The summer of 1984 marked my entry into the world of executive protection, as well as my first executive protection assignment. Fresh-faced and eager, I was tasked with accompanying Prince to Los Angeles. Looking back, I realize how woefully unprepared I was for this assignment. If it weren’t for the guidance of an exceptional security driver named Murray Levy, my first detail would have been an unmitigated disaster.
My boss, affectionately known as “Big Chick,” had faith in my abilities to handle the detail in his absence. However, the truth was that I was nowhere near ready for the responsibilities that awaited me in Los Angeles. The glitz and glamour of protecting a music icon were quickly overshadowed by the realities of the job.
I felt out of my depth from the moment we touched down in LA. The bustling airport, the crowds of fans, and the complex logistics of moving a high-profile client through the city were all new to me. I found myself constantly looking to Murray for guidance, often with a mix of panic and gratitude in my eyes.
Murray, a veteran in the field, seemed to anticipate every challenge before it arose. He navigated the crowded streets of Los Angeles with ease, always keeping one eye on the road and the other on potential security threats. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations was a stark contrast to my nervous energy.
One particular incident stands out in my memory. We were arriving at the Westwood Marquis Hotel, and as Murray pulled up to the entrance, he turned to me and asked if I had contacted the hotel’s security director. I stared back at him like a deer in headlights, realizing I had completely overlooked this crucial step.
Without missing a beat, Murray reached for the car phone – a rarity at the time – and called the hotel himself. He spoke with the security director, explaining that Prince would be arriving shortly and requesting accommodations for his security team to meet us underground. He also mentioned that I, as Prince’s security, would need to sweep the suite before Prince entered.
Murray then informed me that when we got to the hotel, he’d have Prince stay in the vehicle with him while I went upstairs to inspect the suite.
I was completely out of my depth, but Murray’s professionalism and patience with me, a true greenhorn who had no clue what I was doing, was remarkable. It was a masterclass in advance work and client protection.
Throughout this executive protection assignment, Murray took me under his wing. He patiently explained the intricacies of route planning, the importance of maintaining a low profile, and the art of blending into different environments. His wealth of knowledge was invaluable, and I found myself constantly asking questions, eager to absorb every bit of information I could about the nuances of executive protection.
One of the most important lessons I learned from Murray was the value of preparation. He taught me to always have multiple contingency plans, to know the layout of every venue before we arrived, and to anticipate potential security risks.
This level of preparedness became the foundation of my approach to executive protection for years to come.
Another crucial lesson was the importance of discretion. Murray emphasized that our job was not just to protect but also to ensure our client’s privacy and comfort. He showed me how to be present without being intrusive, a skill that took time to master but proved invaluable throughout my career.
As the executive protection assignment progressed, I began to find my footing. With Murray’s guidance, I learned to read situations more effectively, communicate efficiently with the rest of the Prince’s entourage, and make quick decisions under pressure. By the end of the detail, I had gained a newfound confidence in my abilities.
Looking back on that summer in Los Angeles, I realize how fortunate I was to have had Murray as a mentor. His patience, expertise, and willingness to share his knowledge shaped my entire career in executive protection. The lessons I learned from him – to always be prepared, to stay calm under pressure, to be discreet, and to never stop learning – have stayed with me throughout my professional journey.
My first executive protection assignment taught me the value of humility in this field. It showed me that no matter how confident you might feel, there’s always more to learn. I discovered that being a “sponge” – absorbing knowledge from more experienced colleagues – was not a sign of weakness, but a crucial part of professional growth.
In the years since that summer of ’84, I’ve had the privilege of working on countless high-profile assignments. Each one has brought its own unique challenges and learning opportunities.
But none have had quite the same impact as that first detail with Prince and Murray in Los Angeles.
To those just starting in the field of executive protection, my advice is this: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seek out mentors who are willing to share their knowledge. Be humble, be observant, and always be ready to learn.
Remember, even the most seasoned professionals were once beginners. It’s not about how much you know when you start; it’s about how much you’re willing to learn along the way.
That summer in Los Angeles may have been my first assignment, but it laid the groundwork for everything that followed. It taught me that in executive protection, success is not just about physical skills or tactical knowledge. It’s about adaptability, discretion, preparedness, and above all, a willingness to learn from those around you.
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