The Secret Service is officially ending its safeguarding of former President Carter, who the agency says has the distinction of being its longest-serving protectee.
The federal law enforcement agency ceased protection for Carter as of Friday, the Secret Service said.
“It was an honor and a privilege to serve former President Jimmy Carter,” the Secret Service said in a statement to ITK.
Carter died last month at age 100.
The Secret Service protected Carter for more than 48 years after he first became a presidential candidate in the 1976 White House race.
Carter had “a lasting impression on everyone at the Secret Service but especially his detail who were inspired by his public service, compassion and incredible dedication to humanity,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement first reported by NBC News.
Secret Service agents were seen walking alongside a hearse earlier this week carrying Carter’s casket ahead of funeral services for the 39th president Thursday in Washington.
The former president was buried in Plains, Ga., next to his late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
