First Responder: Officer Bob Bang

Name: Bob Bang

D.O.B.:  7/8/1953

Hometown: Sarasota, FL

Rank/Title: Police Officer

How long have you been with the Gulfport Police Department?

February 1, 2011. Prior to that, Bang was with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Department for 26 years and 3 months.

What do you like about your job?

"I get to interact with people. I get to do a wide variety of different jobs in the realm of being a law enforcement officer. It's fun and I enjoy it."

What do you dislike about your job?

"Directing traffic in the rain. I'm not real thrilled about the hours. Sometimes the lack of respect from the general public."

What inspired you to become an officer?

"I took a beating in my last job." For 27 years, Bang was a catcher for a flying trapeze act. He was involved in amateur and professional performances and coached as well.

Then in 1984, Bang started working in the jail. "I answered an add in the newspaper because I needed a job. (I) didn't really want to work in the jail."

At that time Bang still coached from 1984 to 1997, during the beginning of his law enforcement career.

What do you like about Gulfport?

"It's small. It's quaint."

What do you want the general public to know about the Gulfport Police Department?

"They seem to be very genuine, nice and very fair. They also don't have a problem enforcing the laws."

Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? E-mail editor Cherlene Willis at cherlene.willis@patch.com.