations General Assembly, a demanding task given the need to protect over 130 foreign officials congregating in Manhattan.
“We can’t eliminate all risks,” he stated. “Our job is to manage those risks. In today’s global threat climate, recognizing the challenges is crucial.”
On Thursday, he retired after fulfilling the duties required by his country.
“We’ve witnessed him achieve so much,” said Rebecca Weiner, NYPD vice-committee member and deputy director of counterterrorism. “Pat is exceptional.”
“He handles challenges gracefully, treats his colleagues like family, and maintains remarkable professionalism,” Weiner added. “We will miss him and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
His next role will be as head of global security at the New York Mellon Bank.
