Froedtert apologizes for denying MPD officer care, state GOP lawmaker calls for 'full investigation'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Froedtert ThedaCare Health apologized to a Milwaukee police officer Wednesday evening, April 16, for denying him medical care last week.

The officer was turned away because he was wearing his service weapon. But that is not against Froedtert policy.

On Wednesday, a group of 25 Republican state lawmakers sent a letter to Froedtert demanding an apology and a clarification of policy.

A short time later, Froedtert issued that apology.

Alexander Ayala is the president of the Milwaukee Police Association, the union that represents officers. Ayala told us, "I don't understand how this happened, like I said. I'm appalled that it happened. I don't think anyone should get denied medical treatment."

Last week, an MPD officer wasn't feeling well while on duty. He went to a Froedtert fast care clinic but was denied care because he was wearing his department-issued firearm.

After getting wind of the incident, the group of lawmakers wrote a letter to Froedtert's CEO, demanding answers.

They wrote: "Denying care to a uniformed law enforcement officer in need of treatment is not only indefensible—it is dangerous."

A few hours later, Froedtert responded, saying, "To this officer involved and our law enforcement community, we apologize for this incident."

Froedtert clarified that authorized security and law enforcement officers are permitted to have service weapons. The letter continued: "We are working to clarify our policies and educate our team members to help ensure this does not happen again."

But Ayala told us, "It's happened several times."

Ayala said once an officer did not get immediate care after he was bitten by a dog while executing a search warrant. "He had to go lock up his weapon in a squad car. That could be a multitude of problems right there," Ayala said.

Ayala alleges there have been several issues with officers not allowed to conduct investigations in Froedtert buildings. "We have had several officers throughout the day reach out to me to complain about the lack of service at Froedtert."

Ayala said the union wants to have a good relationship with Froedtert and hopes they will enforce their policies.

Froedtert's letter said they reached out to their partners at MPD to help ensure a positive relationship.

After Froedtert's response, Senator Julian Bradley said several allegations of mistreatment, obstruction, and denials of care for uniformed law enforcement have come to light in the past 24 hours.

Bradley added, "There must be a full investigation into these allegations and accountability."