Seven years as the Senate’s chief law enforcement and administrative officer made Terrance W. Gainer the longest-serving sergeant-at-arms since World War II.  

When his May retirement was announced , some asked the well-like Illinois native why he wasn’t aiming to be to be the longest-serving sergeant-at-arms in history.  

That title currently belongs to the Senate’s first sergeant-at-arms, Revolutionary War veteran James Mathers , who served for 22 years, from April 1789 until his death in September 1811.  

Gainer’s answer: “What I really want to be is the sergeant-at-arms who’s lived the longest,” he said during a March interview with CQ Roll Call. After more than 46 years of public service, the former chief of the Capitol Police was looking forward to moving into the private sector, likely to do consulting work, and see if he could “build the Gainer coffers up.”  

On Monday, Securitas Security Services USA , a New Jersey-headquartered company that provides guards and protective services to federal buildings under contracts with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service, announced Gainer as its senior adviser, effective immediately.  

“We are very pleased that Terry has joined Securitas USA and look forward to his valuable contributions.” Terence McGrath, president of Securitas USA’s Mid-Atlantic Region, said in a statement. “His background and experience in security and law enforcement at all levels will strengthen our position as an industry ‘knowledge leader.'”  

Gainer will be based at the company’s regional office in Frederick, Md., and tasked with advising senior management on security-related matters, including cyber, physical and personal security, according to the release.  

Securitas does business on a global and national level, with more than 640 local branch managers and approximately 86,000 security officers. They offer specialized, mobile and remote guarding and corporate risk management.  

When senators took to the floor to praise the outgoing “chief” late last week, Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, a fellow Illinoisan, lauded Gainer’s record on security.  

“This building is a target for people who would bring destruction to this building and death to those who visit,” Durbin said, reflecting on his role in recent tragedies. The senator said Gainer’s “steady hand and his constant presence in the halls” would be greatly missed.  

The Senate on Monday elected Gainer’s deputy of five years, Drew Willison, to replace him.