Dr. Ronald W. Camden

Dr. Ronald W. Camden, DVM, was born and raised on a farm outside Dewey, Illinois. His father, Wilbur Camden, served on the School Board for many years. He graduated from Fisher High School in 1956 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. After serving in Okinawa, the Philippines and Japan, Dr. Camden attended the University of Illinois’ School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1964. Dr. Camden’s name is inscribed on the 1962 University of Illinois Bronze Tablet which recognizes undergraduate students in the top three percent of their graduating class. It is the highest honor bestowed upon students. This award has been given out every year since 1925 and each tablet hangs in the undergraduate library on campus.

Dr. Camden is a Life Member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, an Honor Roll Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and an Honor Roll Member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

He also has been the veterinarian in charge of the care of the horses for the Mounted Unit of the Chicago Police Department for more than 20 years. On May 26, 2015 in ceremonies at the Chicago Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Dr. Camden was awarded the Richard J. Daley Police Medal of Honor, the highest civilian award given out by the Chicago Police Department. In 1977 the Richard J. Daley Police Medal of Honor was instituted and this award is presented annually by the Superintendent of Police in memory of Mayor Richard J. Daley’s outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Chicago. The award can be conferred upon a Command Staff member of the Department; a state, county, or municipal official; or other citizen / business whose accomplishments or service have brought credit to the City of Chicago and/or the Chicago Police Department. As head veterinarian, my dad has provided his services free of charge to the city.

Dr. Camden’s 50+ years of practice has been limited to horses and has served horse owners all over the Chicagoland area. But his greatest pride and joy is not the work he does, but his 4 daughters and 10 grandchildren who occupy all his spare time.

• 1956 FHS Graduate
• 1956-1958 U.S. Marine Corps 
• 1958-1964 University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
• 1962 University of Illinois Honors – Bronze Tablet 
• 2000-present Head Veterinarian, Chicago Mounted Police
• 2015 Richard J. Daley Police Medal of Honor
• Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association Life Member
• American Veterinary Medical Association Honor Roll Member
• American Association of Equine Practitioners Honor Roll Member