Stenger overshadowed by a more youthful look/ticklethewire.com

WASHINGTON — Mike Stenger, the wise-cracking, New Jersey bred, 35-year veteran of the U.S. Secret Service whose protective details included President Reagan, Jesse Jackson and Egypt President Anwar Sadat, is hanging up his badge and gun. Friday is his last day.

At a retirement party Thursday at Secret Service headquarters in downtown Washington, Stenger, the assistant director of government and public affairs, delivered a vintage Stenger speech sprinkled with jokes and wise cracks  and shout outs to the many folks he worked with over the years.

Secret Service Dep. Director Kevin Prewitt with Stenger

Secret Service Dir. Mark Sullivan with Stenger

A number of people spoke  including  Secret Service director Mark Sullivan, deputy director Keith Prewitt and Thomas  Harrigan, assistant administrator, chief of operations for DEA.   Agency representatives from the Justice Department, Interpol and Royal Mounted Canadian Police also gave presentations, and his family, including his wife of 38 years, was on hand.

DEA's Harrigan with Stenger

One of the more surprising moments came when a recording was played to the crowd. It was the voice of   Tony Sirico who played “Paulie Walnuts” in the Sopranos. He’s a friend of Stengers.

“I love you, you’re the best,” Sirico said. “They’re losing a good one. You’re top shelf.” Then he signed off with a “badda bing.”

Stenger is going up to Capitol Hill to become assistant Sergeant of Arms for Intelligence and Protective Services for the U.S. Senate. He held a number of posts over the years including special agent in charge of the Washington Field Office.