He was sworn in on March 17, 2003, after a lifetime of public service, especially relating to the security of the institutions of the United States, and served until Terrance W. Gainer assumed the post in January, 2007.

Pickle served with the 1st Cavalry Division in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969 as an infantry sergeant and Medevac helicopter door gunner.

Pickle attended American University and Metro State College in Denver, Colorado, and holds a degree in political science.

Pickle was Deputy Assistant Director for Human Resources and Training, and Special Agent in Charge of the Vice Presidential Protective Division.

Prior to this, he served as Deputy Inspector General for the United States Department of Labor, managing a communications, inspections and evaluations program.