When the La Crosse Police Department received the first police K-9 in 2007, Doctor Tom Thompson, DVM, of the Thompson Animal Medical Center (TAMC), approached the department and volunteered his veterinary services, free of charge. Since then, Dr. Tom, Dr. Jean Heyt, Dr. Gary Wiegel, and the staff at TAMC have provided outstanding care for each of our four K-9 partners: K-9 Ralph and Officer Tony LeQue, K-9 Grumman and Investigator Ron Secord, K-9 Brutus and Officer Casey Rossman, and K-9 Zaback and Officer Trenton Bowe. They’ve provided vaccinations, allergy, heartworm, tick, and flea medications; treated bee stings and broken teeth; completed annual check-ups and emergency visits; and they’ve done this at no cost to the department.
Dr. Jean Heyt, Dr. Tom Thompson, and Dr. Gary Wiegel of Thompson Animal Medical Center. (Photo/TAMC)
Late last year, Sergeant Craig Oleson, Supervisor of the La Crosse Police Department K-9 Program, sought a way to recognize the generosity and commitment of Dr. Tom. In a collaborative effort with the K-9 handlers, he submitted an essay to the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) Awards Committee highlighting Dr. Tom and TAMC’s support of the LCPD K-9 Program.
We are pleased to announce that the WPPA Awards Committee has accepted the nomination and will be awarding Dr. Tom the 2014 Citizens’ Award at WPPA’s 82nd Annual Convention on Saturday, May 31st in Wisconsin Dells.
Congratulations Dr. Tom and the TAMC veterinary staff!
La Crosse PD Newsroom 