Willard Chief McClain receives successful double lung transplant

Willard Chief of Police Tom McClain has undergone a successful double lung transplant at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. 

McClain, who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, now faces a recovery period of three months.  

McClain, the police chief in Willard for 30 years, has been dealing with the potentially fatal diagnosis for months. McClain was in pursuit of a spot on the transplant list to obtain functioning lungs, he was placed on the list on March 5.

McClain underwent his surgery last Wednesday and the operation was a success according to Ashley Ensley, McClain’s daughter. McClain now faces a recovery period spanning three months. 

In a Facebook video, McClain shared his optimism on the process ahead, but hinted at some complications. 

“I appreciate you praying for me and I’m going to need it, turns out,” said McClain. “But, things are brighter than they were a couple of days ago. Man, I didn’t know what was going to happen that day. But, thank you for praying and keep praying.”

Ensley also shared an update on the Willard chief in a Facebook post. 

“My dad had a double lung transplant last week that saved his life,” said Ensley. “He has had a lifetime of service to the Lord and to our community in Southwest Missouri. We have been so humbled and thankful for the support and loved pouring out from our people. … We are also incredibly thankful for the organization donor and their family. We know how heavy this is. We understand and acknowledge the incredible loss that this family has endured and we are praying for their comfort and peace during this time. … The Lord has blessed us with more time with my Dad and I will never be able to express my gratitude. Going from facing less than a year left with my dad to having hope for many years to come is a gift that I can never repay.”