Armed & Famous: Stars Maintain Ties to Muncie Community

Last year, CBS aired Armed & Famous, a reality show in which several celebrities became reserve police officers in Muncie, Indiana. Though the show was cancelled after a few weeks, one of the show’s stars is still committed to serving.

Former ChiPs star Erik Estrada recently returned to Muncie to fulfill the annual requirements to keep his reserve police officer status. Many town residents were skeptical last winter when Estrada told them that he would return but return he has. He tells The Star Press, “When I make a commitment to be somewhere, it’s done, like gold. And I’ll be here next year too, and the year after that.”

He went on to say, “And I hope, 30 or 40 years from now, God willing, that when it’s time to put me in my grave, I’ll go in my Muncie uniform and badge. That’s a definite.”

Estrada was also in town to take part in the Muncie Police Department’s annual “Shop with a Cop” charity event. He and his castmates took part in the event last year during filming. This year, Estrada helped hand out gifts to 76 needy families and also signed lots of autographs. Of his week-long stay, the actor said, “I’m here to help the officers. I’ll do whatever they want, help them however I can.”

The actor’s commitment to the Muncie force and community isn’t lost on Police Lt. Al Williams who describes the actor as being very genuine and as having no hidden agenda for being back in town. Williams and his family stayed with Estrada in Los Angeles when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May of this year. The lieutenant said, “It’s not often you have someone of Erik’s caliber who’s so pro law-enforcement. It’s a great thing to see.”

Incidentally, Estrada isn’t the only Armed & Famous castmember that keeps a connection to Muncie. Jack Osbourne also reportedly returned to town over the weekend to attend the police department’s annual Christmas party. Stay tuned!