• McAlester police officer Joseph Barlow died during the funeral procession of another captain, Richard Parker.
  • Police officer Joseph Barlow was seriously injured in a head-on collision with a pickup truck.
  • The incident occurred while Barlow was escorting his colleague’s body from Tulsa to Wetumka, Oklahoma.
  • The sudden loss of Parker and Barlow has deeply affected the department and community.

McAlester police officer Joseph Barlow died during the funeral procession of another captain, Richard Parker.

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

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

Barlow had previously served in the military 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 community.

Last week, officials announced that Parker had passed away suddenly after serving the community for nearly 26 years.

The department is asking for thoughts and prayers for the families and friends of both officers as they continue to deal 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 nearly a thousand people gathered to raise money for his family. The local Elks Lodge organized the fundraiser, of which Barlow was a member.

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

The dinner consisted of $15 steak meals and all proceeds went directly to Barlow’s family account at First National Bank in McAlester.

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

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