Screaming fans. Head rubbings. Breaking up "fights."

It is just another day for Steve Wilkos, the popular security guard from the "Jerry Springer Show," as he filmed commercials Friday at Hoss Cat Clothing.

Crowds of people peered in the windows and chanted his name waiting for the chance to get his autograph.

He signed autographs from 3 to 8 p.m. and also appeared at the "Music on Main" festivities in Ashland.

Wilkos said this is his second visit to the Tri-State area and he had a good time on his visit last year to Huntington.

"It is a different way of life than Chicago," Steve said. "It is great to meet the people. Most of these people cannot come to Chicago to see the show. If I didn’t come here, I wouldn’t have the chance to meet them."

Steve said he never dreamed that this would happen to him because he just feels like any other Chicago police officer.

"To end up on television, it's like winning the lottery," he said. "It is like a dream job.

"I wake up every day and pinch myself. I know it's not going to last forever."

The contrast between his job on the show and his job as a police officer is huge, Steve said. The problems he deals with as police officer are much more serious than the problems on the show.

"People on the show have problems, but they are only minor bumps in the road of life."

One of the wildest experiences Steve had on the show was when he was trying to break up a scuffle between two women. He pulled a muscle in his groin.

Amidst the commotion, no one even noticed him lying there.

"It felt like somebody shot me. I was crawling off the stage."

There were thirty of forty people lined up outside Hoss Cat to get a chance to meet Wilkos. Diane Wells waited since 8:30 a.m..

"I love "Jerry Springer." It makes me laugh," Diane Wells, Ashland, said. "I’m a bartender and if I could pick a bouncer, it would be him. I know he can take them on and get them out."

Most of the people waiting for autographs were females and many of them see Steve as a sex symbol.

"He’s got such a cute bald head," Menda Thomas, Wheelersburg, said.

Autographed 8×10 pictures were sold for $5 and autographed Hoss Cat T-shirts for $15. Steve said the best part about Donnie’s store is Donnie, owner of Hoss Cat.

"Donnie is one of the most enthusiastic people I have met," he said. "He’s a great salesman." Michael Caldwell/The Ironton Tribune