Trending Topics

Fla. sheriff’s office names actor, former pro-wrestler Dave Bautista as honorary deputy

“Big love and thanks to … [WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil] and Sheriff [Chad Chronister] for the honor and for everything you do for this community,” Bautista said

Fla. sheriff’s office names actor, former pro-wrestler Dave Bautista

“I didn’t see that one coming either,” he wrote in the caption, adding thanks to WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister for the honor.

Dave Bautista (Batista) via Facebook

TAMPA, Fla. — Actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista has been named an honorary deputy sheriff in Hillsborough County, Florida, where he has lived for the past 20 years.

Bautista shared the news in an Instagram post on April 19, posting a photo of himself holding a deputy badge and ID.

“I didn’t see that one coming either,” he wrote in the caption, adding thanks to WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister for the honor.

“Big love and thanks to my brother @titusoneilwwe and Sheriff @chadchronister for the honor and for everything you do for this community,” Bautista wrote. “Tampa’s held a special place in my heart ever since I moved here 20 years ago. Always has. Always will.”

Bautista, best known for roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Dune: Part Two,” is set to star in the upcoming sci-fi thriller “Dreadnought,” as well as a wedding comedy with Anne Hathaway and the ensemble film “Alpha Gang” alongside Cate Blanchett.

A career in law enforcement is a calling and one that often cannot be ignored – even by some of America’s celebrities
Trending
Agencies in New York, Houston, Birmingham and San Francisco credit pay raises, outreach and new strategies with boosting academy numbers
The bill would extend the same regulations that apply to public and private K-12 schools by prohibiting both open and concealed carry, with exceptions for law enforcement
“What made this takedown possible was the outstanding work of our officers ... connecting the dots that revealed these burglaries were tied to the same crew,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said
Officer wellness and resilience take center stage at 5th Annual National Law Enforcement Survival Summit

Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com