Dennis Letts began his career with the United States Secret Service in 1984, assigned to the New York Field Office at the World Trade Center. Early on, he led security operations for the 40th anniversary of the United Nations, an event hosted by President Ronald Reagan with over 100 world leaders. Throughout his career, Letts conducted major transnational investigations and provided protection for seven U.S. Presidents, from Nixon to George W. Bush.

In 1995, he was the lead Intelligence Advance Agent for Pope John Paul II’s visit to New York and New Jersey. By 1997, he became the first Special Agent assigned to the Technical Security Division’s “HAMMER” team, specializing in chemical, biological, and radiological countermeasures for presidential protection.

Letts led the advance team for “OpSail2000,” a National Special Security Event involving coordination with multiple agencies for the security of 120 tall ships and 40 naval warships.

On September 11, 2001, Letts was exiting the North Tower when the first plane struck. He helped evacuate thousands from the tower, guided paramedics to safety, and escaped just before the collapse. He then commandeered a ferry to evacuate civilians from Manhattan, an effort described as the largest maritime evacuation since Dunkirk. For his actions, he received the US Secret Service Medal of Valor.

After 9/11, Letts led the security assessment for the Statue of Liberty, enabling its safe reopening. In 2003, he was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Newark, NJ. He supervised “Operation Firewall,” a landmark investigation involving the first Title III wiretap on a computer network.

Letts retired from the Secret Service in 2006 to become Vice President and Chief Security Officer for Avis Budget Group, overseeing global security, investigations, crisis response, and law enforcement liaison.

In 2017, he joined the NFL as Security Representative for the New York Giants, responsible for player, fan, and facility protection at major events. In 2022, he became Security Advisor at MetLife Stadium, ensuring compliance with NFL security standards and overseeing threat assessments for concerts.

Letts has served on the Board of Advisors and as Chairman for Kean University’s College of Business and Public Management. Since 2019, he has lectured at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum, focusing on his 9/11 experience and government failures.

He has received numerous honors, including the William Livingston Award from Kean University, Ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Board member for the Law Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation, and Honorary Commander of Luke Air Force Base. In 2024, he partnered with the NJ State Police to produce public service announcements promoting roadside safety.

Dennis Letts was born in Newark, NJ, and lives in Parsippany, NJ, and Verrado, AZ, with his wife Christine. He is the father of two sons and grandfather to Callie Eileen Letts.