“There is a certain sense of pride and honor that comes with the Secret Service. You are held to a higher expectation.” – Bo Alexander, Officer Technician, Motorcade Support Unit, United States Secret Service
Owensboro native Bo Alexander, who spent seven years riding a motorcycle in Nepal as a mode of transportation, is now utilizing his riding skills to lead the secret service presidential motorcade in Washington, D.C. Alexander has always been a service-oriented person who believes in putting others above himself, whether it’s been ministering to the people of Nepal or serving businesses throughout the Owensboro community.
After several years of doing short-term mission work overseas, Alexander, a Kentucky Wesleyan College graduate with a degree in psychology and criminal justice, came to the realization in 2014 that he wanted to work in law enforcement, specifically at the federal level. It wasn’t until after having coffee with former Director of the United States Secret Service, Ralph Basham, that Alexander realized there were opportunities to work in the Secret Service beyond being an agent.
He spent the next two years working his way through the officer ranks by standing post at the White House during the midnight shift, where he happened to be in attendance during the Trump presidential inauguration and events following. Alexander eventually earned his way to the motorcade support unit for the President and Vice President of the United States, a job he feels is “the best job you can have as an officer.” Only ten officers of the 1,500 officers in uniformed division are awarded that responsibility.
Alexander says it takes a “unique personality” to be willing and able to ride a motorcycle slowly in and out of traffic 365 days a year, regardless of the weather, yet he found the job to be a perfect fit. One of the requirements of motorcade officers is to attend three training seminars a year in order to keep their skills sharp. Many of these officers participate in Law Enforcement Rodeos, motorcycle training and skills competitions held throughout the United States, as a way of using competition to push them to further their skill set.
The most recent rodeo and training seminar brought Alexander to Gallatin, TN, just two hours south of Owensboro, affording him the opportunity to spend time with nearby family. Alexander said that it was “a nice break from the monotony of working in D.C.” and it allowed he and his teammates to learn from other riders. While others may be focused on the competition aspect of the rodeo, Alexander says the Secret Service views it as a training opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade and watch how other riders handle their bikes on the course.
Of the Law Enforcement Rodeo experience, Alexander says, “At the end of the week, it’s not about how you place; it’s about becoming a better rider – for yourself, for the community, and for your protectee.”
