(Washington, D.C) – H. Stuart Knight, retired Director of the United States Secret
Service, died on Monday, September 7, 2009, after an extended illness. He was 88 years
old.
Mr. Knight was appointed as the 15th Director of the U.S. Secret Service on November 7,
1973, and served in that position for eight years. During his tenure as director, Mr.
Knight oversaw the expansion of Secret Service training and modernization of the
agency’s management techniques.
Mr. Knight retired as Director of the Secret Service on November 30, 1981, following a
career that lasted more than 31 years.
“Director Knight provided exemplary leadership to this agency. His work leaves an
indelible mark on the Secret Service which will serve as a lasting legacy in his honor,”
says Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan.
Mr. Knight was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, on January 6, 1921. His
family later moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he spent his formative years. He served
in the U.S. Army during World War II where he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star
and Purple Heart. Following his military service, Mr. Knight completed undergraduate
studies in criminal justice at Michigan State University in 1948. Prior to his career with
the Secret Service, he served as a police officer in Berkeley, California.
Mr. Knight began his career with the Secret Service in 1950 as a special agent assigned to
the Detroit Field Office. His subsequent career assignments included the Presidential
Protective Division, the Los Angeles Field Office and the Office of Inspection. He also
served in the supervisory position of Special Agent in Charge for the Vice Presidential
Protective Division, the Washington Field Office and the Special Investigations Division.
Prior to his appointment as director, he served as the Assistant Director of the Office of
Administration.