Jerry Parr

Jerry Parr (born September 16, 1930) is a retired Secret Service Agent, who is best known for saving President Reagan during the assassination attempt.

Education

Parr received his B.A. in English and Philosophy from Vanderbilt University in 1962. In 1987, he received his M.S. in divinity from Loyola University in Maryland. Parr is also an ordained minister. In 1987, he received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Eureka College.

Secret Service Career

From 1962 to 1968, Parr conducted 15 foreign and 65 domestic protective surveys for various Presidents and Vice Presidents, and worked with security, intelligence and law enforcement professionals in all 50 states and 37 countries. From 1969 to 1978, Parr worked for the Foreign Dignitary Division as a mid-level supervisor on Humphrey, Agnew and Ford details. As Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Foreign Dignitary Division, he directed security for 56 foreign heads of state. From 1978-1979, Parr was Special Agent in Charge of the Vice Presidential Protective Division, where he directed security for Vice President Mondale. In 1979, Parr moved to the Presidential Protective Division, where he was Special Agent in Charge and Head of White House Detail. There, he directed security for Presidents Carter and Reagan. In 1982, Parr became Assistant Director of Protective Research. In 1985, Parr retired from the Secret Service.

Community Service

Currently, Parr is very active in his church in Washington, D.C., where he is a Co-pastor, retreat leader and spiritual director.

Awards and Honors

• Presidential Rank Award, 1984, for Meritorious Executive • US Congress commendations for actions on March 30, 1981 during the attempt on President Reagan’s life • Valor Award, US Secret Service • Exceptional Service Award, US Treasury Department • Honor League, NY Police Department • Commendation by the Maryland State Senate • Named as one of four “Top Cops” by Parade Magazine, 1981