Edward Meechum is Frank Underwood's current bodyguard. He was hired as a temporary replacement to protect Frank and Claire Underwood, after Steve became ill. Steve was later diagnosed with cancer and eventually died, and Meechum was made permanent. When a brick, thrown by Doug Stamper, landed in the Underwood's house, he got fired for firing a gun in the open street. After talking with Meechum's boss, Frank got him re-hired. He showed himself valuable for Frank after revealing that one of his friends could find most people. Also, due to Frank updating the terms and conditions of his employment, that Meechum is a rock who absorbs nothing , Meechum demonstrates his undying loyalty by complying (and his status as being in Frank's debt). Because of this, Frank wanted to keep him as bodyguard, after his nomination for vice president, unorthodoxicly having Meechum cross-trained/promoted to Secret Service.