(1) A sheriff may, by writing, empower any person to execute an original or mesne process. The person so empowered shall indorse his action on the instrument empowering him, and shall make affidavit to the truth of the indorsement, and attach the affidavit to the process and deliver the indorsement and affidavit to the sheriff or his deputy, to be returned to the proper office. The indorsement shall have the same validity as if made by the sheriff.
(2) The sheriff shall be responsible for the acts of the person so empowered.