MENU
SEARCHSergeant Benton Bertram of the Charlestown Police Department was in pursuit of a driver suspected of a traffic violation when he reportedly lost control of his patrol vehicle, leaving the roadway and colliding with a tree.
Sergeant Benton Bertram of the Charlestown Police Department was in pursuit of a driver suspected of a traffic violation when he reportedly lost control of his patrol vehicle, leaving the roadway and colliding with a tree.
Image courtesy of ODMP.
A police officer in southeastern Indiana was killed in a vehicle pursuit Wednesday night, according to ABC News.
Sergeant Benton Bertram of the Charlestown Police Department was in pursuit of a driver suspected of a traffic violation when he reportedly lost control of his patrol vehicle, leaving the roadway and colliding with a tree.
Other officers in the pursuit immediately stopped and rendered aid but Sergeant Bertram succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Mayor Rob Hall said in a statement, "We have a small close knit department and it is like losing one of our family. It was comforting to be with the members of our department as well as State and County officers the last few hours consoling one another. I got a greater sense of the meaning of the 'Brotherhood' these men and women feel for each other."
Hall continued, "We owe them our respect and gratitude, because everyday they put their safety (tonight a life) on the line to help keep us safe. God Bless those who serve."
Sergeant Bertram's K-9 partner survived the crash and was treated at a local veterinary hospital.
The 35-year-old officer had served nine years with the department. He is survived by his parents.
With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.
Read More →
Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.
Read More →
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Read More →
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
Read More →
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
Read More →
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
Read More →
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
Read More →
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →