They’re the bee team.
The NYPD has finally replaced its longtime beekeeper, retired Detective Anthony “Tony Bees” Planakis, with two new buzz-beaters.
Detective Daniel Higgins, who usually works in counterterrorism, and Police Officer Darren Mays of the 104th Precinct in Queens will now be on call to handle swarms around the city.
“I enjoy doing it. It brings a lot of excitement to scoop up 20,000 bees,” said Higgins of the sting operations.
He said he grew up in Westchester collecting honeybees with his father.
“It started as a hobby with me and my dad. It progressed,’’ he said.
Higgins has already answered about 10 calls since June — and was put to the test again Sunday, when he had to tackle a swarm on an awning near Broadway and West 56th Street in Manhattan.
“At first, people are shocked and alarmed,” Higgins said. “But [bees] are not aggressive like yellow jackets or wasps.”
He said the Police Department is working on a budget to fund needed equipment, but right now, he uses his own gear, including a makeshift vacuum.
Higgins and Mays aren’t paid extra for their beekeeping duties, but they get to keep the bees for their own use. Higgins said he has already shared some with other hive enthusiasts.
The NYPD has also just launched its official beekeeper Twitter account: @NYPDBees.