WAUSAU, Wis. — Jared J. Thompson, 46, the Wausau Fire Department’s Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services, has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged theft of controlled substances including fentanyl and hydromorphone.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that Thompson faces three felony counts of misconduct in public office and two misdemeanor counts of theft. The charges stem from a criminal investigation launched after the fire department raised concerns about potential misuse of medications.
According to the DOJ, Thompson was solely responsible for ordering controlled substances for the department. Between January 1 and June 16 of this year, roughly 612 vials of fentanyl and 486 vials of hydromorphone ordered for the department went missing or were unaccounted for. In stark contrast, the department purchased only 92 vials of fentanyl and 11 vials of hydromorphone in all of 2023.
Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp described the situation as “a grave breach of public trust.” He confirmed Thompson has been on leave since the investigation began. In response, the department has initiated a full review of policies and procedures, implementing stronger safeguards and oversight to prevent future misuse.
Mayor Doug Diny also expressed full support for Chief Kopp’s leadership, stating the city is cooperating with investigators and is committed to transparency.
The DOJ led the investigation with assistance from the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department and the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. Thompson is currently being held at the Marathon County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
Court records do not yet list an attorney for Thompson.
