By Diane Chaffin
Jim Melton, sergeant-at-arms in the South Carolina Senate, has been honored wiht the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto Award, the highest civilian honor in the state.
Melton was recognized Wednesday by Governor Henry McMaster (R) and members and staff of the South Carolina Legislature for his dedication and 40 years of service to the Senate.
A graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Melton began his career with the South Carolina Senate in 1978. He became sergeant-at-arms in 1989.
Melton has received numerous awards and recognition over the years. He has served as the National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA) Region 4 chair and vice chair; first, second and third trustee, vice president and president of NLSSA. He is the recipient of the NCSL Legislative Staff Achievement Award, NLSSA Tony Beard Memorial Award and the NLSSA John Everhardt “Trooper Award”.
His leadership in NLSSA has been outstanding.
Melton's service as a member and officer of numerous standing committees of NCSL has been invaluable. Take a few minutes to read the attached resolution, view the photos and read the State Legislatures magazine article about Melton. He has given so much to the legislative institution. We are so proud of Melton and his contributions to South Carolina, NLSSA and NCSL.
If you’d like to reach out to Melton, email him at jimmelton@scsenate.gov or call him at 803-212-6730.
Diane Chaffin is the director of NCSL's operations division.
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