(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.