The San Antonio Police Department has unveiled a new helicopter to honor Detective Benjamin Marconi, who was killed in the line of duty in 2016. The E.A.G.L.E. helicopter, which stands for Eagle, will bear the initials and a portion of Marconi's badge number.
The new aircraft, dubbed "Bravo Mike," is a respectful acknowledgment of the late detective's service and sacrifice. According to KSAT, Marconi was a 21-year veteran of the SAPD and served in the Special Victims Unit. On the day he was fatally shot, Marconi had picked up an overnight patrol shift at the city's Public Safety Headquarters.
"Bravo Mike" was officially dedicated in a ceremony attended by Marconi's family. "These aircrafts were so instrumental in finding the person responsible for his death," said Jacy Reeves, Marconi’s daughter, in a statement obtained by KSAT. "That we are just so happy that a part of him will always be watching over and in the sky and contributing to catch bad guys."
Flying high above San Antonio, the helicopter will assist police officers on the ground and serve as a mobile testament to Marconi's legacy. Natalie Hernandez, an SAPD helicopter pilot, expressed the significance of this new addition to their fleet. "I really hope they realize that we are memorializing them in such a great way and that we will never forget the sacrifices that they gave and us as their brothers and sisters together, we will always remember them as we fly around the city," Hernandez told KSAT.
The dedication of the helicopter follows the conviction and sentencing of Otis McKane, who was found guilty of Marconi's murder and sentenced to death in 2021. The incident had marked the first death penalty issued in Bexar County in five years, as noted by KENS 5.
