Catching up with Matthew Smith
Last fall when America was captivated with the presidential race, Matthew Smith found himself smack in the middle of it. The Huntington High School Class of 2005 member was in the midst of an internship with the United States Secret Service and the “amazing experience” opened his eyes to a previously unknown behind-the-scenes world.
During the internship, which ran from Sept. to Dec. 2008, Mr. Smith, who is a senior at Manhattan College, spent time with both the investigative and protection squads in order to provide him with a taste of the duties and responsibilities inherent in the work of a Secret Service special agent.
“While assigned to each squad, Mr. Smith was given assignments pertinent to that squad, which he completed with minimal supervision,” wrote New York Field Office Special Agent in Charge Brian G. Parr in a recommendation letter for the Huntington alum. “He exhibited perseverance in carrying out his assignments. Mr. Smith was responsible and demonstrated a strong work ethic during his internship. The squad supervisors praised him for the attentiveness and enthusiasm he brought to each task assigned.”
Only a limited number of applicants are accepted by the Secret Service for the internship program and only four students were chosen for participation during the fall semester. The application and interview process is extensive and includes background and reference checks and a stack of paperwork. It also included a surprise visit to Huntington High School by a special agent, who was provided with personal and academic information about Mr. Smith by his former guidance counselor, Catherine Croke.
Once he became acclimated to the commute to the Secret Service field office, and to the office atmosphere and security procedures that are a way of life in the agency, Mr. Smith thrived while completing more than the 120 hours required of Secret Service interns.
The presidential election led to increased activity for the New York office and provided Mr. Smith with various unique experiences. One assignment gave him an opportunity to attend the final debate between Barack Obama and John McCain at Hofstra University. The Huntington alum spent that day assisting Secret Service agents preparing for the event.
“It was amazing to experience first-hand the incredible measures that are employed to plan and execute such an event,” Mr. Smith said about the presidential debate assignment. “I was thrilled to be part of that historic debate and it was one of the highlights of my internship.”
Mr. Smith is majoring in government and has an interest in international relations. He has been active in Manhattan College’s intramural athletic program and has enjoyed exploring New York City through many of the activities, shows and athletic events the college organizes for its students.
“I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience first-hand the hard work, dedication and professionalism of all of the men and women of the United States Secret Service,” Mr. Smith said. “The agents and staff in the New York office were tremendously helpful and supportive of all the interns. I was particularly fortunate to meet Brian Parr, the special agent in charge of the New York field office.”
Mr. Smith has always been interested in history and government and particularly enjoyed Huntington High School classes that touched on these academic disciplines. He also played JV and varsity baseball for the Blue Devils. While his young life is filled with many happy memories, his recent internship is one that will never fade.
“This internship was the most rewarding experience of my life and I look forward to utilizing the knowledge and skills I’ve learned with the Secret Service to pursue a career in federal law enforcement,” Mr. Smith said.
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