Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday, March 8, in honor of a Kentucky State Police (KSP) telecommunicator who died Sunday, Feb. 27.

Police Telecommunicator II Charles “Chuck” Stewart Jr. died after suffering a heart attack while on duty at KSP Post 4. Funeral services will be held at Southeast Christian Church in Elizabethtown Tuesday. Stewart served the commonwealth as telecommunicator for 34 years, of which 19 years were with KSP. He also previously served for many years as a volunteer firefighter with Central Hardin Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KSP’s Shop with a Trooper program.

The U.S. Flag Code provides that a governor may lower the U.S. flag in the event of the death of a first responder who dies while serving in the line of duty. Gov. Beshear has extended this courtesy to Mr. Stewart. All individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies are encouraged to join in this tribute.