Pentagon Force Protection Agency Director Announces Retirement
Longest serving director in agency history
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) recently announced his retirement after leading the agency for more than a decade.
Steven E. Calvery was appointed director of PFPA on April 30, 2006. He guided the Agency through increases in mission, capability and size, directly ensuring the protection of people, facilities, infrastructure and other resources of the Pentagon Reservation, and DoD facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR). On a day-to-day basis, PFPA ensures the safety of more than 46,000 DoD employees and visitors.
The threat environment changed dramatically during Calvery's tenure, with the U.S. experiencing an unprecedented increase in active shooter incidents and terrorist attacks. To counter the dynamic threat, Calvery ensured PFPA employees remained focused on the PFPA's motto of "Semper Vigilans," Always Vigilant.
On March 4, 2010, an active shooter shot and wounded two Pentagon Police Officers as he tried to force his way into the building. PFPA training and the quick reaction of Pentagon Police Officers thwarted his attempt and no other people were harmed. It was the preparedness of the agency then, and its culture of prevention today, that allow Pentagon employees and visitors to consistently experience a well-founded sense of safety and security.
Among Calvery's significant and enduring accomplishments are Pentagon security initiatives that include the monumental task of modernizing physical security capabilities to mirror the threat and the implementation of the Pentagon Shield program, a sophisticated detect-to-protect chemical biological radiological (CBR) defense monitoring program.
Under his leadership, PFPA successfully assumed new security responsibilities for the Raven Rock Mountain Complex, Mark Center, Defense Health Headquarters, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
He bolstered the agency's emergency management and response capabilities by establishing a Pentagon Office of Emergency Management and the construction of a Pentagon Emergency Response Center to house quick reaction response units (SWAT, bomb squad, and hazmat response) and an on-site environmental sampling laboratory.
Calvery instituted preventative capabilities that include threat analysis programs, a counterintelligence unit, and a protective intelligence component, as well as, expanded protective services for Office of Secretary of Defense High Risk Personnel travelling overseas. Considering the large DoD community served by the Pentagon, he directed implementation of a "See Something, Say Something" campaign to encourage employee and visitor reporting of suspicious activities.
Calvery told PFPA employees it was with mixed emotion that he decided to retire. "While I am looking forward to this next chapter of my life, I am conflicted at the prospect of leaving such an extraordinary group of law enforcement and security professionals. I am incredibly proud of what we all have accomplished together during my time as director."
Through his leadership, PFPA advanced into an agile, innovative Agency, able to analyze and adjust to the constantly evolving threat environment, while anticipating and preparing for future threats.
According to Calvery, he is confident that PFPA is set for success in the years to come. "Knowing the organization has the resources and the will to address emerging challenges, makes it easier for me to know this is the 'right' time to retire."
Calvery came to PFPA with more than 30 years of federal law enforcement and security experience. Prior to PFPA, he served with the Department of Interior (DOI) as the Director for Law Enforcement and Security. He was responsible for the third largest federal law enforcement force of approximately 4,400 officers, providing security and protection for 70,000 employees and millions of visitors and residents on public land. Post 9/11, he was tasked with upgrading security to protect the Nation's icons, monuments and dams.
Prior to the DOI, Calvery was a Senior Advisor for the Under Secretary for Enforcement, Department of the Treasury, where he advised on law enforcement and intelligence policy issues. From 1997 to 1999, he served at Department of Justice as the Regional Director for the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training. There, he managed the design, development and implementation of international criminal justice reform programs.
From 1976 to 1997, Calvery was a special agent in the U.S. Secret Service. During that time, he served in the Vice Presidential Protective Division and the Presidential Protection Detail, where he supervised the protection of the President, First Lady and family. He served Presidents George H. Bush and William J. Clinton in that capacity. He also managed the Secret Service training academy.
From 1968 to 1971, he served in the United States Army as a combat helicopter pilot. He served in Vietnam with the Americal Division, where he was awarded the Purple Heart, and then as an instructor in flight operations at the U.S. Army Crew Chief School. Later, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
About the Pentagon Force Protection Agency:
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency was established on May 3, 2002, in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. As a civilian Defense Agency within the Department of Defense, PFPA protects and safeguards the occupants, visitors, and infrastructure of the Pentagon and other DoD facilities in the National Capital Region.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160516/368179
SOURCE Pentagon Force Protection Agency
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