CHARLESTOWN, In. — As his casket was carried into Grayson’s Funeral Home, those who loved Sergeant Ben Bertram seemed trapped in a moment of grief.
The nine-year veteran of the Charlestown Police Department died protecting the community he vowed to serve when his cruiser crashed into a tree during a police chase late Wednesday night.
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“Always a sweetheart, always had a smile on his face, always willing to be there for you to help in any way he could,” Benita Fischer said Thursday before his procession to the funeral home.
The small Southern Indiana community filled the sidewalks of Market Street as Sergeant Bertram returned home from Scott County, where the wreck took place.
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“I know this is a deep loss to them and it's just really devastating,” said Karen Barnett, who felt it important to show support at the procession.
The Charlestown community is brokenhearted, but not broken. They are now leaning on each other for support.
"The town does pull together to help each other get through times like this,” Michael Olinick said. "Surely we'll get through it and be able to move on as a town, but we'll always remember him for the dedication he showed to the town."
Olinick wrapped a blue ribbon around his mailbox because he said he wanted to show his support in any way he could. He said the entire town knows its police officers and has a great respect for all of them.
"It was just really sad to see one lose his life at such a young age who dedicated his life to the town he grew up in,” Olinick said.
Olinick said Charlestown is a community that takes care of each other, especially in times of need.
"We feel a great loss for this also as a community,” he said. “We’ll all try to get through this together and try to keep moving forward as the community that we are."
Tony Hughes, who also lives in Charlestown, said no one in town could say a bad thing about Bertram.
“I think everybody knew who he was one way or another,” Hughes said. “For a small town like this, and for something like that to happen, it’s really heartbreaking.”
Hughes said the community is so tight-knit that when tragedies happen, it feels like “losing a family member of your own.”
Officers gathered around the hearse to pray after bringing the officer inside the funeral home. Officers will stay there throughout the night to watch over him.
“Just knowing how much he was loved and the respect by all of the community, this is the show of support that they need right now,” Fischer explained.
The funeral arrangements have been released for Bertram.
His visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Charlestown High School. The funeral will be on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m., also at the school.
