New York City's "beekeeper commissioner" has been promoted to detective specialist for his daring service protecting New Yorkers from bees.
Anthony "Tony Bees" Planakis, an 18-year veteran of the New York Police Department, has been an unsung hero until his promotion from the 114th Precinct Friday.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joked people may not recogonize Planakis because he's frequently covered in a beekeeper's outfit when responding to calls.
He is the NYPD's entire bee response unit.
Planakis said he's been beekeeping since 1977, following his father's interest in the activity.
It's been a busy year for Planakis: he said in June he can't remember a busier year for bee swarming in New York City. At the time, he'd already tended to 31 jobs in the five boroughs since mid-March.
He said Friday "a lot of stings" come with the job but that it's worth it.
Local
Kelly said Planakis has given him two large jars of honey from his work.
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