Wausau EMS Division Chief Accused of Stealing Painkillers

A division chief with the Wausau Fire Department has been charged in connection with the theft of controlled substances from the department’s supply. Jared J. Thompson, 46, serves as the division chief of emergency medical services. He was arrested and charged with three felony counts of misconduct in public office and two misdemeanor counts of theft.

According to investigators, between January 1 and June 16, 2025, Thompson is alleged to have diverted approximately 486 vials of hydromorphone and 612 vials of fentanyl. By comparison, in 2023 the department purchased just 11 vials of hydromorphone and 92 vials of fentanyl.

Concerns raised by personnel led to an internal review, which prompted involvement from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation. The Mountain Bay Metro Police Department and the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp called the allegations “a grave breach of public trust” and stated that the department has begun reviewing and strengthening policies, procedures, and training.

Thompson has been placed on leave. He was booked into the Marathon County Jail and later released on a $25,000 signature bond. Bond conditions prohibit him from entering Wausau Fire Department property, contacting department employees, or consuming alcohol or controlled substances.

Mayor Doug Diny issued a statement supporting Chief Kopp’s handling of the matter and pledged full cooperation with investigators.

A pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2025. Attached is a press release from the Wisconsin Attorney General’s office.