44-1-613. Recognition of meritorious service on retirement. (1) The highway patrol chief shall award to a highway patrol officer, on retirement, that highway patrol officer's badge, duty weapon, and handcuffs, providing that a committee of three of the highway patrol officer's peers certifies to the highway patrol chief that the retiring highway patrol officer has:

(a) served meritoriously for a minimum of 20 years and must be so honored; or

(b) taken medical retirement resulting from an in-the-line-of-duty injury sustained while providing meritorious service.

(2) The highway patrol chief shall award to a surviving spouse or dependent of a highway patrol officer who died in the line of duty that highway patrol officer's badge, duty weapon, and handcuffs.