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SALT LAKE COUNTY — The parking lot of the 7-Eleven at 3900 South and 500 East is home to one of the most memorable moments in now retired Deputy Chief Chris Bertram's career.
"It was the highlight of my career in law enforcement," Bertram said.
The early days of Bertram's 25 years on the force with the Unified Police Department were spent patrolling the streets. When Bertram was a rookie, with only two short weeks under his belt, his rookie training was put to the test outside of the 7-Eleven.
In October 1991, "This woman jumps out and she's got this little baby in her hands and she says 'my baby's not breathing,'" Bertram said. "I remember it like it was yesterday. I had the baby on the trunk of the car and had my radio, I was giving the baby breaths and calling to make sure they were sending me help."
The 15-month-old started breathing again, and he's now 25 years old. His name is Mark Gonzales, and Tuesday he started a new job. "I've been looking forward to it for a while," Gonzales said. "Without him I wouldn't have this job, I wouldn't be doing anything."
Gonzales began his orientation and training Tuesday at Unified Police Department's evidence facility as a clerk. He said UPD holds a special place in his heart, right next to "Officer Chris."
I remember it like it was yesterday. I had the baby on the trunk of the car and had my radio, I was giving the baby breaths and calling to make sure they were sending me help.
–Deputy Chief Chris Bertram
Bertram has kept in touch with Gonzales and his family since that fateful day in 1991. He was there to support Gonzales on his first day on the job, wishing him well and giving him an officer's coin "to complete the circle," Bertram said.
"The sheriff's office and UPD is a family, and I'm proud of him, I'm proud that Mark got an opportunity to be a part of that family," Bertram said.
Gonzales' family's connection with UPD is very close. His mother, Shelley, and father, Jeff, also work for the department. Gonzales enjoys the "forensic side" of law enforcement but said he would consider becoming an officer one day just like "Officer Chris."
"I look at him like a guardian someone I look up to, he's always kind of in the back of my mind," Gonzales said. "He's a hero in everything he does. … If I can aspire to be like him, I'd be happy."
