Tim McCarthy Biography
Timothy J. McCarthy is an American retired police officer and special agent of the U.S. Secret Service, famous for his heroic act of defending then-president Ronald Reagan during the assassination attempt on March 30, 1981, in Washington, D.C. McCarthy courageously stepped in front of President Reagan and took a bullet to the chest, ultimately saving the President's life. His bravery earned him the NCAA Award of Valor in 1982, marking him as a notable figure in American law enforcement history.
Childhood
Tim McCarthy was born on June 20, 1949, and raised in the Ashburn neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. He attended St. Denis Grammar School followed by Leo Catholic High School. Growing up in Chicago helped shape his future career in public service and law enforcement.
Education
McCarthy pursued higher education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the Fighting Illini football team. Initially a walk-on player, he earned a scholarship and played strong safety before an injury ended his football career. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Later, he earned a Master of Science in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University, furthering his knowledge and qualifications for his law enforcement career.
Career
Tim McCarthy served 22 years in the United States Secret Service, spending eight years protecting presidents in Washington, D.C., and 14 years as a criminal investigator in Chicago. He was the special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Chicago office from 1989 until his retirement in 1993. His most notable moment came during the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan, when McCarthy stepped forward to shield the president and was shot in the process. After the Secret Service, McCarthy became Chief of the Orland Park Police Department in 1994. He later served as acting village manager of Orland Park and worked as a corporate vice president for a security systems company. He also shared his experiences through speaking engagements nationwide before retiring officially in 2020.
Family Life
McCarthy was married for 47 years at the time of his retirement. He has three children. Details about his spouse or other relationships are private, but his long marriage and family life highlight his commitment to his personal life alongside his demanding career.
Achievements
Among his many achievements, McCarthy is best known for his bravery during the Reagan assassination attempt, earning the NCAA Award of Valor in 1982. He received the first annual Chief of Police of the Year award in 2016 from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police for his legislative advocacy and leadership in law enforcement innovations, such as promoting crisis intervention training and implementing the use of Narcan to prevent heroin overdoses. Under his leadership, Orland Park's police station became the first in the country to receive LEED Gold certification for environmental design.
Controversies
Tim McCarthy's career has been largely free of personal controversies. One public discussion involved his understanding stance on the release of John Hinckley Jr., the man who attempted to assassinate President Reagan. McCarthy expressed understanding of the decision to release Hinckley, underscoring his measured perspective on justice and safety.
Tim McCarthy Summary
Tim McCarthy is a distinguished former Secret Service agent and police chief remembered foremost for his heroic act protecting President Ronald Reagan during a 1981 assassination attempt. His career spanned service in high-level law enforcement roles, leadership in his community, and contributions to public safety and police innovation. Educated in finance and criminal justice, McCarthy exemplifies dedication to public service, family, and community leadership throughout a life marked by courage and professional excellence.