Erik Estrada may not patrol California highways in tight shorts and feathered hair as a police officer on television any more, but that doesn’t mean he can’t fit in the uniform…
The actor from “CHiPs” fame was sworn in as a reserve police officer in tiny St. Anthony, Idaho, on July 2, with a focus on protecting children from online predators…how he specifically will be of help is another matter.
Estrada became a pop culture icon during the “CHiPs” heyday from 1977 to 1983, and now works as a spokesperson for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation. The organization looks to educate parents, teachers, clergy, and children about internet safety while working to track down online predators.
“Education is the best protection, especially on the internet,’‘ Officer Estrada told the Idaho State Journal after the ceremony. “Certainly don’t ever go meet someone you’ve been chatting with. They’re not who they are. If they send a picture, that isn’t them.”
Officer Estrada was sworn in as a reserve police officer in the town of 3,500 by Mayor Neils Thueson after reaching out to the administration in the small town months earlier about the Safe Surfin’ Foundation.
AP
Ironically, St. Anthony Police Chief Terry Harris initially thought he was the target of an online hoax when he received the email from Estrada, according to the Idaho State Journal.
Estrada grew up dreaming about being a police officer but instead opted to play one on TV when the opportunity arose. The character has stuck with him over the years as his calling card, as he reprised his role as California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer Frank “Ponch” Poncherello on TODAY’s throwback Halloween special in 2013.
APIn 2008, Estrada also worked as a reserve police officer in Muncie, Indiana, patrolling on the midnight shift three days a week…and giving traffic offenders double takes the whole night through…
