(AP) -- Gov. Nikki Haley has awarded South Carolina's highest civilian honor to retiring Sen. Dick Elliott of North Myrtle Beach.
Haley presented the Order of the Palmetto to Elliott on Senate floor Thursday, the last day of the regular session.
Elliott has represented parts of coastal Horry County and the Pee Dee in the Legislature for 30 years. The 76-year-old Democrat was first elected to the South Carolina House in 1982 and served 10 years in that chamber before being elected to the Senate.
He previously served on North Myrtle Beach City Council and Horry County Council.
Haley thanked Elliott for making a positive difference on those around him. She says the award is for a lifetime of exceptional dedicated service to the state.
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