12 Who Care 2009: Officer Larry Shuford

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Larry Shuford says "you just cook from your heart, and that's the best way to live."

Dinner with the Shufords.

"Now I'll let you see certain things you can film with the camera but you can't see everything I put in my pot."

It's never ordinary. Especially when you never know who may show up.

"The way society was going, I wanted to make sure I could provide for one, but God had a different plan. I ended up having a multitude."

Larry and his wife Regina have 1 biological daughter, Tiffany. But in the last 2 decades, their house has become a home for more than 20 children in need.

"This is a Thanksgiving Dinner we had as a family. Of all my daughters and you can see one in the background, this is my son. The only boy in the group."

A 25 year veteran police officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Larry Shuford swore to protect and serve. But he has gone far above the call of duty, by using his own life to help motivate young people.

"Sometimes to enjoy a slice of the pie you have to see how the pie is made. So that's how it started, letting them see the ingredients of the pie. My family, my wife, my daughter, how I live, where I go to church, and it began to spread."

Seeing so many young people needing guidance, through his work in the community, Shuford felt a calling to nurture the potential he saw in kids like Kazia Young.

Young says, "I see myself doing bigger and better things now."

Thanks to the love from Larry and his family since Kazia was in second grade.

She's now starting her first year in college.

"He's my hero. Because without him I wouldn't be where I am today. Sorry, I'm crying. He's helped me and my family and I am really really thankful for that."

And like any caring father, Larry not only helped her with everything from a car, to school supplies. He even showed up during our interview with Kazia, just to make sure everything was okay.

"Because this is my baby," Shuford says.

To honor his commitment to so many kids, First Coast News celebrates Officer Larry Shuford as one of 12 Who Care.

©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.