Former CHiPs star ERIK ESTRADA’s real-life cop exploits have paid off – he’s well on his way to becoming a U.S. federal marshall after joining an anti-internet porn task force in Virginia.

The former TV cop trained to become a real crimefighter for reality TV flop Armed + Dangerous – and when the 2006 show was cancelled, he stayed on as a lawman.

He is now a fully-trained police reserve officer in Muncie, Indiana, where the TV show was based, and his determination to become a real cop has impressed officials in Virginia.

Last year (08), Estrada was made a Deputy Sheriff in Bedford County, Virginia, and now he’s part of the Blueridge Thunder ICAP task force, which tackles internet crimes against children.

The actor’s spokeswoman Nancy Whittaker says, “All his plaques and awards from acting are slowly being replaced by law plaques.

“He has a badge from Muncie, a badge from Bedford and he’ll work to become a U.S. federal marshall. He’s very passionate about this.”