Niagara Falls’ newest cop may have the city over a barrel if he turns into the Hulk.

Lou Ferrigno, best known for playing prolific comic book character the Incredible Hulk, will be sworn in by the Niagara Falls police departments — both in New York and Ontario — as an honourary officer for his anti-bullying efforts while he’s in town on June 3 for Comic Con. The comics festival will be taking place on the Canadian side of the border.

“It was a good opportunity for us to recognize someone who is very supportive of law enforcement wherever he goes and for somebody of his celebrity status, who has taken it upon himself to do his anti-bullying campaign wherever it goes,” Niagara Regional Police Service Sgt. Rich Gadreau said Saturday.

“I remember watching the Hulk as a kid in the 1970s. No, you don’t want to get him mad.”

Ferrigno, along with fellow actor Steven Seagal, has a history of real police work, such as criminal investigations and weapons training. He currently holds the title of deputy sheriff in California and Ohio, but this is the first time he’s held a cop title in two police forces in bordering countries at the same time.

“My father was an NYPD lieutenant in Brooklyn, NY, so to be recognized in Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario is a true honour,” Ferrigno, 64, said in a statement.

But Gadreau said the likelihood of the Hulk pulling someone over, or doing a ride-along in a police car, is pretty slim.

“The requirements for ride-alongs are quite strict (here), but I’m not certain what it’s like in the States,” he said. “He’s going to be here for a short time. We’re hoping after the ceremony, to maybe give him a better glimpse of the Niagara Regional Police Service. We’re just trying to promote the Canadian police service and (have him) visit one of our units if he has time.”

Ferrigno grew up with a serious ear infections that damaged 75% of his hearing. He was bullied because of his speech disability, which pushed him into bodybuilding. He also starred in Pumping Iron, the Apprentice and I Love You, Man.

The official badge presentation will take place June 3 on the American side of the border.

jyuen@postmedia.com