In this gripping second installment, the Tall Boy Radio studio welcomes back a true titan of law enforcement history: Retired Lt. Cmdr. Vernon Geberth. Hosts Beans and Gaz dive deep into the formative years of the man who literally wrote the book on homicide investigation.

This episode takes us back to the gritty streets of Queens, where a young Geberth found himself at a professional crossroads. Despite a record that spoke for itself, Vernon opens up about the sting of being passed over for promotion to Sergeant by a biased superior—a setback that only served to fuel his relentless drive to tackle the borough’s most dangerous elements.

The Misfire Miracle: In perhaps the most chilling moment of the interview, Vernon recounts a face-to-face encounter with a perpetrator that should have been his last. With a gun pressed against him and the trigger pulled, he discusses how a mechanical failure—a faulty firing pin—reinforced his unwavering faith in God and kept him in the fight.
The Urban War: Geberth provides a raw, boots-on-the-ground perspective of the 1970s conflict with the Black Liberation Army, describing an era of policing that felt less like a job and more like a domestic insurgency.
Taking Down Giants: From high-speed car chases through the narrow corridors of New York to the physical reality of subduing 6'8" villains, Vernon shares the adrenaline-fueled reality of street crime enforcement.
Mafiosi and Murderers: We hear the stories of arresting made men and navigating the complex social hierarchies of the Queens underworld, where the stakes were always life and death.

This isn't just a collection of "cop stories." It’s a masterclass in resilience, faith, and integrity. Vernon Geberth discusses how he maintained his moral compass while operating in a world of extreme violence and systemic bias. Whether you are a true crime aficionado, a student of history, or someone looking for a story about overcoming professional adversity, this conversation delivers.

"I wasn't just fighting the guys on the street; sometimes I was fighting the guys behind the desks. But I knew my purpose." — Lt. Cmdr. Vernon Geberth

Grab a cold one, settle in, and listen to a legend recount the wars he won before he ever became the 'Master of Homicide.'

You can buy Vernon's book here

THE GODFATHER OF HOMICIDE SECOND EDITION: VERNON J. GEBERTH A COP'S COP: Amazon.co.uk: CARDILLO, VINCE, LAWLESS, LINNY, PIRRO, JEANINE: 9798343415780: Books

tallboyradio.com