Celebrities that are also cops
It takes all kinds of people, from all walks of life, to work in law enforcement. Even some celebrities hear the calling to walk the thin blue line, and there have been plenty of famous people who were police officers, also.
In recognition of National Police Week, here's a little trivia on police officers who became celebrities and celebrities who answered a calling to serve. Some may surprise you.
Shaquille O'Neal: Known far and wide for his prowess on the basketball court, this former NBA superstar is also making a name for himself on the street as a crime fighter. Shaq has served as a reserve officer for the Los Angeles Port Police, as well as the Miami Beach Police Department. He is now serving as a reserve officer with the Golden Beach Police in South Florida.
Steven Seagal: Also known as, Deputy Steven Seagal of the Jefferson Parrish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. This movie star and martial arts expert has been working with the Jefferson Parish sheriff since the 1980s.
Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Roll was a famous fan of law enforcement. He collected badges and police equipment and was an avid admirer of police, particularly federal special agents. In 1970, Elvis met with President Richard Nixon, professing a disdain for the hippie drug culture. President Nixon made him an honorary drug enforcement agent.
Dan Akroyd: While he may not have had full police powers, this Blues Brother, Saturday Night Live alum,Ghostbusters star and all around famous funny man did hold an honorary police commission. In fact, Akroyd served as an honorary commander with the Harahan Police Department in Louisiana and is credited with doing a lot to support the agency.
James Woods: The accomplished actor's break out role was arguably that of Greg Powell in The Onion Field, in which his character kidnaps two cops and kills one. In real life, though, Woods serves as a reserve officer with the LAPD. Shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Woods reported what he believed to be suspicious behavior during a flight and may have thwarted another attack.
Dennis Farina: You would most likely recognize Farina from any one of his 74 acting credits, including appearances in Saving Private Ryan, Get Shorty, Out of Sight and Midnight Run. You probably saw him on episodes of Law and Order and perhaps even Miami Vice. What you may not know is that before he hit the big screen, he was hitting the streets of Chicago as a police officer and detective for 18 years.