This is why flags will fly at half staff at South Carolina State House Friday
Flags atop the South Carolina State House will be flying at half staff Friday to honor a longtime lawman who died last week.
The memorial for former Beaufort Police Chief Matt Clancy was ordered by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
The 56-year-old Clancy died July 29 after years-long battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2015 and continued working while undergoing treatment, the Island Packet reported.
From sunrise to sunset, the flags at the capitol in Columbia will be lowered as a tribute to Clancy, “and in recognition of his extraordinary legacy and service to the State of South Carolina,” the governor’s office said on Twitter.
Friday is also when a memorial service for Clancy will be held in Beaufort. A private burial with military honors will follow in Beaufort National Cemetery.
Clancy was with the Beaufort Police Department since 1997, and chief since 2009. He graduated from The Citadel in 1986 and was an infantry officer in the Marine Corps before beginning his law enforcement career with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and sons, Tyler and Connor, among other family members.
When Clancy was hired as interim chief in 2009, then City Manager Scott Dadson said, “Chief Clancy represents the best in law enforcement, best in character and leadership. We are fortunate to have his experience, education and knowledge of this department and the community at our service.”
