Comments & feedback are always appreciated. Click on the small (number) comments button below to read what others have to say.

10/30/2011

Marcia E

7/8/2012 01:41:42 pm

We met Chuck and his lovely wife on the Royal Caribean cruise to Alaska in Sept. We attended all three of his presentations on board and was the highlight of our trip. He and his wife make an awsome team and so compliment each other. So looking forward to his new book! Would highly recommend you attend his presentations if the opportunity arise.

Ivor W

7/8/2012 01:44:10 pm

In these days when ‘police bashing’ by the media and by knee jerk civil liberty organizations is so prevalent, I found it refreshing and reassuring to read Chuck Bertrand’s book “Constable for Life”
In a series of entertaining vignettes Chuck portrays the realities of the life and work of a 28 year veteran RCMP officer, based mainly on his 23 years of service in the Yukon. The episodes he describes reveal an approach to his work that combines straight forward common sense, a realistic grasp of true priorities and, perhaps most important of all, an ability to see the humour in so much of life.
The result is a book that is not only fun and funny, but also does a great deal to restore faith in and admiration for the reputation of the RCMP doing work in often unpleasant and downright hazardous conditions.
“Constable for Life” is a good and enjoyable read.

Pat

7/8/2012 01:45:30 pm

I can't wait to start reading this book and sharing some of the stories with my sons. Chuck is by far the best police officer i ever meet!!!!!

Pat

Unknown

7/8/2012 01:46:13 pm

I am so glad to see these amazing stories come to life for the world to read.

Anonymous

7/8/2012 01:47:02 pm

A real Mountie ...!

Spencer

7/8/2012 01:47:59 pm

Just heard about the book today and have placed my order. Having worked with Chuck in Whitehorse, and heard his stories first hand, I cannot wait for this read.

Congratulations Chuck,

Spencer

Darren

7/8/2012 01:48:53 pm

Congratulations on your book! I look forward to reading it and remembering some of the fun times in the Yukon. You made your impresson on me and I still talk of some of the advice that you gave me when I was fresh out of training. Your a truly an honorable member of the RCMP!

Darren

Claire Roy

7/8/2012 01:49:43 pm

Hey cousin! Put my order in...can't wait to read it!

Peter

7/8/2012 01:50:39 pm

Looking forward to reading your book! I was always in awe of your boundless energy and your ease in connecting with youth. We need more members who are as passionate about their work with youth as you and your wife are. Thanks for all the help you gave me
over the years. Peter

Gary R. ARMAGOS

7/8/2012 01:51:37 pm

Good to hear that you are alive and well. I seem to remember you showing me all the good coffee shops...errr.. I mean ..waitress interogation sites.yeah..that's it...when I first got there from Coronation Det. After you left Ft. Mcmurray. I ended up in the CP/PCR Unit for two years (injury), but really enjoyed the public relations aspect too... Lost track of you after you left until now when I saw the info on the Vetsnet site. Way to go..u make us retired guys very proud of our history too.... Gary

Kathy

7/8/2012 01:52:59 pm

Hey cuz, I enjoyed your book SO much! When you were talking about your white van, I remembered your vw bus that we went to St. Therese in to visit your friends that had a horse and a goat that were best friends. Good job on your book! Say hi to Annette, give her a hug and now that you have my email addy, stay in touch! AND thanks so much for helping my mom, we appreciate it more than you know. Kathy xx

Matthew link

7/14/2012 04:23:04 pm

Hi Chuck,

We met you at the Sechelt Farmer's Market today where I was performing some music- loving the website and your youtube clips are classic- great story telling!

Keep at 'er! :))

Marylou G.

8/22/2012 02:07:35 pm

I WANT TO THANK YOU KINDLY FOR YOUR BOOK. IT IS BOTH VERY INTERESTNG AND AMUSING. EACH TIME IVE WATCHED YOUR"MUSICAL CAREER IN R.C.M.P." I LAUGH OUT LOUD! I WOULD SUGGEST YOU WERE A GREAT ASSET TO THE FORCE

Brian Scarr

11/17/2012 10:13:19 am

I had the pleasure of attending one of Chuck's splendid presentations on his life as an R.C.M.P. constable...and of his time in the Yukon. The presentation was absolutely remarkable! It was packed full of stories, humor and slides depicting the beauty of the Yukon. I highly recommend going to listen to him speak if you have the chance!

Additionally, I have read his book and from my perspective the book does discuss his experiences in other areas of Canada but what rings loud and clear was the significance of the Yukon to his .. and his families' life.... and of course the R.C.M.P.'s role in a most real and positive light. Not only is the book a tribute to the integrity of the R.C.M.P. but equally important, what came through in the book was Chuck's passion for the Yukon!
Go out right now and get a copy of Constable For Life..you'll love it!

Mikey

11/18/2012 10:53:18 am

Hello Chuck & Annette, how are you?

My dad and I just finished Constable For Life, and I decided to write a small review...Hope you like it :)

I was wondering if, in my next SOSC article if I could include this as a segment on what coaches/athletes do besides sports?

Hope to talk soon!

Have a great day,

Micheal

Thursday, November 1, 2012 A REVIEW OF CONSTABLE FOR LIFE

My friend and coach, Chuck Bertrand wrote a fascinating book on his career as a RCMP officer.

Most of the stories had to do with his time spent as a Mountie in the Yukon Territories. In those stories I grew to know a side of a man I never had known.

Humorous, patient, empathetic sensitive, young at heart, I could go on and on. I have a whole new respect for this man as a person I am proud to know.

He always gave folks the benefit of the doubt whenever he could it seems. Whether it was a drunkard wearing red socks or a cowboy who lived in the bush, he always showed folks compassion.

He began as a teacher and upon seeing the injustices he could not mend while in that profession, he took it upon himself to become someone who could help more.

Chuck is currently a coach for floor hockey and softball, both for Special Olympics. He carries with him, all the qualities I have mentioned and many more.

I am sure he misses some of the old days, and I wonder if he ever will or ever has once again reunited with his (tongue in cheek) partner in crime Pierre.

I was brought to many a hearty laugh whenever I read a story, especially when I read the safety bear story and the whole “there’s no butthole” fiasco happened. I was in stitches.

To sum it all up, it was a great read and I can only hope he has many more stories to tell. Part 2 perhaps?

Neil

11/18/2012 11:03:07 am

I thought I would send you a quick note to say how much I enjoyed reading your book. I briefly met you in the Mounties shop in Vancouver in September. My wife Sue and I were in town briefly after a cruise around Alaska and were spending a few hours sight seeing before getting our flight back to England. As usual when arriving home from holidays it's a mad few weeks getting back to normal life and catching up with work. I finally got around to reading your, book which you kindly signed for me, and couldn't put it down. Very interesting to read a bit about you life in the Mounties. I hope to return to Canada in the near future and see a bit of you country. If the sights we saw in Alaska are anything to go by then in certain I will enjoy the trip. All the best to you and your family and again thanks for the book.
Regards, Neil

David A.

1/18/2013 01:23:12 pm

Good Day Chuck

I purchased your book from you personally at the RCMP store in Vancouver on the 15th of September last year and you personally signed it for me. This is just to let you know I really enjoyed reading it and it was a pleasure to meet you. Let me know when you have written a sequel.

So its thank you from Australia! There should be more police officers with your sense of humour.

Kyle Grummett

2/18/2013 12:24:59 pm

On part of myself, I can say what a great honor and pleasure it was to meet you at the golf tournament in Ontario last fall. I got to know who you were and the fact you worked with my uncle made it hard to believe you actually knew a member of my family. What you have done for the community and Special Olympics is amazing. I wish you the best of luck in the future and hopefully we can stay in touch. Kyle Grummett #1 golfer in Canada for Special Olympics.

Ruth W

2/24/2013 09:23:14 am

My birthday is January 9th and last year Karen asked what I wanted. I said I would like to read Chuck Bertrand's book. So that was my gift from Karen.
John and I were heading for Hawaii - John likes to be at the airport two hours ahead, even in Whitehorse. I had a bit of attitude. We got to the airport and I got out your book. The attitude soon dropped away. I was laughing and reading stories out loud to John and then Art & Ione C. came along. They were heading for Hawaii also. I was telling them stories and how great your book was. Then on the plane I was laughing and people were saying, "Must be a good book" and I would show them what I was reading. The plane ride seemed very quick and we arrived in Vancouver in no time. I had a few stories left to go so asked John if it would be alright to sit and finish. I sat right at the airport and finished the book before we started off to to the hotel. What a read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done.
Ruth

Mike K.

7/2/2013 06:23:46 pm

G’day Chuck,

We met when I purchased your book in Vancouver , early last month.

I enjoyed your book, which gave me a few laughs and a good insight into the life of a Mountie. I only hope your style of policing continues in the RCMP today.

My wife and I really enjoyed our visit to your part of Canada.

Best wishes for the future.

Regards,

Mike
Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Mel

7/2/2013 06:25:31 pm

Hi Chuck,

We met in Vancouver on 24th May 2013 and I purchased your book. Which you signed and I will treasure.

I did not read you book till when I was travelling in the USA in June. I really enjoyed your stories and your seemed like a real genuine “Cop” or sorry Constable. But as you referred to “Newfie’s” and as I am Irish, I feel I can call you a “Cop” or as they say in Ireland a Garda Siochana.(Gaelic for Police officer)

I loved your options – it is a pity there are not more police officer like you in the force today and you see both the human and often funny side of events. I do understand that place likes Fort Mac are a different place today.

I always want to be a RMCP but grow up in Ireland with all the troubles there, but my chest was to small Ha!

Congratulation on your book and your family must be very proud of you.

Thanks again and best wishes with your book sales.

By the way did you ever meet up with your friend Pierre again?

Kind Regards,

Mel

7/27/2013 12:56:05 pm

On Canada Day in Vancouver my husband and I purchased your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm the lady whose great uncle was in the 2nd contingent deployed to Dawson in 1898.

You are what our RCMP need - officers with common sense and not afraid to use it! Our son spent his first 7 years out of Regina in Iqaluit and various parts of Nunavut. We were impressed with your insight into the lives of the northern youth and your compassion for them. Thank you for that. As touched as we were with the variety of information (stories) I have to admit my absolute favourite was of Safety Bear!!

God bless you and your wife as you continue to influence our youth for their good.

Thomas

7/27/2013 12:58:20 pm

Dear Mr. Bertrand,

I was in BC at the beginning of the summer when I met you and bought a copy of your book... I love it!! I have read each story at least five times and they are fantastic. My favourite story was stopped dead, the way you worded the part about chasing down your prisoner and the two shots you fired, I thought for sure you had hit him, as I'm sure your Sergeant did as well. I love the paragraph at the end "Leaving the detachment that day, there was little doubt in my mind that, should I continue on with the RCMP, this would not be the last occasion when I would be summoned into a superior's office to account for my actions." As I feel I would be in the same position if I were part of the RCMP. I absolutely loved your book and have recommended it to everybody. Having considered joining the RCMP before, I would seriously consider it now.

Sincerely
Thomas

Tom

7/30/2013 09:11:17 am

Hi Chuck,
I really enjoyed your book. I couldn’t set it down until I finished it. It was a really refreshing way to see how policing can have a common sense approach and free from all the scandal we hear about.
Thanks,
Tom

PJ Reece link

8/5/2013 09:46:38 am

Chuck! Your stories moved me, made me chuckle, even brought a wee tear to my eye. And furthermore I admire the way you're out there flogging this book. This is what real writers must do. Perhaps we'll chat over a coffee sometime soon. Cheers.

Moon & Michael

8/7/2013 06:39:12 pm

This book gets TWO HUGE "Right on Duuuuuuuuudes" from California!!!!

John B.

9/21/2013 04:37:12 am

I met you a couple of weeks at your book signing event at the RCMP store in Vancouver B.C. I really enjoyed reading your book and with my 30+ years in the law enforcement "business" could probably match you story-for story.

Again, thanks... and thank you for signing the book.

Gordon J.

9/21/2013 04:40:22 am

I bought a copy of Constable for Life from you at the Sechelt outdoor market, as a bicycle riding visitor from Calgary to the Sunshine Coast.

As a veteran of a career with newspapers, magazines and wire services, I say you weave a fine yarn. Spouse Beverley likewise enjoyed the book, adding that the quality rises in each succeeding chapter.

I've taken the liberty of mailing a donation to your library: memoirs, published in about 1940, of a veteran of the early RCMP and the Alberta Provincial Police, a substitute during a period when contract policing by the federal force lapsed before the Second World War. While the tools of the constable trade changed, you will detect in the old book a high degree of continuity in the role between the early era and yours -- including on-the-job learning about the value of dogs.

All the best.

Gordon

Bev J.

9/21/2013 05:44:30 am

Dear Mr. Bertrand,

Hello. My husband passed along your book to me after he read it and I just finished it in the night last night. Yes, I found it a riveting read and did stay up to finish it.

I am a longtime fan of crime drama on TV and love a good mystery but I'm also a mom and grandma so like romances and sentimental stuff too. I really loved the way your stories captured the dramatic intrigue for me but also touched the heart with your kindness and wisdom.

You are wonderful, self-deprecating and fun but I also see the tough side. I loved the way your jargon clearly shows a long experience dealing with people with problems and the expressions you have for people who are drunk. Kind expressions. It was just stunning for me to "meet" you and know how much our society depends on someone who has this calm and common sense.

I suspect that you have other stories to tell and wonder if you might consider penning some more. I even think you might approach a TV studio to film some of these. I think the public needs to see the human side of the RCMP and wow you've lived it.

Bev wishes,
Bev J.

Kari B

9/21/2013 06:11:53 am

Chuck,

Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading your book. I purchased it on Sunday and you kindly signed it for me.

I hope you will put out another book with more recountings. Feel free to e-mail me if that ever happens.

FYI, if you can find a way, correction, if your wife, the techspert, can find a way to mention your book on any of the due south fan forums or websites your book would go flying off of the shelves, in my opinion :*)

Thanks!

Kari

Kim

10/8/2013 05:51:54 pm

We had the pleasure of meeting you on our vacation to Vancouver at The Mounted Police Store a few weeks ago. Your book made our flight back home to North Carolina go by quickly. Two thumbs up!

Lisa M.

10/22/2013 03:05:51 pm

My daughter and I said hello this weekend at the Quality Farm Fall Fair, and I told you how much I enjoyed your book. What a job you had! The stories you told were a great eye opener for everyone, young and old. I think it gives folks a better appreciation for what you went through to protect people, even from themselves sometimes. You put your heart into your book. It was wonderful. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Lisa

Terry & Cheryl

11/17/2013 03:28:15 am

Terry and I were on the RC Alaska trip the end of Aug./first week in Sept. 2013. We truly enjoyed the three talks you gave and got your book (and autograph) while on shore. It has been hectic since coming home, but I was finally able to finish the wonderful, enjoyable, and captivating recall of your days with RCMP. Just wanted to let you know and thank you for the personal touch you give to everyone with whom you come in contact - then as well as now.

Should you ever create another wonder in writing, please let us know!

Fondly,
Terry and Cheryl
Ballston Spa, NY

Markus

6/1/2014 10:01:47 am

Hi Chuck, nearly eight months after meeting you and buying your book i am finished with reading your chronicles and want to say thank you and send you our picture taken in front of the RCMP store in Vancouver. Your stories made me think about the good and bad times in the life of a policeman, but most of the time they made me laugh about the funny side of life in the best job in the world. Tonight i have to do the nightshift at the police helicopter squad and i will surely think about your story "what a wonderful world" while flying through the clear southern german sky. It was really nice to meet you and i hope everythings allright at your place. Markus

Alden

8/8/2014 10:21:12 am

I just wanted to tell you that I read your book , Constable For Life, and have very much enjoyed reading it.

In a nutshell,

I enjoyed your humour, your sense of reason and coming up with creative solutions in dealing with real life policing scenarios that you encountered.

You took (calculated) risks, were (I believe) a bit (or perhaps very) unconventional and yet caring and compassionate.

These stories you shared from your experiences allowed me to not only a have a glimpse into your world but also into the world of policing in the Yukon, etc.
( I enjoyed the journey, vicariously).

Much more could (of course) be said, but I'll just sign off now by saying,
thank you for writing this book and sharing it with the public. May God bless you in the years to come.

Alden

Greg Newman

8/24/2014 07:09:31 am

It was a great pleasure to meet you in person outside the RCMP shop in Vancouver in early August.. Ever since I watched Sgt. Preston (and King) tv show as a young boy I had visions of what a mountie would be like. You fulfilled the vision of honesty and compassion while protecting your community. It was a very heartfelt, refreshing and good book.I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for sharing those memories..

Paul Arellano

9/11/2016 07:27:40 pm

August 18, 2016

Mr. Chuck Bertrand
Constable For Life

I received a very nice gift from your son, not long after he started working with us. He had previously shared with me a YouTube video, featuring the very animated Constable For Life – this particular video was the story of the HUGE man in the bar, causing a ruckus, and of course, you know the rest!

The majority of my readings, though certainly enjoyable are not what I would call, true, “pleasure reading”. Your book changed all that, and I found myself wanting to read the next chapter, to peel away at another layer of your adventures. Your style of writing paints a picture in the reader’s mind, and I found myself actually seeing what seemed like a comedy-laced, action film, yet I only recall a few pictures amongst the pages.

Funniest part: Your parking in the Commanding Officer’s parking spot, and his reaction. The entire scene played out in my mind, as I read it! Other noteworthy chapters included your attempt at a musical career, Car 29, where are you, and the shortest chapter, featuring Safety Bear!

I am certain that almost any Constable could have written a book highlighting certain events in his career, but what makes yours so memorable, and worthy of writing, beyond your style of writing, is that YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL. Your recollection of events demonstrates true “discretion over valor”, and approaches not to be found in any training manuals or written in any form. The saying, “rules are meant to be broken” is often taken to an extreme, used to one’s own advantage. The times in which you ‘slightly bent’ the rules or invented your own, resulted in outcomes that would never have been attained, had you gone by the book.

Your book is peppered with references back to your family, one, in particular, touched home with me. It was an incident in which you were called away from the dinner table to handle a pressing matter, and your family completely understood and welcomed you back in time for dessert. More times than I can count, I, too, have had to leave the dinner table, so to speak, to step away from my family to handle a pressing matter with a client. Though not a situation of the gravity that you dealt with, this is what I do, and how I provide for my family, and I take that commitment very seriously, as did you.

Whether planned or by chance, you seem to have saved the best for last, with What a Wonderful World and An Impromptu Visit, wrapping up your book. Like they say, “you can’t make this stuff up!”, with respect to the wonderful world, and how you chose to end that beautiful day! I am in disbelief that you would be transferred for spreading holiday cheer to the less fortunate and other community members. Here again, though I had the assistance of an actual photo, I pictured the whole chapter in my mind, including your most memorable visit to the Prime Minister’s home.

Michael mentioned that you might visit him down south soon, and it would be an honor and a pleasure to meet you in person. My profession is far different from yours, and yet I pursue it with a passion, that “pales in comparison” to yours, but which nonetheless, is very strong.

As I read your book over the past two months or so, I carried it with me as I travelled, oftentimes in “enemy territory”, breaking into a competitor’s market. It served as both a good luck charm and a touchstone, something from home, as I lived out of a suitcase. Those trips were very fruitful, and it very well may continue to travel with me!

Thank you for one of the best books I have ever read, and I mean it.

Paul Arellano
“Sales Professional For Life”

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