SDCL § 3-17-21: Leave of absence status of suspended person.

Any officer who is suspended from employment in accordance with the provisions of § 3-17-20 shall assume leave of absence status and shall receive the same salary and employment benefits to which the officer would otherwise be entitled to be paid by the county. Except as otherwise provided in §§ 3-17-20 to 3-17-22, inclusive, an officer who is suspended pursuant to § 3-17-20 has the same rights, benefits, and obligations as any county employee who is on a leave of absence status for any other purpose. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an officer shall receive credit for the period of suspension toward any retirement benefit afforded by the county, if the officer is reinstated pursuant to § 3-17-20.