From Pruitt-Igoe to Ronald Reagan: Terry Korpal's Secret Service Story

The Brighter Side of Blue Podcast · Sep 22, 2026 · 1h 26m

Terry Korpal started his law enforcement career as an SLMPD cadet in 1965, spent 10 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and went on to spend another 14 years with the United States Secret Service.

Terry takes us back to his days in the 5th District and his time working in Pruitt-Igoe, including what it was like policing one of St. Louis' most notorious housing projects.

Then he tells us how an unexpected opportunity took him from St. Louis to the Secret Service — and eventually put him on the protection detail for Ronald Reagan during Reagan's presidential campaign.

And…