The chief of police, for meritorious service rendered by any member of the police force in the due discharge of his duty, may permit such member to retain for his own benefit, so far as he may be permitted by law, any reward or present tendered him therefor, and it shall be cause for removal for any member of the force to receive any such reward or present without notice thereof to the chief of police and without his permission. (1961 Code § 3-1-6; amd. Res. 98-11, 7-1-1998)