Monrovia, Liberia — The Executive Protection Service (EPS), one of Liberia’s most strategic security institutions, traces its roots to the former Special Security Service (SSS)—an elite unit originally established to provide close protection to the President of the Republic of Liberia and other high-ranking officials of the state.
The Special Security Service (SSS) was created during a period in Liberia’s history when the protection of the presidency and national leadership required a highly specialized, loyal, and disciplined force. Over time, and in line with security sector reforms, democratic governance, and international best practices, the SSS underwent structural, legal, and operational transformation.
This transformation culminated in the establishment of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), mandated not only to protect the President, Vice President, visiting heads of state, and key national assets, but also to operate as a professional, accountable, and modern security institution under civilian authority.
The change from SSS to EPS symbolized a shift from a personality-centered security model to an institutional, constitutional, and democratic protection service aligned with Liberia’s post-conflict peacebuilding and governance reforms.
Since its reconstitution, the EPS has emphasized professional training, discipline, human rights awareness, inter-agency cooperation, and international partnership, contributing significantly to Liberia’s national stability and democratic continuity.
An Historic Academic Milestone for the EPS
In a landmark achievement for the Executive Protection Service and Liberia’s entire security sector, the EPS is poised to receive its first-ever Doctoral Degree holder from within its grassroots ranks.
Apostle Dr. Tarpeh Lasanah U-sayee Jr., a long-serving and deeply rooted member of the Liberian security sector, was conferred with a Doctoral Degree in Church Growth and Ministry on January 17, 2026, in Maryland County, Liberia from T- Net International/ Teleo University USA.
This historic achievement represents more than a personal triumph—it stands as a symbol of intellectual growth, resilience, and professional excellence within the EPS. It affirms that members of Liberia’s security services can rise from operational duties to the highest levels of academic and moral leadership.
Profile of Apostle Dr. Tarpeh Lasanah U-sayee Jr.
Apostle Dr. Tarpeh Lasanah U-sayee Jr. is a grassroots product of Liberia’s security architecture, having served and trained across national and international institutions. He is a law enforcement professional and graduate of the Liberia Police Academy,
a graduate of the Louisiana State Police Academy (USA) and the Lagos State Police Academy (Nigeria), he is professor of Criminal Justice at private universities in Liberia and a trainer at the Liberia National Police Training Academy.
He is also an Apostle with strong commitment to faith, ethics, and national service. His academic credentials include: Master of Foreign Service Leadership in International Relations,
Master of Divinity,
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice,
Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology,
Associate Degree in Management,
and now, a Doctoral Degree in Church Growth and Ministry.
Dr. U-sayee Jr.’s journey reflects the intersection of security, education, faith, and national service, and serves as an inspiration to young officers within the EPS, the Liberia National Police, the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the broader security sector.
A Moment of Institutional Pride
The conferment of this doctoral degree marks a proud and historic chapter for the Executive Protection Service, reinforcing the message that education, discipline, and service to country are inseparable pillars of national security.
As Liberia continues to consolidate peace and strengthen democratic institutions, achievements like this underscore the evolving character of its security services—professional, educated, patriotic, and globally relevant