A sick Milwaukee police officer was turned away from two Froedtert “FastCare” clinics in early April while in full uniform—because he was carrying his department-issued firearm, a newly released internal memo reveals.

The April 7, 2025, memo—obtained by Wisconsin Right Now through an open records request—details how the officer, suffering from shortness of breath and other symptoms, was denied care at clinics in both Milwaukee and Greenfield. Despite pushback from patients in the waiting room at the first clinic, staff stood by their decision, citing Froedtert’s no-firearms policy. The officer ultimately went untreated until the following day.

“This policy is appalling,” said Milwaukee Police Association President Alex Ayala. “He’s on duty. It’s not like he’s off-duty with a gun on. He has no other choice.”

Froedtert later apologized. Bryce Gartland, MD, president of the hospital’s south region, admitted that the officer “was recently turned away for seeking care while dressed in uniform and carrying a department-issued firearm,” and pledged to clarify internal policies.

According to the memo, the officer had scheduled a 10 a.m. appointment on April 2 at Froedtert FastCare at 1271 N. 6th St. in Milwaukee. Upon arrival, he was told staff would not see him because of the firearm on his hip. When he explained that officers cannot leave their firearms unattended and that he was not with a partner, the staff still refused service.

After returning to his district station, another officer intervened and confirmed with management that the staff’s interpretation of policy was wrong. A staff member later called to apologize and offered to reschedule him at a different location.

The officer then contacted the Froedtert FastCare clinic at the Greenfield Meijer but was again denied treatment for the same reason.

He was finally treated the following day at the city-run walk-in clinic at the Zeidler Municipal Building, where he was diagnosed with a sinus infection and bronchitis.

In response to growing outrage, Froedtert stated it permits firearms on its property when carried by “authorized security and law enforcement officers.” Still, Ayala said this is part of a troubling pattern. “Froedtert has been very difficult to work with,” he said, referencing other incidents where officers were allegedly blocked from evidence collection or accessing victims inside the hospital.

After the story broke, a second officer came forward with a similar account. He said Froedtert staff refused to allow him inside while in uniform to see his wife during labor, unless he left his firearm in his personal vehicle.

Several other officers have since contacted WRN, alleging they’ve routinely been denied access or treatment while armed and on duty. One officer claimed Froedtert obstructs investigations by limiting where police can go within the hospital.

“To this officer involved and our law enforcement community, we apologize for this incident,” Gartland wrote in a letter. “We are working to clarify our policies and educate our team members to help ensure this does not happen again.”