95-year-old man patrols the streets.

We all want to feel safe at home, but the economy has forced some Arklatex police departments to cut jobs.

Bossier City police had to lay off six new recruits this year because of a major budget shortfall. The Bossier sheriff’s office says it's watching expenses and not hiring as many deputies

While police departments are trying to do more with less, a group of people you might not expect are suiting up to fight crime: hundreds of retired men. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins rode along with one volunteer who's nearly 100 years old!!!

Officers help people all the time. But it's not every day a man like Frank Elliot comes to your rescue. He's 95 years old and still patrolling the streets for the Bossier parish sheriff's office. “I enjoy it and I enjoy the boys."

The boys are retired men over 50. The Posse program began in 1995 as a way for citizens to help fight crime. Elliot's one of the first volunteers. “It gives me something to do. I wouldn't have enough to keep me busy."

He wears a uniform and rides with another Posse member two times a month. Elliot doesn't carry a gun or make arrests. The team just watches out for homeowners. If Elliot sees a problem. He'll call a deputy to the scene. “I had one flag me down that had domestic trouble. I called somebody else in."

About 250 people volunteer. They get in cars each day to keep an eye out for crime. “The posse works with patrol, and they form a team that's helpful with the reduction of crime," Ed Baswell says.

Crime in Bossier parish has decreased the past three years. Bossier sheriff public information officer Ed Baswell gives some credit to people like Elliot.
“He is a remarkable man. He lives in a house he built. He takes care of 49 acres of property."

“I don't worry anymore. That will shorten your life. You get to moping and you'll go downhill." Elliot says that's his secret to living a long and active life.