Any individual employed by the Alabama Department of Public Safety as a law enforcement officer for a period of ten years or more who left the department in good standing prior to December 31, 1970, with a rank of sergeant or higher, shall, upon reaching the age of 56 years, be entitled to all rights, benefits and privileges accorded to other retired state law enforcement officers and shall receive from the department, without cost to him, a retired badge, a retired commission card, and a pistol.