Joseph Petro

Joseph Petro served as a U.S. Secret Service agent for 23 years and is best known for his role as personal protection for former President Ronald Reagan. He held the position of Special Agent in Charge of Presidential Protection during the Reagan administration. Following his career in the Secret Service, Petro authored "Standing Next to History: An Agent's Life Inside the Secret Service" (2005), a memoir detailing his experiences protecting President Reagan and providing insights into the inner workings of presidential security. The book was co-written with Jeffrey Robinson. Petro later transitioned into corporate security, becoming the Chief Security Officer and Managing Director at Citigroup. His expertise in security and risk management has made him a notable figure in both public service and private sector security operations. His writings and professional background have contributed to public understanding of presidential protection protocols and the evolution of security practices in both government and corporate environments.

Readers appreciate Petro's first-hand account of Secret Service operations and his personal observations of President Reagan. His book "Standing Next to History" receives praise for its detailed descriptions of security protocols and behind-the-scenes moments in the White House. What readers liked: - Direct, matter-of-fact writing style - Balance between professional duty and personal anecdotes - Insights into Reagan's character and daily life - Clear explanations of Secret Service procedures What readers disliked: - Limited scope beyond Reagan years - Some repetitive sections - Less detail about other presidents/assignments - Focus on routine rather than major historical events Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews) Goodreads: 3.9/5 (400+ ratings) One reader noted: "Petro strikes the perfect balance between discretion and disclosure." Another commented: "The technical details of protection work were fascinating, but I wanted more about other presidencies."

Standing Next to History: An Agent's Life Inside the Secret Service (2005) A memoir detailing Petro's 23-year career as a U.S. Secret Service agent, with particular focus on his time protecting President Ronald Reagan.

Surviving Your New Job (1993) A guide for managers transitioning into new leadership positions, based on Petro's experience in corporate security management and organizational development.

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