Erik Estrada, Former ‘CHiPS’ Star, Becomes Real-Life Police Officer In Idaho

Erik Estrada, who is best known for starring on cop series CHiPs in the late 70s and early 80s, is now a real-life police officer in Idaho.

Erik Estrada Is A Real-Life Cop

Estrada revealed on Twitter last week that he was heading out to Idaho to join the St. Anthony Police Department. And, he later posted a picture of himself in uniform standing behind a white motorcycle.

“At LAX FLYING TO IDAHO TO BE COME A MEMBER OF THE SAINT ANTHONY POLICE DEPT. A SPECIAL DAY FOR ME,” Estrada tweeted.

“OK fnf’s I’m now a police officer with the ST ANTHONY POLICE DEPT,” he captioned a picture. 

On Wednesday, Estrada shared a picture of himself getting sworn in with his new partner, Daryl Williams: “An honor for me and my partner daryl Williams ,we now serve the saint Anthony police dept. Proudly.”

Before playing a California highway motorcycle cop on CHiPS, Estrada had harbored dreams of becoming a real-life cop. Since stepping back from acting, Estrada has thrown himself into helping law enforcement, and became a spokesperson for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation – which endeavors to educate parents, children, teachers, clergy and children about Internet safety. It also works to track down Internet predators.

“Education is the best protection especially on the internet. Children should be educated in how to handle a chat room. Don’t give out personal information. Certainly don’t give out your mother’s or father’s name or what school you go to. Don’t ever accept gifts,” Estrada said after his swearing in, according to the Idaho State Journal. “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.”