(Columbia) – Governor David M. Beasley today announced
that he will give a posthumous Order of the Palmetto to Myrtle Beach native
Jacob Joseph “J.J.” Chestnut, the U.S. Capitol Police veteran killed last
week in the line of duty.
The Governor also directed that flags over the State House fly
at half-staff tomorrow, the day of Chestnut’s funeral.
“Detective Officer Chestnut died defending the symbol of American
democracy. On behalf of the people of his native state, I am proud and
humbled to extend to him South Carolina’s highest honor,” Governor Beasley
said.
The Governor will send the Order of the Palmetto to U.S. Capitol
Police Chief Gary Abrecht, who will present it to the Chestnut family at
a later date.