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
NYPD
An NYPD trial judge ruled the officer should be fired in the 2019 shooting of a man fleeing a traffic stop; Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the officer feared for his colleague’s life
The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak on July 4, washing away homes and vehicles
NYPD
The city will now hold monthly police exams, waive application fees for a limited time and allow candidates as young as 20.5 to apply
The Alvarado Police officer was shot in the neck; multiple people, some of whom were allegedly wearing body armor, fired shots when the officers arrived on the scene

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