Can anyone tell me more info on sworn reserve deputies/officers.?

I’m a 25 year old paramedic, clean record interested in work in law enforcement I often hear about southern and western states having departments with sworn volunteer reserve deputies, I’m just looking for more info. I currently live in the northeast where all auxiliary police in my state and surrounding states are non sworn, unarmed highly decorated crossing guards, neighborhood watches. For the actual reserve/volunteer sworn positions Is it competitive to get a spot ? Do they actually play an active role in policing ? Are they respected amongst there full time counterparts? Does it help for going full time if I decide to make the switch ?