Dan Bertrand

NEW CITY, N.Y. - Dan Bertrand died Sunday Jan. 31, 2010, at his home in New City, N.Y., in the presence of his children and grandchildren. His wife of 51 years, Patricia Flannery of Montpelier, predeceased him on Sept. 12, 2008. He was born In Montpelier in 1934, the son of Dr. George and Dolores Mallory Bertrand.

He is survived by his five children: Daniel, Jr and his wife Ellen of New City, N.Y., Julie and her husband Col. Ray Coia of Camp Lejeune, N.C., David and Liza of San Diego, Calif., Douglas and his wife Marie of Stony Point, N.Y., and Mary Beth and her husband, Scott Brantner of Waldwick, N.J.; also his brother, Frederic and his wife, Elinor of Bonita Springs, Fla.; sister-in-law Jeanie (Flannery) Ormsbee, brother-in-law John Flannery and his wife Sandy, all of East Montpelier, and grandchildren Kristen, Tony, Bobby, Brianne, Danielle, Tricia, Samantha, Richie, Kevin and Carly and many nieces and nephews.

Dan graduated from St. Michael's High in Montpelier in 1952 and Norwich University in 1956, where he was captain of the rifle team. Following service in the U.S. Army as an officer at Fort Knox, he joined the Vermont State Police and was assigned to various troops around the state. In 1962, he joined the FBI and served in field offices ranging from North Dakota to Virginia before being assigned to the New York City office in 1968. At various times, he was a supervisor of firearms instruction, head of the Fugitive Squad, the Hostage Squad and the FBI SWAT team for the NYC field office. As commander of the SWAT team he was responsible for many important operations including the 1982 capture of a Liberian supertanker that had been taken over by a mutinous crew off the coast of New Jersey; also the clandestine transfer of the Shah and Empress of Iran from N.Y. Hospital to Lockland AFB, Texas, a successful operation that earned him a personal commendation from President Carter. Following his retirement from the FBI after a 26-year career, he became the first national president of the FBI Agents Association.

In 1988, he joined the New City Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member up to the time of his death. In addition to being a firefighter, he also led many fire safety programs and inspections. He and Patty also enjoyed the social occasions with their many friends in the department. He was also a member of the Rockland County Shield Association, a fraternal organization of law enforcement officers. Dan and Pat enjoyed many trips to Atlantic City, and they enjoyed each other's company throughout their marriage. After her death, it was evident that he missed her very much.

Dan was very, and justifiably, proud of his law enforcement and firefighting careers. However, when asked about his accomplishments, he would point to the picture taken at Patty's 75th birthday party, with he and Patty, their five children, five spouses, and 10 grandchildren and remarked, "That Is my greatest accomplishment."

The Higgins Funeral Home in New City is in charge of arrangements. There will be afternoon and evening calling hours from 2 - 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 2, at the Higgins Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Feb 3, at l0 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church in New City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New City Fire Dept at 15 Maple Ave, New City, NY 10956.

Internment will take place at the family plot in Berlin on May 20, their wedding anniversary. Guare & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of those arrangements.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Dan's obituary.