- Joseph Barlow, a police officer in McAlester, passed away during the funeral procession of another captain, Richard Parker.
- Officer Joseph Barlow sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision with a pickup truck.
- The tragedy took place while Barlow was accompanying his colleague’s body from Tulsa to Wetumka, Oklahoma.
- The sudden departure of Parker and Barlow has had a profound impact on the department and the community.
Joseph Barlow, a police officer in McAlester, lost his life while participating in the funeral procession of another captain, Richard Parker.
Officer Joseph Barlow sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision with a pickup truck while accompanying his colleague’s body from Tulsa to Wetumka, Oklahoma.
Barlow was taken to a hospital in a critical condition, but sadly succumbed to his injuries on Monday, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers.
Before joining the McAlester Police Department, Barlow had served in the Army and was proud to serve the community.
The sudden departure of Parker and Barlow has deeply affected the department and the community.
Recently, it was announced that Parker had passed away suddenly after serving the community for nearly 26 years.
The department has requested thoughts and prayers for the families and friends of both officers as they continue to deal with these recent tragedies.
The community has rallied together to demonstrate their support and recognize Barlow’s contributions of service.
A memorial dinner was organized in his honor, and nearly a thousand individuals attended to raise funds for his family. The local Elks Lodge hosted the fundraiser, of which Barlow was a member.
The event was arranged on very short notice, but almost everyone who knew Barlow and hundreds of others who were not personally acquainted with him showed up to pay their respects.
The dinner included $15 steak meals, and all proceeds were directly donated to the Barlow family account at First National Bank in McAlester.
The loss of Barlow, a colleague and friend, left many members of the community deeply saddened. Sgt. Chuck Sutterfield, who was Barlow’s supervisor, described him as a “remarkable individual” who was always ready to take on any task requested of him.
Others who were familiar with him recalled him as a source of positivity with a wonderful demeanor, always wearing a smile and sharing laughter.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of McAlester Police Officer Joseph Barlow during a funeral procession. It is a tragic and heartbreaking loss for the community and the police department. Officer Barlow dedicated his life to serving and protecting others, and his untimely passing is a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire McAlester community during this difficult time. Officer Barlow’s sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire others in the law enforcement community.