Diplomatic Security Service Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Kringle Detail Training

DSS special agents keep a watchful eye on Chris Kringle as he exits a Suburban upon arrival at a Sunrise Senior Living community in Virginia, Dec. 9, 2023. (U.S. Department of State photo)

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) recently celebrated the 25^th anniversary of its annual “Kringle Detail” dignitary protection training exercise. Special agent volunteers joined local law enforcement partners in protecting VIPs from the North Pole who made the rounds to check who was naughty or nice and to bring holiday cheer to seniors and families in Virgina.

Volunteer agents and officers gathered early in the morning to finalize Santa’s route; ready the motorcade of DSS and police vehicles, and motorcycles; and brief Santa on his mission.

“The training provided an opportunity to hone dignitary protection skills with our local law enforcement partners while also giving back to the community,” said DSS Office of Protection Director Scott Kim who served on Santa’s protection detail.

The Kringle Detail motorcade stopped at two senior living homes in Virginia where Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf greeted residents, enjoyed cocoa and cookies, and collected gifts from the seniors to distribute during their next stop.

The motorcade of local police and DSS vehicles then traveled to the final leg of their journey, arriving at the NOVA Fraternal Order of Police with lights flashing, ready to meet families from Easterseals, an international charitable organization devoted to providing opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities. A crowd of Easterseals families cheered as Santa’s “sleigh” pulled to a stop under the direction of DSS special agents.

The children rushed forward to embrace the North Pole visitors as they exited the motorcade. After lots of hugs and photos, Santa and Mrs. Claus followed the children inside for gift giving and food.

This was the first Kringle Detail for DSS Supervisory Special Agent Adrian Diaz but certainly not his last. “It was such a fun and rewarding day, and it was great seeing so many smiles at every stop. I can’t wait until next year,” said Diaz.

To view television coverage of the Kringle Detail event, click here.

More photos of the Kringle Detail are available on DSS Flickr, click here.