1. The governor is hereby authorized to award and present, in the name of the state of Missouri, a medal to a public safety officer, upon the recommendation of the board, for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The medal shall be Missouri's highest award for valor by a public safety officer.
2. In the event of the death of any person who would be entitled to a medal pursuant to the provisions of sections 650.450 to 650.460, the same may be presented to a surviving relative on behalf of the deceased in the following order: widow, if not remarried; eldest living son; eldest living daughter; father; mother; eldest living brother; eldest living sister; and eldest living grandchild.