If you tuned into your TV in the late 1970s and early 1980s, chances are that you regularly set your dial to the dashing smile of Erik Estrada as Ponch on NBC's CHiPs. You could also find him heating up the covers of magazines and plenty of merchandise centered around the adventurous series.
While Estrada continued acting over the last few decades, he recently decided to shift his career path a bit with a new gig at Idaho's St. Anthony Police Department. That's right, he has turned his formerly fictional police work into a reality as a reserve officer for the community.
Even though he got his start in Hollywood, Estrada says he has dreamed of being a bona fide cop long before he arrived in Tinseltown. After being sworn in by Mayor Neils Thueson, the actor explains how his focus won't be on riding around the city's highways on a motorcycle like his old alter ego. Instead, Estrada will join a task force designed to warn young kids about the dangers of internet safety.
As you can see in the video below, he's definitely excited about his new real-life role when you hear how emphatically he completes his oath to serve and protect. Of course, Estrada is ever the entertainer and also cracks a few silly jokes when asked by a journalist about how well he did on the physical exam.
You have to admit, the 67-year-old is still in pretty great shape!
Take a look for yourself and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
