WASHINGTON — On Friday, Secret Service agents officially said their farewells to “Deacon,” the code name for former President Jimmy Carter, who held the record for the longest protection detail in the agency’s history. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, following a memorial service in Washington, D.C.

Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, began receiving protection on October 8, 1975, while he was a presidential candidate. This marked 49 years and two months of round-the-clock security by the Secret Service, according to their announcement on Friday.

“President Carter left a significant mark on everyone at the Secret Service,” stated Anthony Guglielmi, the agency’s Communications Director. He added that the members of Carter’s personal detail were particularly “motivated by his commitment to public service, kindness, and remarkable dedication to humanity.”

Secret Service agents remained with the late president during the state funeral ceremonies in Washington and escorted his casket to its final resting place late Thursday night at the Carter home in Plains, Georgia.

This solemn duty officially concluded on Friday, following the funeral service at the National Cathedral which was attended by the other living presidents and broadcast globally.

“The USSS detail for President Carter has completed its service after returning to Plains, Georgia and assisting with the 39th president’s internment,” the Secret Service confirmed in a statement. The agents’ “protective responsibilities ended Friday morning.”

Initially Deacon, then Dancer

Carter, a devoted Baptist, was known for his lifelong commitment to his church and was reported to have taught Sunday school well into his presidency which began in 1977. He served one term until 1981, after which the Secret Service provided protection to him and his wife until their passing, as per protocol.

His wife, Rosalynn, received her own protective detail during the later stages of the 1976 White House campaign, with her code name being Dancer, following the Secret Service’s tradition of alliteration.

In their later years, the Carters shared a single security detail, according to the Secret Service. Rosalynn was under protection until her death last November at the age of 96.

Their daughter, Amy, was known as Dynamo, while their sons Chip, Jack, and Jeff were given the code names Diamond, Derby, and Deckhand. Their protection ended when Carter left office on January 20, 1981, according to Secret Service rules.

These code names are utilized by agents to maintain security when moving or discussing those they protect, especially as advanced technology increases the risk of eavesdropping.