Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Eddie, Judy & I were interviewed today for an ATF HQ’s sanctioned documentary about your short but incredibly blessed life. I remembered our great times together, 1st as roomies, then colleagues. You were one of a kind & after Judy & I married, we invited you to stay with us until you found another place. Judy considered you as her younger brother as you were three years younger than her. When Jim Pherson called me at home on that fateful day, I went to hospital to be with you & family until you passed on July 12, 1983. I ran interferrence for your family by throwing out reporters, rubberneckers & people who just wanted to be near you! I finally had to say goodbye, “I’ll see you again old friend! RIP!

Fred Gleffe RAIC (Retired)
DHS/ICE/HSI (Former ATF Miami District)

February 27, 2024

Eddie: I can't believe it's been 40 years since your death. A while back, I found some photos from dinner parties, New Orleans and the gun range and remembered all the conversations and laughs. You were on the way to being a star in the world of ATF doing dangerous work. You were a great agent and a wonderful guy. I talked with you the day you came to Judge S's chambers to get the arrest warrant signed & could not believe it when I got the call about the shooting. The next time I saw you was at your hospital bed - praying for a miracle, but knowing it was goodbye. The world lost one of the really good guys and it's so tragic you never got the opportunity of a long, well-lived life. You aren't forgotten and I'm glad to have called you friend. RIP Eddie.

Roberta Patton-Mahannah
Friend

July 12, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

July 12, 2021

Thank you for service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 12, 2020

Eddie and I were in Class #22 at FLETC. We were in the same study group and running group. I talked to him often after we graduated. I was in CA and he in FL. Miami was a very dangerous place in the 80’s. I have never forgotten Eddie and think of him often, to this day. Rest In Peace, my friend. You are a true hero.

Terry Simoni
Former ATF Agent

June 10, 2019

Rest in peace Special Agent Benitez. Your Inspector's Funeral was held at St. Mary's Cathedral along with four other honorable, brave and humble servants. You won't be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2017

Eddie, a true hero who only wanted to serve. Your are missed but never forgotten.

Special Agent Edgar Domenech
ATF

September 17, 2015

Eddie
A true hero who is missed everyday by your friends and family.

Special Agent Edgar Domenech
ATF

September 17, 2015

Rest in peace Eddie. You will never be forgotten.

None Anonymous Anonymous
None

July 12, 2015

rest easy. your memory lives on, your sacrifice not forgotten. i hope the passage of time has allowed your family to find peace.

SA - MFD, retired

July 12, 2014

Rest in peace Eddie. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Anon

July 11, 2014

Rest in Peace Eddie. You will never be forgotten. I can't believe it has been 30 years.

Anonymous Friend

July 12, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 30, 2013

My name is Kenneth Michael McQuiston , I am the son of Eddie Benitez I never met him because my mother , his fiancé was three months pregnant with me when he was shot on july of 1983 I've never met his side of the family, but if anyone could help me locate them I would be foever thankful

Kenny McQuiston
Unknown son

November 11, 2012

Rest in Peace my Brother!
"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9

Jack Garcia, Retired FBI Agent
FBI

July 14, 2012

God Bless Eddie and all the Fallen Warriors. Hard to imagine it's been almost three decades. You're very missed.

Anonymous
Friend

July 12, 2012

Agent Benitez,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

July 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 12, 2010

Agent Benitez, your efforts to help protect this nation from illegal firearms in the hands of criminals have not been forgotten. Your sacrifice, made 27 years ago today, has also not been forgotten. My hat is off to all the ATF agents out there who make that effort day in and day out. You are all heroes, but today, a special recognition goes to Agent Benitez. Thank you for your service.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 12, 2010

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 19, 2008

Eddie's cause lives on in other ATF Agents

Paul
ATF

February 1, 2008

You were my friend from the first day we met while working midnights in Central District. You helped me through some rough times and always believed in me. Every July I remember the day you were shot, and I remember the day you died, and every Ocotober I remember your birthday. It is hard to believe that 24 years have passed since the day you gave your life for the protection of others, and I will never forget you. You gave me the courage and the strength to carry on and I was able to retire. I know that I could not have made without knowing you and having you in my life. You will always be my hero!

Police Officer-Elizabeth
Miami Dade Police Dept/Ret

September 14, 2007

Eddie, even though I never met you, I had the pleasure of meeting your mom and sisters. My husband Emilio, was killed in line of duty in 1986(florida) and I could not attend NPW to Honor him that first year (1987) but your mom was there in DC for the first time and she placed the flower for Emilio, how happy I was that she did, your family and Emilio's had a lot in commom, a Cuban family who raised their kids in Hialeah and that one of the kids grew up to "Serve and Protect" and that gave their all for the community and this country. I still see one of your sisters at the County memorial each year and your mom left us a few years ago..she is with you. Eddie, thank you for what you did and thank you for sharing your mom to Honor my husband in 1987.

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

June 28, 2007

I knew Eddie well in the police academy. He was young, baby faced, idealistic (weren't we all?) and always took the kidding with a great sense of humor. We graduated with honors, one of the best academy classes ever. I never had a chance to say 'so long' as we all went our separate ways to join the ranks of the many agencies represented. Seven years later, he was gone. I couldn't believe it then, and still can't, even 20+ years later. I still remember the funeral as one of the largest in Miami-Dade County history, with officers from almost everywhere in the nation and every federal agency represented.

Eddie, looks like the rest of us from Basic Law Enforcement 31 made it through. One even made Director of Miami-Dade Police (Carlos). He retired, I retired, and I imagine we're all retired by now. But none of us have forgotten you, your smile, your friendship, your accomplishments, and most of all, your bravery.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Lt. Paul Patti (ret.) Lake Worth, FL PD
Lake Worth, FL PD / Academy mate Dade County BLE 31

April 1, 2007

23 yrs ago I was standing over you waiting for Miami Fire Rescue to arive at the Central Shopping Plaza. I arrived while the other Agent were shooting into the Mustang the suspect was in when he shot you. I'll never forget that day, nor your funeral. God Bless your family and know you will never be forgotten my brother, rest in peace!

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD

July 12, 2006