Upon the application of the president or resident executive officer of any railroad corporation operating and doing business in this state as a common carrier, the Governor may appoint one or more persons as special officers for the protection of the property and interest of such corporation, with powers to make arrests, provided that such special officers must be paid by the corporation applying for such appointment; provided, further, that such special officers shall not receive any compensation from the state or any county thereof.
OCGA § 46-8-230