Gary Walters worked in the White House for 37 years. Here’s what the chief usher saw

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gary Walters saw a lot of history in the 37 years he spent working at the White House, where he started as an officer assigned to protect the president and ended as the longest-serving chief usher in history.

The position of chief usher is the top job in the residence, comparable to a general manager, overseeing maintenance, construction and renovation projects, and food service, along with administrative, financial and personnel functions. A staff of about 90 to 100 butlers, housekeepers, cooks, florists, electricians, engineers, plumbers and others report to the chief usher.

It was Walter’s job to run the White House on behalf of presidents and first ladies, because, as he says, “They’ve got enough on their plate to deal with.”

He served under Democratic and Republic