"I want to give back to the community, and I want to work with young kids, help them get off drugs," Lou Ferrigno said.

And he added: "My father was a police officer with the New York Police Department, I've always had a high respect for officers".

Most of the work he will be doing is with young people and he will also help recruit new deputies, work with the sheriff's youth activities league and with the special victims bureau, which provides help for abused children.

"Mr Ferrigno will certainly help inspire those currently serving as reserves, and he'll be an encouragement to those who may wish to become reserve deputies," Sheriff Lee Baca said.

Lou Ferrigno had a starring role in The Incredible Hulk as the green monster between 1977 and 1982 Mild-mannered alter-ego Dr Bruce Banner, played by Bill Bixby, turned into the Hulk when he was in great pain or angered and then had superhuman strength, which he lost when he reverted back to his normal state.

Lou Ferrigno, who has been partially deaf since childhood, also played the role of a security guard in Ang Lee's big screen movie version of the Marvel comic book story in 2003.

Before he became an actor, Lou Ferrigno became famous as a bodybuilder, winning titles including Mr Universe.