'CHiPs' actor brings new role to Mooseheart
Decades ago, Erik Estrada was half of one of television's most famous law enforcement duos as "Ponch" on "CHiPs."
Today, Estrada is lending his skills in real life, helping police investigators weed out pedophiles in cyberspace.
But no matter how many bad guys get put behind bars, the 61-year-old actor said, the most important thing is educating kids on how to avoid becoming a victim.
"If you've got a computer in your house, you have a sexual predator in your living room," said Estrada before accepting a $146,000 donation from Moose International to the Bedford, Va.-based Safe Surfin' Foundation during festivities before Mooseheart's homecoming game Saturday in Batavia.
"You're not going to catch all of (the online predators). You can't build enough jails. What's the most important thing? Education," said Estrada, who serves as a reserve officer for the Muncie, Ind., police department
"We need it yesterday. We need it last month. Once a child loses their innocence, they'll never get it back."
Estrada was joined by a host of motorcyclists before the game, during which the Red Ramblers fell to the Chicago Hope Academy Eagles, 6-3.
Shawn Baile, an assistant coach for the football team and Moose International director of fraternal programs, said the partnership between the two groups began 18 months ago.
"It's no surprise that our members came through like they always do," Baile said. "This is only the beginning."
Saturday's ceremony was one highlight of Estrada's visit to Mooseheart. A presentation and talk the day before about cyber safety resonated with students.
Robin Young, a 17-year-old senior, said the forum offered real-life examples of people who didn't put too much information online but still became victims.
"He's actually a celebrity who wants to get through to us and cares about us," Young said of Estrada. "This is his second day here."
Erin Stryker, a 15-year-old student at Mooseheart, agreed. "I thought it was refreshing because I want to become a cop," she said.