McAlester Police Officer Joseph Barlow Dies During A Funeral Procession

Publish date: 2024-05-09

McAlester Police Officer Joseph Barlow died during the funeral procession of another captain, Richard Parker. 

Police officer Joseph Barlow was critically injured in a head-on collision with a pickup truck. The incident occurred while Barlow was escorting the body of his colleague from Tulsa to Wetumka, Oklahoma. 

Barlow was taken to a hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away from his injuries on Monday, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers.

Barlow had previously served in the Army before joining the McAlester Police Department, where he took pride in serving the community

The sudden loss of Parker and Barlow has deeply affected the department and the community. 

Last week, officials announced that Parker had died suddenly after serving the community for almost 26 years.

The department has asked for thoughts and prayers for both officers’ families and friends as they continue to cope with these recent tragedies. 

The community has come together to show their support and honor Barlow’s service. 

A benefit dinner was held in his memory, where close to a thousand people turned out to raise money for his family. The local Elks Lodge hosted the fundraiser, of which Barlow was a member.

The event was held on very short notice, but virtually everyone who knew Barlow and hundreds of others who did not know him personally attended to pay their respects. 

The dinner featured $15 steak meals, and all proceeds went directly to the Barlow family account at First National Bank in McAlester.

Many community members were heartbroken over the loss of Barlow, a fellow officer and friend. Sgt. Chuck Sutterfield, whom Barlow worked under, described him as an “awesome guy” who was always willing to do whatever was asked of him. 

Others who knew him personally remembered him as a beacon of light with a great personality, always smiling and laughing.

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