Constable Fernand Bertrand
Police de Hull
Québec
End of Watch: Saturday, January 8, 1972

Biographical Info
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 56

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 1, 1972
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Constable Bertrand was found dead in the front seat of a van after 2 shots were reported following the arrest of a 23 year old male suspect. Constable Bertrand and his partner Constable Alain Marion arrested the suspect on suspicion of theft. He was wrestled into the paddy wagon by the officers when Constable Marion was called away to assist another officer. Shortly after the back door of the van was locked, 2 shots were fired.

Constable Bertrand, in the driver's seat, was killed by a bullet in the head. The suspect is believed to have died from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The suspect had a lengthy police record and was on parole when the incident occurred. He and a second man had been stopped after a chase and had not been searched on arrest because the other suspect was trying to escape. Constable Bertrand was described as a dependable and careful police officer.

He was the first Hull Policeman to die in the line of duty.