Five Questions with Bruce Palombo ’99

The life of a special agent has often been portrayed on television shows and in movies. But Bruce Palombo ’99, a special agent for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), notes that the reality of the profession often differs from what appears on screen. 

“What we do as special agents is not like what people see in the movies,” says Palombo. “Though the Diplomatic Security Service has many true heroes who have saved lives through their actions.”

Palombo has worked in a variety of capacities for the DSS, the security and law enforcement agency of the U.S. State Department, for close to 20 years, where he has provided protective services for foreign diplomats and the U.S. Secretary of State. Currently, he is assigned to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, serving as the deputy regional security officer. 

A history and political science major at Stonehill who played men's soccer, Palombo continues to stay engaged with the College. This past spring, he connected with Stonehill students during their New York Externship. After giving them a tour of the United Nations, he shared his career path with the students and introduced them to Christopher Lu, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform. In June, Palombo returned to campus for his 25th Reunion, where he celebrated with classmates in Donahue Hall. 

In five questions, Palombo recalls liking history as a child, shares something surprising about his job and discusses why he stays connected to Stonehill. 

What drew you to your career with the U.S. Department of State? 

Growing up, I knew I wanted to work in federal law enforcement. My uncle was a special agent with the DSS. He worked on the Secretary of State’s protection detail for a few years and sent me coins and currency from countries around the world. I was a bit of a history nerd as a kid and I enjoyed traveling, so seeing the colorful money from all corners of the world made a strong impression. After graduating from Stonehill, I worked at Owen O’Leary’s across the street from campus while applying for jobs at well-known federal law enforcement agencies. I received an offer from DSS and the rest is history. The real draw of DSS is that the mission is truly unique in federal law enforcement—we conduct criminal investigations and protective operations as well as serve domestically and internationally.

Who or what played an influential role in your life when you were a student at Stonehill?

Honestly, the entirety of Stonehill did. From exceptional professors and administrators to coaches, teammates and friends, it was just about the community shaping my life going forward. I look back and I realize how lucky I am to have had the experiences at Stonehill with the people I did during my time there. 

Stonehill has so much to offer, and I want new students to have the same “Stonehill Experience” that I did. I am so proud of the College and want to share that pride with prospective families. The academics are off the charts, especially with the addition of the Meehan School, May School and the Shields Science Center. Now with Division I athletics, it is even more exciting!   

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about being a federal agent? 

Most people would be surprised to know that every federal agency has agents in some capacity. The Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Mint and even the Bureau of Education all have federal agents. If I had to say something about being a DSS agent specifically, that might be surprising, it is that we are accredited diplomats when we are overseas just like our other foreign service colleagues.  

You recently hosted Stonehill students at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and returned to campus for your 25th reunion. Can you share about these Stonehill experiences? 

I truly enjoyed hosting Stonehill students during their externship at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations where I am currently assigned. At this point in my career, one of my priorities is to give back to the next generation and broaden their horizons, showing them how rewarding a life in public service can be. Some of the students who wrote to me after the visit said they are now considering a career in public service and that was great to hear. Even if they don’t go that route, at least they have had that exposure.  

While some of my closest friends couldn’t make it to Reunion, it was great seeing my classmates. The campus has changed so much. My wife and my in-laws loved walking around on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and crossing the bridge between O’Hara and Bogan Hall.

Stonehill’s motto is Lux et Spes, Light and Hope. How do you see this in your own life?  

Defending democracy, human rights, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, and pushing back against authoritarian regimes are just a few of the ways that the State Department promotes ideas that are akin to light and hope. Every American is an ambassador of sorts, representing our country while traveling abroad. We are privileged to enjoy freedoms that some other parts of the world do not share. It is an incredible responsibility and challenge to maintain these freedoms, and I am honored to support the State Department mission as a Diplomatic Security Service special agent.