Willard chief McClain placed on transplant list after diagnosis

Tom McClain, Willard Chief of Police, has officially been placed on the transplant list following a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis in the fall of 2025.

McClain, a pillar in the Willard community, has seen the community rally behind him in this time of need, raising more than $20,000 for his medical expenses. McClain has served Willard for some time, dedicating more than 30 years of his life to law enforcement in the town.

He had noticed some problematic breathing issues in the past four years; he would mention it during regularly scheduled check-ups with no problems found. During the last checkup, however, McClain decided to see a pulmonologist. McClain received the news about his condition on Oct. 15, 2025. It was recommended that he get on the transplant list through Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis as soon as possible. Upon hearing the news, he was shocked. McClain had taken care of his body his whole life.

“I was angry,” said McClain. “I was upset. But I realized that I’m not exempt from the calamities of life. There’s no reason why I wouldn’t suffer just like the next guy.”

Pulmonary fibrosis is no walk in the park, said McClain. The disease is a chronic and progressive lung disease that scars the lungs and impairs oxygen absorption into the bloodstream. He stated that it makes his daily life more difficult, often making him short of breath after very little physical activity.

This disease has not stopped McClain from giving back to his community; however. Despite his diagnosis, he still pastored Rose Hill Baptist Church and read to groups of students when he could. The community appears to have recognized this, giving back to him during this trying time. A fundraiser, started on the website helphopelive.org, has, at this point, reached $21,900 of the total $30,000 goal.

“…There will be a day when you die, and there will be a memorial service or a funeral service, and people are going to say nice things about you, but you’re not going to hear them,” said McClain. “But see, this is almost like I’m at my funeral, and I’m hearing all these things that people are saying, and it's like, 'Oh my gosh,' you know?”

Transplant list call

McClain received news on March 5 that he was placed on the transplant list for new lungs and could get the call to head up to St. Louis to receive the procedure at any time. He got the phone call 10 minutes before he was scheduled to read a book to a group of fifth graders.

“I was placed on the transplant list and told to get my go bag ready and keep my phone charged up,” said McClain.

Hearing that he was on the transplant list was emotional for McClain.

“I did notice that I was probably more emotional than I would normally be when I read ‘Spider Sisters,'" said McClain.

Recovery afterward

After McClain undergoes the transplant procedure, he will face a three-month recovery period. During this time, he will have to remain in St. Louis near the recovery center.

“My single-minded mission will be to get my mind and body into the best shape they can be as quickly as I can,” said McClain.

When all is said and done, McClain hopes to return to the force, as he has an oath to fulfill.

“When God called me to policing in 1987 … I vowed that I would give him 40 years,” he said. “So that will come to fruition in June of 2027. And so, my intention is to come back to work and finish out the course, finish strong and then I’m going to retire.”