Refunds of salary contributions:

  (1) If a fire fighter or police officer dies before being placed on pension, the total amount of the member’s salary deductions, with interest as the board may determine, but not to exceed 2% per annum, shall be payable to the person or persons that the member nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the board. If there is no designated person or persons surviving, then the total of the member’s salary deductions shall be paid to the member’s legal representative or estate.

  (2) If a fire fighter or police officer becomes separated from the service before being eligible for retirement, the member shall be paid the total of the member’s contributions together with interest as the board may determine, but not to exceed 2% per annum credited to the member upon his or her written request for a refund. If the person again becomes employed by the city, village, or municipality as a police officer or fire fighter, he or she shall, within 1 year following his or her reemployment, repay to the retirement system the amount previously withdrawn together with interest at 2% per year.