Hulk actor turns to fighting real-life crime

THE Incredible Hulk is now a county sheriff's department reserve deputy. Lou Ferrigno, 54, who played the green-skinned monster from 1977 to 1982, was sworn in during a ceremony on Monday night.

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

Ferrigno began training to become a reserve deputy last September after passing a background check. He completed training in firearms, first aid and high-speed driving techniques, and was recognised as "an outstanding trainee" by Sheriff Lee Baca.

Ferrigno will serve at least 20 hours a month, help recruit new deputies and work with the sheriff's Youth Activities League and the Special Victims Bureau, which assists abused children.

Ferrigno was a bodybuilder before he starred on the TV show. The late actor Bill Bixby played mild-mannered scientist David Bruce Banner who, as Ferrigno, turned into a Herculean, green-skinned monster whenever he lost his temper. He switched back to Bixby's character as soon as he calmed down.