It is high time we treated police work like the military; we don’t (normally) send 50 year-olds into grueling combat situations, and we shouldn’t do so with cops. Four years in and you’re out for most, and give them something like a GI Bill to pay for school afterwards (or while they’re working, so they can transition to a different job).
I expect that in most sheriff departments, this position would be a good way to finish out a career instead of ending up behind the counter at the department. I still think an older, veteran policeman is great person to have around kids to set an example of what a police officer is. Cowardice happens at all age levels, as does real heroics.