1. In order to furnish security similar to that provided in state parks, the governing body of each first class county which contains a portion of a city with a population of four hundred thousand inhabitants or more may appoint and set the compensation of such park rangers, who shall be certified by the director of the department of public safety, as provided in chapter 590, as it deems necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of its duties relating to the parks and recreational facilities of the county. Such certification shall include one hundred twenty hours of training in addition to that required in section 590.105. The salaries of all park rangers appointed under this section shall be paid in the same manner as the salaries of other county employees.

2. Each park ranger appointed under this section shall:

(1) Before entering upon the discharge of his duties, take and subscribe an oath of office to perform his duties faithfully and impartially;

(2) Have full authority, except as otherwise limited in this section, to preserve the peace, make arrests, and issue citations for violations of any rules or regulations adopted by the governing body pursuant to section 64.345.

3. Park rangers appointed under this section may carry firearms while engaged in the performance of their official duties only while within the park boundaries, subject to the training requirements of section 590.105.

4. All revenues received from fines levied pursuant to subsection 2 of this section shall be deposited into the county school fund and distributed pursuant to section 166.131.