NPR

Protect, Serve, And Take Care Of The Bees

Anthony "Tony Bees" Planakis spent nearly 20 years as the New York Police Department's unofficial beekeeper. He says the bees have taught him patience, respect, and a particular work ethic.
Anthony "Tony Bees" Planakis at StoryCorps in New York City. Planakis retired from the NYPD in 2014, but still takes calls about hives and swarms.

When Anthony Planakis was going through the New York Police Academy, they told him to write his interests down on a little card.

"Beekeeping, of course I put that down," says 54-year-old Planakis, who is a fourth generation beekeeper. "And the very first job, the sergeant comes right up to

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