Whenever any execution is issued by the Department of Revenue for the collection of any taxes assessed by it, such execution duly attested by the secretary of commission shall be sufficient warrant to the officer to whom directed to levy on the property of the person against whom directed, and the sheriff or other officer shall forthwith execute such writ without demanding or requiring any indemnifying bond or other protective obligation, but the writ issued by the Department of Revenue under authority of law for the collection of taxes due the state shall be sufficient defense to any action for damages on any ground other than the willful, wanton, or malicious conduct of the officer making the levy.