Legislation Details

File #: 92930    Version: 1 Name: National Police Week 2026
Type: Resolution Status: Honoring Resolution
File created: 4/28/2026 In control: Police Department
On agenda: 5/5/2026 Final action:
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: Recognizing National Police Week 2026 and honoring the service and life of former Madison Police Officer Ted Fondrk.
Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, John W. Duncan, Tag Evers, Derek Field, Yannette Figueroa Cole, Carmella Glenn, John P. Guequierre, Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Badri Lankella, Noah L. Lieberman, Sabrina V. Madison, Julia Matthews, Davy Mayer, Sean O'Brien, Will Ochowicz, Joann Pritchett, Bill Tishler, Michael E. Verveer, Regina M. Vidaver

Fiscal Note

No appropriation required.

 

Title

Recognizing National Police Week 2026 and honoring the service and life of former Madison Police Officer Ted Fondrk.

 

Body

WHEREAS, each May, our nation comes together to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of our police officers; and,

 

WHEREAS, National Police Week was originally established by presidential proclamation by President John F. Kennedy in 1962; and,

 

WHEREAS, National Police Week includes a Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on May 15th and a week of observances recognizing officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve and protect our communities; and,

 

WHEREAS, National Police Week is both a time of solemn remembrance and a celebration of the women and men who serve their communities, and a reminder that behind each badge is a story of service, sacrifice and family; and,

 

WHEREAS, former Police Officer Theodore “Ted” Fondrk honorably served the City of Madison from 2001 until 2020, spending most of his career helping and caretaking for our community as a member of Patrol Services and SWAT; and,

 

WHEREAS, former Officer Fondrk left the MPD after suffering significant mental health issues which were directly related to traumatic events he experienced while on duty; and,

 

WHEREAS, former Officer Fondrk sought help and treatment but ultimately lost his battle with mental illness and passed away by suicide in 2022; and, 

 

WHEREAS, former Police Officer Fondrk, who was also known as “Teodoro”, “Fonzie”, “Teddingtons”, “Pook” and “Ted”, was a beloved father, husband, brother, son, uncle, friend and teammate to many both inside and outside of the MPD; and,

 

WHEREAS, former Officer Fondrk will be honored at the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on May 15, 2026, as a part of National Police Week in Washington DC with his family and members of the MPD in attendance; and,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Madison express their sincere appreciation for the service of former Police Officer Theodore “Ted” Fondrk, honor his life and the many positive impacts he made, and express gratitude for the service of all of our police officers by recognizing National Police Week in 2026 from Monday May 11th to Sunday, May 17th.