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John Magaw

b. 1935

US Secret Service agent

U.S. Secret Service agent
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About John Magaw

Born 1935. John Magaw is an American u.S. Secret Service agent.

John William Magaw (born 1935) is an American former police officer and administrator for the United States Federal Government. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Otterbein College, in Westerville, Ohio in 1957. He began his career in public service in 1959 as a state trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Magaw became a special agent with the United States Secret Service in 1967. While he was at the Secret Service he served as deputy special agent in charge of the Vice Presidential protective division and head of the Washington field office. By 1992, Magaw was in charge of all protective operations for the President and First family. Magaw was Director of the United States Secret Service from 1992 to 1993.

The Waco siege in 1993 did not reflect well on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). After an investigation, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury purged its senior leadership and appointed Magaw as its fourth director. Morale in the agency improved during his tenure from 1993 to 1999.

Magaw received the Presidential Rank Meritorious Award in 1991 and 1999, as well as the Presidential Rank Distinguished Award in 1995.

, Magaw is a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

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Important facts

Born
1935, Columbus
Birth century
Occupation
U.S. Secret Service agent
Nationality
Education
Otterbein University
Employers
United States Secret Service
Also known as
John William Magaw

People in John Magaw's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Magaw's

Frequently asked questions

Who is John Magaw?

US Secret Service agent

When was John Magaw born?

John Magaw was born in 1935 in Columbus.

What is John Magaw's occupation?

John Magaw is an u.S. Secret Service agent.

What nationality is John Magaw?

John Magaw is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Magaw

· Wikidata: Q6246381

· DBpedia: John Magaw

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Magaw. https://biography.guide/john-magaw/

MLA: "John Magaw." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-magaw/.

Chicago: "John Magaw." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-magaw/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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