MONTGOMERY CO., Ohio July 26 2013 - When you think of classic cop buddies, the 1970's television crime fighting duo Starsky and Hutch likely comes to mind. However, there's a partnership here at home more classic than the show's Ford Gran Torino.The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office just can't seem to shake Herb and Larry and that's a good thing.
The two have an unquenchable appetite for law enforcement work. They were decorated deputies in Montgomery County in their early years, Now, in retirement, they're still with the department, but as volunteers for the Crime Alert Program. It is something they've been doing for 24 years and counting, side by side. Together, they have a combined 90 years of law enforcement experience.
"Feel like we've done a lot of good out here," said Herb. "We've caught about every category of criminal you can think of."
They are armed only with a treasure trove of instinct, experience and personal radios to monitor scanner traffic. They cruise the streets several times a week, looking for anything suspicious. They do it to keep you safe.
"It's just something we feel we're putting back into the community that we live in," said Larry.
They have solved 27 bank robberies and that's just part of the fold in a binder of accolades and accomplishments as thick as a New York City phone book they keep adding to.
Herb credits eagle-eye Larry for their success. "He's a good guy," said Herb. "I can't think of anybody else I'd rather be with. He's got sharp eyes."
While Larry says Herb's the driving force. "He's been an excellent partner. We look out for each other. "
After all these years of fighting crime, however, there's one crook they just can't catch.
"My health is not very well," Larry said. "They gave me probably 14 months to live. I have a serious kidney problem."
Time is a tricky thief; it has given the pair so many good years, yet threatens to steal more to come. Duty calls for these two, though. They live to protect and serve and aren't about to stop now.
Source: WDTN