Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa - Photo by Froedtert
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – Froedtert Hospital has issued a formal apology after it denied an on-duty Milwaukee police officer treatment due to the officer having their department-issued firearm in their possession.
According to the letter, which was first obtained by Wisconsin Right Now, Froedtert President Bryce Gartland, MD, says the incident was regrettable and should have been avoided: “To this officer involved and our law enforcement community, we apologize for this incident. In addition to protecting the interests of our community, you also protect our patients and the thousands of team members who work alongside you to provide care for our communities. We are grateful for your everyday acts of bravery and selflessness.”
“To be clear, weapons in the possession of authorized security and law enforcement are permitted on our property. We are working to clarify our polices and educate our team members to help ensure this does not happen again.. We have reached out to the impacted patient and connected with our partners at the Milwaukee Police Department to help ensure a positive relationship and experience for everyone we collectively serve,” Gartland continued.
The Milwaukee Police Association’s president told the outlet on Tuesday that he was appalled by Froedtert’s pattern of inappropriate conduct toward police officers and Wisconsin state Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk said it may be time for lawmakers to take action against the healthcare provider saying, “I am outraged that any hospital in Wisconsin would treat our law enforcement so unprofessionally and with so little respect. It is simply inexcusable. Perhaps it’s time to question their DEI policies and the public funding they receive.” Other state officials who have called for an investigation into Froedtert include Senator Julian Bradley, Senator Van Wanggaard, and Representative Bob Donovan.
Wisconsin Right Now reportedly received letters and tips from several other current and former Milwaukee police officers who claimed to have been denied or had treatment delayed by Froedtert due to asking them to remove their firearms even when they’re on duty as well as staff denying officers access to victims and suspects in violent crime investigations and questioning whether or not the healthcare provider honors search warrants.
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