In 2019, the Neenah Police Department added Tactical Emergency support to its SWAT unit, to provide medical care during “high-risk” operations.
“I’m the lead TEMS Medic with the Neenah SWAT team,” explains Mike Novy, Neenah-Menasha Firefighter. Novy has been with the unit since the launch and has been with the Fire Department for 13 years. “We are integrated or part of the team, and provide any care that would be needed for the citizens of Neenah,” says Novy.
One of the reasons for the addition of a Medic to the SWAT team is the ability to get someone the help they need at the scene quickly, something they say is vital. “The goal is to save lives as fast as possible,” says Lieutenant Jon Kuffel. Kuffel is a SWAT Commander for the Department. “Having trained medical professionals with us as fast as possible betters the odds to save lives,” Kuffel adds.