Shaquille O'Neal Becomes Newest Auxiliary Deputy with Broward County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal is known to be many things, and it seems there’s no stopping the retired NBA legend as he recently became the latest auxiliary deputy with the Broward Sheriff's Office in Florida.

Among other things, he’s a philanthropist, real-time hero, and business mogul, but you can now call him “Deputy Shaq” if a March 15 Facebook post is anything to go by.

TALKING THE TALK

The Broward Sheriff’s Office, on their official Facebook page, shared several pictures of Shaq posing with other officers, including one where he seems to be in deep talks with the Sheriff.

The accompanying caption revealed that it was indeed a discussion about “the different ways law enforcement works to keep communities safe.”

“Basketball legend Shaquille O' Neal goes by many nicknames, and now added to that list is Deputy Shaq. The big man now works as an auxillary deputy with the Broward Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Tony sat down with Shaq and the two talked about the different ways law enforcement works to keep communities safe.”

WALKING THE WALK

Shaq’s appointment comes a few days after the grand opening of his new restaurant in Los Angeles, but the former athlete and the Broward County Sheriff’s department have come a long way together.

Last Thanksgiving, he and some members of the Sheriff’s office were on their way to hand out turkeys when they came upon a crash scene. Shaq did not hesitate to join officers in attending to the situation, putting aside his itinerary to console the family involved in the crash.

A LONGTIME DREAM

Shaq’s relationship with law enforcement also goes beyond Broward County. As Daily Mail reports, he is an honorary deputy in Clayton County, Georgia, a reserve police officer in California, Florida, and Arizona, and a deputy marshal in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The “TNT” studio analyst did say in 2017 that he intends to run for Sheriff in 2020, so these law enforcement appointments seem to be right on track.

According to Shaq, who has reportedly been in love with law enforcement jobs since he was a teen, his decision to run for Sheriff can be linked to his past:

“This is not about politics. This is about bringing people closer together. You know, when I was coming up, people love and respected the police, the deputies. And, I want to be the one to bring that back, especially in the community I serve.”

Well, if anything, we can’t fault a man for staying on course with his dream. Congratulations to Deputy Shaq!