MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — A suburban New York county with one of the largest police forces in the nation is training dozens of armed residents who could be called up during natural disasters and other major emergencies, sparking worry that the new volunteer unit amounts to an unsanctioned local militia. Thousands of armed National Guard members were mobilized across greater New York City during that disaster. So far, nearly all the people who have completed the deputy sheriffs training — which included a background check and random drug testing — are retired police officers, according to a list provided by the county. Action star Steven Seagal had a reality show following his exploits as an armed deputy sheriff in Louisiana and Arizona. In Westchester County, just north of New York City, volunteer deputy sheriffs are issued a firearm and provide crowd control at parades and other events, according to the county website.
