the exemplary federal worker that i'm referring to this week is keith pruitt. mr. keith pruitt is a 27 year veteran of the united states secret service. he is responsible for overseeing the-day-to-day operations of the secret service including its 6,700 employees with a budget of about $1.5 billion. mr. pruitt also oversees the protection of the president and the vice president of the united states as well as visiting heads of state. he has an impressive resume that includes handling security during three presidential campaigns, two white house details, and overseeing trips protecting american officials in more than 110 countries. mr. pruitt was first drawn to a life of public service when he was in high school in the 1960's in memphis, tennessee. he met a local memphis police officer who encouraged him to obey the city curfew and stay safe and stay out of trouble. mr. pruitt said this police officer inspired him to enter public service. coincidentally, he went on to become a memphis police officer following his graduation from college. in 1983, the secret service r