Tim McCarthy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tim McCarthy
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McCarthy in 1981, moments before the shooting
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| Born |
Timothy J. McCarthy
June 20, 1949 |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois (BS) Lewis University (MS) |
| Occupation | Secret Service special agent Chief of police |
| Known for | Saving President Reagan during his assassination attempt |
| Children | 3 |
Timothy J. McCarthy (born June 20, 1949) is an American retired police officer and special agent for the U.S. Secret Service. He is famous for protecting President Ronald Reagan during an attack on his life. This event happened on March 30, 1981, in Washington, D.C..
During the attack, a person named John Hinckley Jr. fired six bullets. McCarthy quickly moved to shield President Reagan. He stood in front of the President and was hit in the chest by a bullet. Luckily, he recovered completely from his injury.
After this brave act, McCarthy was recognized as a hero. In 1982, he received the NCAA Award of Valor for his courage.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Timothy J. McCarthy was born on June 20, 1949. He grew up in the Ashburn area of Chicago. He attended St. Denis Grammar School and Leo Catholic High School. After high school, he went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
College Football Career
At the University of Illinois, McCarthy joined the Fighting Illini football team. He started as a walk-on player in his first year. He later earned a scholarship for his second year. In his junior year, he played as a strong safety. However, an injury ended his college football career early.
While in college, he was also a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. Soon after, he began his career with the United States Secret Service.
Career in Law Enforcement
Timothy McCarthy had a long career in law enforcement. He spent eight years working in the Presidential Protective Division. This division is responsible for protecting the President in Washington, D.C..
He also worked for 14 years as a criminal investigator in Chicago. From 1989 until his retirement in October 1993, McCarthy was the special agent in charge of the Secret Service Chicago Division.
Protecting President Reagan
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel. After giving a speech, John Hinckley Jr. suddenly started shooting. He fired six bullets in less than two seconds.
As Special Agent In Charge Jerry Parr quickly moved President Reagan into his car, McCarthy acted fast. He placed himself directly in the path of the bullets. He spread his body wide to become a larger target, protecting the President. The fourth bullet hit McCarthy in the chest. It went through his right lung, diaphragm, and part of his liver. McCarthy was not wearing a bulletproof vest at the time.
Why McCarthy Was There
It's interesting to know that McCarthy was not originally scheduled to work that day. The Secret Service received a last-minute request for an officer. They needed someone to protect President Reagan at a luncheon the next day. McCarthy and a colleague decided who would work by flipping a coin. McCarthy lost the coin toss, which meant he had to work on his day off.
After being shot, McCarthy was taken to George Washington University Hospital. He had a two-hour surgery and made a full recovery. He was released from the hospital later.
Life After the Secret Service
After retiring from the Secret Service, McCarthy continued his career in public service. In May 1994, he became the Chief of the Orland Park Police Department.
Further Education and Awards
McCarthy continued his education, earning a Master of Science degree. This degree was in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University. He had previously earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
In March 2016, McCarthy received a special award. He was given the first annual Chief of Police of the Year award. This award came from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. They recognized his work in supporting new laws and overseeing the building of a special police station. This station was the first in the country to receive a LEED Gold certification for being environmentally friendly. He also helped create a task force for major crimes and promoted training for officers in crisis situations.
From July 2016 to April 2017, he served as the acting village manager for Orland Park. He also worked as a corporate vice president for a security systems company. McCarthy often gave speeches at schools and conferences. He shared his experiences as a Secret Service Agent during the Reagan administration.
On July 1, 2020, Timothy McCarthy announced his retirement. His retirement became effective on August 1, 2020.
Personal Life
Timothy McCarthy and his wife have been married for 47 years as of his retirement in July 2020. They have three children together.
In 2016, McCarthy was asked about the release of John Hinckley Jr. He said, "I don't have to agree with it, but I expected it." He added that he hoped the decision was the right one.
Images for kids
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McCarthy in 1981, moments before the shooting
