Keeping a president safe on the road: the devil’s in the details

How do you keep a president safe? It's a complicated job. Photo: WhiteHouse.gov
How do you keep a president safe? It’s a complicated job. Photo: WhiteHouse.gov

The White House released more details today on President Obama’s visit to Alaska next week. The President will spend Monday in Anchorage, Tuesday in the Seward area and Wednesday in Dillingham and Kotzebue.

Planning the security for Obama’s visit isn’t easy, according to retired Federal Marshall Marc Otte. For 22 years, the Eagle River resident helped protect foreign dignitaries and federal judges. He told APRN’s Lori Townsend there is no detail too small when advance agents are scouting for a trip for a high level official like the President:

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Marc Otte is the retired chief deputy for the U.S. Marshalls. Now, he writes political espionage thrillers under the pen name Marc Cameron.

Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.

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