Lawrence Jones, co-host of Fox & Friends and a beloved personality known for his signature storytelling and “man-on-the-street” segments, has made a surprising move that has the internet buzzing. The 30-year-old journalist has taken a leave from his position at Fox News to take on an unexpected new role—serving as an auxiliary police officer in Merrillville, Indiana.

A New Role for a Familiar Face

Jones was sworn in on Tuesday night by the Merrillville Town Council, marking the beginning of his new role with the local police department. Though he’s no stranger to the public eye, this new position will see Jones working closely with the Merrillville Police Department in a variety of supportive duties.

“My job here is not to do anything different than your cops have already been doing on the street, but to help bring our communities together,” Jones explained during the swearing-in ceremony.

The former Fox News correspondent, who has always shown a passion for law enforcement, expressed his excitement about contributing to the community in a new capacity, particularly through the K-9 unit. “I have a passion for the K-9 program,” Jones said, emphasizing the positive impact that service dogs can have in law enforcement and on local communities. “I know the work and the healing that they can bring to communities, not just from a law enforcement standpoint, but for the kids to have heroes, people to look up to like they already do today.”

Jones’ Role and Responsibilities

As an auxiliary officer, Jones will assist in non-law enforcement duties, such as administrative support, traffic management, crime scene support, and community policing—all under the direct supervision of a sworn officer. His role will not include carrying a weapon, though there’s the potential for more responsibilities down the line if he undergoes additional training.

Merrillville Police Chief Kosta Nuses highlighted the significance of Jones’ involvement, noting that the auxiliary officer position was created to assist with routine tasks that don’t require a full-time officer. “Lawrence will be working closely with us to amplify our story, ensuring that the public understands who we are, what we stand for and how we serve our community,” Nuses said.

Jones, who clarified that he would not be involved in any public relations efforts, emphasized that the lack of resources in policing today poses a real challenge. “There’s a lack of resources in policing today. That doesn’t make us safer,” he said, adding that he’s not trying to be a lobbyist, but rather to set an example.

A Special Connection with the K-9 Program

Jones has a deep connection with the K-9 unit in Merrillville, having worked with the Baden K-9 company in Ontario, Canada, which trained all of Merrillville’s K-9 dogs. In 2023, Jones partnered with the company to bring K-9 Yaga to the Merrillville Police Department. His efforts have already contributed about $25,000 worth of dogs and services to the department, making a lasting impact on its resources.

The Future of Merrillville’s Police Force

Nuses and Town Council President Rick Bella both expressed their excitement about Jones’ involvement, with Bella saying, “Jones has already made a significant impact on our Police Department, and we’re thrilled to have him serve as an auxiliary officer.”

Jones’ role in Merrillville represents an innovative approach to supporting local law enforcement without additional budgetary strain. The department hopes that his involvement will strengthen its connection to the public and further enhance community engagement.

Looking Ahead: Will Jones Return to Fox News?

Speculation has been rife about what this new chapter in Jones’ career could mean for his role at Fox News. While no official word has been released on his return, fans of Jones have eagerly discussed what his absence might mean for Fox & Friends. Will his new duties impact his future at the network, or is this just a temporary leave of absence?

For now, Jones is focused on his new role as an auxiliary officer, supporting his community and expanding his connection with law enforcement. Whether this is a short-term commitment or part of a larger shift remains to be seen.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.