Legislators Demand Action from Froedtert Following Denial of Care to Milwaukee Police Officer

APRIL 17th Update. The hospital has issued a formal apology to the officer and has made a public statement. Details, here, and here.

April 16, 2025

Madison, WI — Concerned legislators, led by Senators Julian Bradley (New Berlin) and Van Wanggaard (Racine) and Representatives Jim Piwowarczyk (Hubertus) and Bob Donovan (Greenfield) issued an urgent call for action today to Froedtert Hospital leadership following disturbing reports that an on-duty police officer was denied medical care at a Froedtert facility simply because he was carrying his department-issued firearm.

The letter also points to broader concerns that Froedtert policies may be limiting officers’ ability to interact with victims, suspects, and witnesses within their facilities—effectively restricting law enforcement from doing their jobs and sending a chilling message to officers statewide.

“This latest incident appears to be part of a pattern of behavior on the part of Froedtert,” noted Sen. Bradley. “It cannot be allowed to continue. They need to reverse any policies that discriminate against our police.

“I am outraged that any hospital in Wisconsin would treat our law enforcement so unprofessionally and with so little respect,” added Rep. Piwowarczyk. “It is simply inexcusable. Perhaps it’s time to question their DEI policies and the public funding they receive.”

The legislators condemned the incident as “indefensible” and “dangerous,” warning that it undermines public safety and reflects a troubling pattern of hostility toward law enforcement.
“The presence of police officers makes places safer not more dangerous,” said Sen. Wanggaard. “Froedtert’s alleged treatment of armed police officers legitimizes the false narrative and just-plain-wrong anti-police rhetoric that police are reckless vigilantes looking to hurt people.”

“I’m thoroughly disgusted at the irresponsible, anti-cop sentiment that has infiltrated this hospital for far too long,” noted Rep. Donovan. “The leaders need to be called on the carpet and taxpayer funds should be withheld if this continues.”

The legislators are calling on Froedtert to:

  • Publicly apologize to the officer involved;
  • Reverse any policy that led to denial of care based on the officer’s uniform or equipment;
  • Clarify policies that appear to restrict officers’ presence or duties on-site; and
  • Implement guidelines that affirm support for law enforcement in healthcare settings.

The legislators have requested a response from Froedtert.

Here is the text of the letter:

April 16, 2025
Froedtert ThedaCare Health
Imran Andrabi, President & CEO
9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226


To the Leadership of Froedtert Hospitals:


We are writing as members of the Wisconsin State Legislature to express our outrage and deep concern over reports of Froedtert’s recent denial of medical care to an on-duty police officer—simply because he was wearing his department-issued firearm.

Denying care to a uniformed law enforcement officer in need of treatment is not only indefensible—it is dangerous. This action undermines the public trust and conflicts with the core mission of any healthcare institution: to provide care and compassion to all patients. It also sets a dangerous precedent where healthcare access is influenced by corporate conformity instead of medical need.

Unfortunately, it appears that this is not an isolated incident. It reflects a troubling pattern of disrespect toward law enforcement. Alarming stories are coming to light that indicate Froedtert policies limit officers’ ability to interview victims, suspects, and witnesses while on the 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. It sends a chilling message to the men and women of law enforcement: you are not welcome, even when you’re protecting us. The presence of law enforcement in
the hospital protects all of the patients and staff.

Froedtert is a nonprofit healthcare provider that receives substantial taxpayer support. With that comes the obligation to treat every patient—including those who wear the badge—with dignity, respect, and urgency.

We call on Froedtert to immediately issue a public apology to the officer involved in this most recent incident, review and reverse any policies that would lead to the denial of care to law enforcement, explain the reason behind policies that limit officers’ ability to carry out their work while on premises and seem to require security accompaniment for police, and implement guidelines that enable them to effectively carry out their responsibilities while on your premises.

We eagerly await your response.

Respectfully,

Sen. Julian Bradley
28 th District

Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk
99 th District

Sen. Van Wanggaard
21 st District

Rep. Barb Dittrich
99th District

Sen. Steve Nass
11 th District

Rep. John Spiros
86 th District

Sen. Rob Hutton
5 th District

Rep. Dave Maxey
83 rd District

Rep. Shae Sortwell
2 nd District

Sen. Chris Kapenga
33 rd District

Rep. Chuck Wichgers
84 th District

Rep. Nate Gustafson
55 th District

Rep. Paul Tittl
25 th District

Rep. Dave Armstrong
67 th District

Rep. Calvin Callahan
35 th District

Sen. Cory Tomczyk
29 th District

Rep. Dean Kaufert
53 rd District

Rep. Bob Donovan
61 st District

Rep. Robert Wittke
63 rd District

Rep. Dan Knodl
24 th District

Sen. Andre Jacque
1 st District

Rep. Jerry O’Connor
60 th District

Sen. John Jagler
13 th District

Rep. Paul Melotik
22 nd District

Rep. Jessie Rodriguez
21 st District

Editors note: This press release and letter were sent to us from the legislators today. The website Wisconsin Right Now first reported on the incidents with MPD on social media last evening.