Many of the security personnel are former Secret Service personnel who have been at the department for many years, as far back as Education Secretary Rod Paige, who served from 2001 to 2005 under former President George W. Bush, according to former department officials. One former official said the agency's security detail has protected multiple secretaries and are "top-notch security professionals." Duncan said he "never for one second doubted" the security team's ability to do their jobs, and he never saw a need to ask for additional protection.