McAlester Car Dealership Helps Raise Thousands Of Dollars For Families Of Fallen Officers

A McAlester car dealership has already raised more than $17,000 in 48 hours for the families of the two McAlester police officers who died in the last week.

Sam Wampler owns Sam Wampler’s Freedom Ford and is asking people in the community to support the families of Officer Joseph Barlow and Captain Richard Parker. He will match the donations up to $25,000.

Wampler was close friends with Captain Parker, so this loss is personal for him.

He said he’s been blown away by the support. He said a local barbershop cut hair all day for free and donated $2,000.

Wampler said he felt called to step up and give back.

"To say it's been a tough week, man that's almost an understatement. These two officers were not only good officers, but great men,” said Wampler.

Captain Parker died in his sleep at his home last Thursday. Officer Barlow was helping escort Captain Parker from Tulsa to a funeral home, when he was killed in a head on crash. The driver who caused the crash, has been arrested.

Wampler said he and Parker were good friends.

"He's bought vehicles from us, he would just come into the store and hang out and say hello. We did service work here and I sent him a morning devotional every morning,” said Wampler.

Wampler started the fundraiser just two days ago but the donations have been pouring in.

"People come by and it's almost like they go see what they've got available and bring it in,” said Wampler. "We've had people who just drive by, heard it and pull in and give, we've had people call and give over the phone, lot of checks. People will come in and put $2,000 cash on the table, and give me a hug with tears in their eyes and walk out."

Wampler said McAlester may be a smaller community, but he's proud to see people step up in a big way.

"I'm thankful. I'm thankful to see people do this, our community do this. As I said before it takes a village. To see everyone come together and do this, these folks need and deserve our support. These families need and deserve our support,” said Wampler.

Wampler said they've decided to extend the fundraiser to next Wednesday, after Officer Barlow's funeral.