When a highway police patrol officer of the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation retires from service or dies while still employed with the Arkansas Department of Transportation, in recognition of and appreciation for the service of the retiring or deceased officer, the State Highway Commission may award the pistol or the shotgun, or both, carried or used by the officer while on duty at the time of his or her death or retirement from service to:
(1) The officer upon retirement; or
(2) The officer's spouse if the officer is deceased and the spouse is eligible under applicable state and federal laws to possess a firearm.