The legislature finds that:
A. it is appropriate to recognize the professionalism and dedication of state police officers, who provide an essential service to the citizens of New Mexico;
B. it is appropriate to recognize the hazardous nature of the work performed by state police officers;
C. the spirit of what it takes to be a state police officer is personified by Sergeant Brent H. Bateman, who served with honor as a state police officer for twenty-two years. Sergeant Bateman became ill days after his retirement and passed away a short six months following retirement; and
D. the twenty percent credit toward actual service, as provided in Subsection B of Section 10-11-27 NMSA 1978 under state police member coverage plan 1, is dedicated to Sergeant Brent H. Bateman and all other officers who have served, and who do serve, as New Mexico state police officers.