Froedtert apologizes for turning away armed Milwaukee police officer seeking care
Froedtert ThedaCare Health has apologized to a Milwaukee police officer who was seeking care from a Froedtert facility while on-duty and was turned away for carrying a duty firearm.
The apology came in response to a letter from about two dozen Republican state lawmakers calling on Froedtert to review its policies and condemning the health system for what they called "indefensible" denial of care.
Froedtert clarified that weapons in the possession of "authorized security and law enforcement officers" are permitted on its premises.
"We are working to clarify our policies and educate our team members to help ensure this does not happen again," Bryce Gartland, president of the south region for Froedtert ThedaCare Health, said in Wednesday's letter.
A Froedtert spokesperson did not provide details about the incident, which was first reported by Wisconsin Right Now.
WDJT-TV (Channel 58) reported that the MPD officer wasn't feeling well while on duty and went to a Froedtert walk-in clinic.
The Milwaukee Police Department declined to provide details about the officer's medical needs, citing privacy concerns. MPD did not say whether the officer ultimately received care or where.
When asked about department policy for removing an officer's service weapon while on-duty, MPD said it doesn't have a policy for this specific situation.
"However, in general, officers are responsible for safeguarding their equipment (to include firearms)," an unsigned email from MPD said.
In their letter, the Republican lawmakers — led by Sen. Julian Bradley, Sen. Van Wanggaard, Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk and Rep. Bob Donovan — raised broader concerns that Froedtert policies may be limiting officers' ability to interview victims, suspects and witnesses while on the hospital system's premises.
"It is highly concerning that an institution like Froedtert would implement procedures that have the effect of limiting cooperation with police and seeming to bend to anti-police sentiment at the expense of public safety," the letter said.
In Froedtert's letter, Gartland said the health system had reached out to the officer and to MPD to "help ensure a positive relationship and experience for everyone we collectively serve."
"We deeply value our relationship with law enforcement as our partners in protecting the health and safety of thosewe are honored to serve," Gartland said.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Froedtert apologizes for turning away armed MPD officer seeking care
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