Wausau Fire Department. MWC photo by Mike Leischner.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A Wausau Fire Department Division Chief is accused of stealing hundreds of vials of pain medication from the department.
Investigators say Jared Thompson, who was in charge of stocking medications, took fentanyl and hydromorphone, medicines used to control pain. Investigators say 486 vials of hydromorphone and approximately 612 vials of fentanyl were either unaccounted for or diverted between January 1st and mid-June.
For comparison, the Department purchased approximately 11 vials of hydromorphone and approximately 92 vials of fentanyl in 2023. Investigators believe Thompson may have been stealing or diverting medications beginning in January 2024.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is leading the investigation. Mountain Bay Metro PD and the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office are also involved.
Both Mayor Doug Diny and Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp released statements after the allegations came to light. Kopp said his department is fully cooperating with the investigation. “Our department is built on the core values of Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Compassion. These principles guide every decision we make and every action we take to protect and serve this community. While this incident has undoubtedly affected public trust, | want to reassure the people of Wausau that the men and women of this department continue to serve with honor, dedication, and courage. They will always answer the call in the moments our community needs them most,” said Kopp.
He added that he is proud of those who came forward with their concerns. Once they were raised, the department coordinated with the Mayor’s office and local police for an independent investigation.
Diny said he supports Kopp’s “leadership during this difficult moment for our city. The charges announced today are deeply troubling, but I want to assure our residents that the City of Wausau is cooperating fully with investigators and that we are committed to complete transparency.
The people of Wausau must be able to trust the integrity of their public safety services. Together with the Fire Department, my office will take every step necessary to strengthen oversight, uphold accountability, and protect public trust,” added Diny
Thompson was arrested at his home in Wausau on Thursday and is being held in jail ahead of a Friday court appearance. He is on leave from the department.
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