The Department of the California Highway Patrol shall pay to the member, or his estate, the cost of repairing the uniforms and equipment of the member of the California Highway Patrol which are damaged in the line of duty. If the uniforms or equipment are damaged beyond repair, the department shall pay an amount equal to the actual value thereof at the time the damage occurred, which shall be determined by the commissioner.
The term “equipment,” as used in this section, shall include equipment required by the department or personal accoutrements necessary for the patrol member to perform his duty.