Timothy McCarthy

Some heroes show kindness and harmony. Others show honesty and compassion. My hero shows bravery and selflessness. His name is Timothy McCarthy.

Timothy McCarthy was in the Secret Service of the United States. On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley attempted to kill Ronald Reagan, the President of the United States. As Hinckley shot at Reagan, McCarthy instantly leaped in front of the president, taking a bullet to save his life. He received a Valor Award from the Secret Service for his bravery.

Ironically, it was McCarthy’s day off, but more people were needed for Reagan’s protection. He flipped a coin with a colleague and lost. He has no regrets, though, and is happy that he could make the leap that saved the President of the United States.

Timothy McCarthy has many great qualities. He showed intelligence by getting Reagan out of Hinckley’s way to protect him. Tim also showed selflessness by taking the bullet, not caring about his own safety. He showed bravery by just joining the Secret Service in the first place. “[Reagan] was in fact a very humble man and recognized that he came from humble beginnings, I think he never forgot that,” said McCarthy after the attack. Most people would expect praise, but he didn’t. He felt he was just doing his job.

Tim McCarthy seems like he always wants to help out. He retired from the Secret Service in 1993. After four years of retirement, McCarthy ran for Secretary of Illinois. I really admire people who fearlessly face danger like Tim.

Looking up to Tim has really helped me in daily life. I love to help out. I am part of Staffs, Student Council, an altar server, Pre-school Programs, and school committees. Whenever I have to go to a meeting or help out, but want to do something else, I think of McCarthy. He really wanted to take the day off, but he went with Reagan and saved his life.

Tim McCarthy’s life has taught me two great lessons. First, you should treat every day like it's the last because you do not know how it will turn out. And second, an act of bravery can save a life! These are two important lessons I will teach and enforce everyday of my life.

Most people pick a celebrity as their hero. They don’t realize that their true hero could be the elderly lady living next door. That is why McCarthy is my hero. He, too, is an ordinary person who did an extraordinary deed!