Tulsa Hospital Honors Fallen McAlester Officer For Organ Donation

Others will live on, after the organs of the McAlester police officer killed in a head on crash, were donated Wednesday, including his heart.

Wednesday, March 22nd 2023, 7:47 pm



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Others will live on, after the organs of the McAlester police officer killed in a head on crash, were donated Wednesday, including his heart.

Officer Joseph Barlow was part of procession, escorting his captain’s body to a funeral home, when the crash happened in Glenpool last week.

Dozens of his fellow officers are now escorting Officer Barlow's remains to Oklahoma City, where his tissue will be collected for donation.

Ascension Saint John said it usually raises a flag every time a patient can donate an organ. Doctors believe Officer Barlow’s gifts will help several lives.

There was a show of support on Wednesday by dozens of law enforcement officers and healthcare workers, after a life was cut short. Officer Joseph Barlow was just 25 years old.

Ascension Saint John raised a flag in Officer Barlow's honor, after doctors said several of his organs can be recovered.

Joseph's mom, Cindy Barkley, and his young son, Hudson, were at the ceremony.

"He would call me and want to hang out and watch documentaries. And I'm truly gonna miss that. He's just the best. I just hope you all know just how good he is,” Barkley said.

Crystal Yancey with the Life Share Network said doctors recovered Barlow's heart, liver, one kidney, his pancreas and some tissue, potentially helping several people in need.

She said heart donations are rare.

"Really, really special that he's able to give, possibly give the gift of his heart, pending everything looking OK, and the recipient being able to accept it,” Yancey said.

Dr. Michael Charles is the medical director of trauma at the hospital. He said Barlow will continue to protect and serve for years to come.

“Out of this tragic event can come a ray of light, can come hope, can come organ donation to give life to another family,” Charles said.

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