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INDIANAPOLIS, IN — As he spoke to more than 2,000 members of the National Sheriffs’ Association Tuesday, McCain earned the endorsement of one deputy sheriff more well-known for his performance as a TV cop.

“I always admired him and I consider him one of my heroes because of what he has been through the fact also the he is a loving father, terrific husband from what I hear. And he’s a good man, he’s a man’s man and I want to support him and I want him to be my next president. And I will do what I possibly can,” Erik Estrada told FOX after McCain’s speech.

Estrada, known for his role as Francis “Ponch” Poncherello on the late 70’s TV show CHiPS, attended the speech in his role as a Bedford County, VA Deputy Sheriff. He also serves a few days a year with the Muncie, IN police department.

Asked why he is supporting McCain, Estrada said the presumptive GOP nominee supports the issues he most cares about.

“Law enforcement, number one which is he, as you heard today the way he feels about it. The welfare of children, which is my biggest concern and passion. And the fact that he has had experience and he has been situations that no other candidate at hand has been in and he has come out with flying colors,” he said, adding that he is planning to host a $250k plus fundraiser for McCain in Laguna Beach.

Though when asked if he supported McCain in the primary, Estrada paused for a few moments of silence.

Estrada said while he is still open to acting roles, he now spends almost all of his time committed to law enforcement, battling internet crime and fighting for children.

“I am a law enforcement officer first now. Before I was an actor playing a cop and now I am a cop who will act once in a while,” he said, but added that we can still call him “Ponch.”