WASHINGTON, D.C. On Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, Curtis B. Eldridge Jr. was swornin as the 18th Chief of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division. A 23-year
veteran of the Secret Service, Eldridge succeeds Chief Richard Oskin, who retired fromthe Secret Service after 33 years.
Curtis Eldridge has earned a reputation of the highest caliber among his colleagues,said Secret Service Director W. Ralph Basham. I believe his leadership skills andabilities will help chart the course of the Uniformed Division and I am honored to haveChief Eldridge serve as a member of my staff.
Chief Eldridge began his Secret Service Career in 1981, working at both the ForeignMissions and White House Branches. In 1988, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant
and served as a member of the Chiefs staff. Three years later, he returned to the ForeignMissions Branch after being promoted to lieutenant.
As a lieutenant, Eldridge was also assigned as the Uniformed Divisions representative inthe Secret Services Office of Government and Public Affairs. In 1995, he received a
promotion to captain and served as a watch commander at the Foreign Missions Branch.
Chief Eldridge continued to rise through the ranks of the Secret Service UniformedDivision, being promoted to inspector in 1999 and deputy chief in 2002. Later that year,
he was promoted to assistant chief and began serving as second in command of theUniformed Division.
Chief Eldridge has received numerous performance awards and commendationsthroughout his career. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a member of
the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of BlackLaw Enforcement Executives. He holds a degree in accounting from Benjamin Franklin
University in Washington, D.C.
The United States Secret Service Uniformed Division has one missionprotection.Created in 1922 and initially known as the White House Police, its function was to
protect the White House itself. This remains the primary mission of the UniformedDivision. However, its responsibilities have expanded greatly over the years.
Today, the Uniformed Division is responsible for protecting not only the White HouseComplex and Treasury Building, but also the Vice Presidents Residence, all foreign
diplomatic missions and embassies in the Washington, D.C., area.
Source: U.S. Secret Service