For the purposes of determining the benefits of county sheriffs and deputy county sheriffs, for credited service earned prior to January 1, 1980, the benefits shall be calculated pursuant to § 3-12C-1106 and for credited service after January 1, 1980, the benefits shall be calculated pursuant to § 3-12C-1107. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as an abridgement of the right of a sheriff to exercise his right to elect to participate pursuant to § 3-12C-303.
SDCL 3-12C-1702