30: Officer Larry Bird at the Tarpon Springs Police Department

Please visit teresakondek.com to learn more about Officer Charles Kondek, as mentioned in this episode.

In this episode of Trust the Badge, we sit down with Officer Larry Bird of the Tarpon Springs Police Department. Serving since 2007, Officer Bird shares the story of how a former baseball coach inspired his path into law enforcement, the challenges he faced early in his career, and the lessons that kept him resilient. Now assigned to the Cops and Kids Youth Center, Officer Bird works directly with young people in Tarpon Springs, building connections that go beyond policing and creating positive relationships that last. In our conversation, he opens up about what makes community trust possible, why listening is one of the most powerful tools an officer can have, and how small actions—like returning a stolen bike—can make a big impact. Whether you’re interested in the personal side of policing, the role of youth outreach, or the importance of trust between officers and the community, this episode offers a candid and inspiring look inside the work of Officer Larry Bird.