CHARLESTOWN, Ind. (WHAS11) – A small police agency, the Charlestown Police Department, has lost a passionate K-9 officer after he died in a crash that happened during a police pursuit on Dec. 12.
“It’s very hard, this is a small agency,” Chief of Police Keith McDonald said.
Bertram’s career at the department began in 2008 when he started as a reserve officer.
McDonald said he had a stellar career and never received any complaints about him, he was a professional and thorough. He trained a lot of the younger officers on the force and he was looked up to.
The chief said they will handle his passing together, as a team.
Counselors and police chaplains have been at the department to talk about their loss.
“We will miss him, “McDonald said.
Bertram was very close to his family, according to McDonald. The police department was his second family.
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“By far, he was our better K-9 officer,” McDonald said. “He took it seriously, took it to the next level.”
McDonald said the department appreciates the support after Bertram’s death.
“I can’t tell ya how much I appreciate, I have had calls from agencies big and small,” McDonald said.
Charlestown Mayor Bob Hall said, “Our hearts go out to Bertram family.”
