(a)      With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary may designate without examination one police employee holding the highest commissioned rank to be deputy secretary.

      (b)      The deputy secretary serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.

      (c)      The deputy secretary:

            (1)      is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget; but

            (2)      may not be paid in accordance with § 2-405 of this title.

      (d)      (1)      The deputy secretary has the authority, responsibility, and duties assigned by the Secretary.

            (2)      Whenever the Secretary is absent from the State or incapacitated, the deputy secretary has, until the Secretary returns or is no longer incapacitated, all of the powers and duties conferred by law on the Secretary.

      (e)      After the Secretary terminates a designation as deputy secretary, the individual:

            (1)      returns to the rank held before designation as deputy secretary; and

            (2)      shall then be paid in accordance with § 2-405 of this title.