|
 |
San Antonio Police Department
HELICOPTER DETAIL
"Blue Eagle"
|
|
|
HELICOPTER DETAIL HISTORY |
The SAPD Helicopter Detail was formed in 1971 as a joint
venture with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Using funds from a federal
traffic safety grant, a Hughes helicopter (269C)/300 was purchased, a
base was established at Stinson Field, and 2 SAPD officers and 2 BCSO
deputies were selected to staff the operation. In 1973, the unit moved its
base to a heliport on top of the Marina Garage in downtown San Antonio, for
a more central location.
In 1974, a second Hughes (269C)/300 was purchased,
which later that year was given to BCSO, when they set up their own helicopter
unit. To staff its newly independent Helicopter Unit, SAPD increased the
number of officers to six, and in 1975 SAPD added a second (269C)/300.
In 1977, a larger, faster Hughes 500C Turbine aircraft was purchased
using a drug interdiction grant. |
 |
 |
In 1995, the first FLIR unit was purchased, adding infrared capability
to one helicopter, and greatly increasing the effectiveness of the unit.
The demand
increased for helicopter assistance in an ever expanding number of
police situations, including chases and night searches, and in 1996 the
detail was expanded to include a total of nine pilots and one supervisor.
This made it possible to provide 24-hour coverage, but the aging helicopter fleet
could not meet the demands.
To meet the increased demands for coverage and speed,
SAPD used a federal grant and in 1996 purchased
two Schweizer 330 turbine-powered copters, providing SAPD
with an all-turbine helicopter fleet. During this time,
the Helicopter Detail re-located its base back to Stinson Field, and
the detail's name was changed from "Foxtrot" to "Blue Eagle." |
Schweizer 330 Turbine-powered Helicopter |
|
In 1999, the 500C was sold and two model 333 aircraft were purchased,
along with another FLIR unit,
and upgrades were done to all aircraft. The Helicopter Detail attained a
staffing strength of 12 (10 officers, one detective-investigator
and one sergeant) and an equipment strength of four 333 helicopters
and two FLIRS. |
 |
|
BLUE EAGLE ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS |
In addition to daily activities
in support of law enforcement (including assisting Patrol, Traffic, SWAT,
etc. in tracking and locating suspects, the Blue Eagle group also
performs other valuable functions for the Department and the City.
At Christmas time each year, Blue Eagle serves as the
flying sleigh for Blue Santa (pictured at right),
the namesake of the SAPD program that provides Christmas
presents for needy children. |
 |
 |
In 2000, the SAPD Helicopter Detail was awarded
First Place for the "FLIR Bust of the Year", an international competition
for law enforcement agencies around the globe. |
 |
Photo credits: Top 2=SAPD; Bottom 3 courtesy Mike Reyno,
Vertical Magazine.
|
JOINING BLUE EAGLE |
|
ALL Blue Eagle staff are SAPD officers who have applied to this
assignment from Patrol or other units, and who have training and
certification as
helicopter pilots. The present strength of the unit is 12:
ten patrol officers, one detective-investigator, and one supervisor. |
 |
|
For more information on joining SAPD (requirements, applying,
training, etc.) please visit the
SAPD RECRUITING web page. |
Click here to leave E-mail for:
SAPD
Do NOT use E-mail for an Emergency. CALL 911!
Click here to return to:
Copyright © San Antonio Police
Department 2003
|