NEW YORK (PIX11) – It isn't often that you see Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa without his red beret.

It's the iconic symbol of the Guardian Angels – a nonprofit aimed at curbing violent crime with volunteer patrols in New York City. Sliwa founded the organization in 1979 and remains its president today.

"Instead of relying on others to resolve a community issue, the Guardian Angels help people recognize that they should be turning to themselves. Together, those willing to fight for one another are most capable of solving their community’s problems," Sliwa said in a statement posted to the organization's website.

Volunteers are trained in patrolling, mental health empowerment and homeless outreach, according to the Guardian Angels' guidelines. They're also taught about the legal

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