Deputizing civilians had been a long standing policy in the past.
For example in Wis. at one time until the 1990’s all town board and city board members where considered peace officers.
The sheriffs would issue what where called dollar a year deputy cards. Meaning he pay then a dollar a year.
With the change from peace officer to Law Enforcement officers and all the training requirements.
That came with that the old peace officers went away.
Wisconsin also has OVER 600,000 registered HUNTERS.