(a) There is created the honorary office of sheriff emeritus of the State of Georgia. Any sheriff of any county of this state who retires under honorable conditions after having attained the age of 75 years and after having served as sheriff for 45 or more years shall automatically hold the honorary office of sheriff emeritus of the State of Georgia.

(b) Any person holding honorary office as sheriff emeritus of the State of Georgia shall upon application to the Secretary of State be issued a special certificate evidencing such honorary office.

(c) The honorary office of sheriff emeritus of the State of Georgia shall not constitute the holding of public office or public employment for the purposes of any other law of this state.