Support for Chief Tom McClain’s Lung Transplant & Recovery
Support for Chief Tom McClain’s Lung Transplant & Recovery
Chief Tom McClain has spent nearly four decades serving and protecting his community. Now, he is facing a medical battle that requires the community’s support in return. Tom has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a serious and progressive lung disease. His doctors have determined that he must undergo a double lung transplant. This procedure comes with extensive recovery requirements, including relocating to St. Louis for three months so he can remain close to the hospital. During this time, Tom will need full-time care and will be unable to work. The financial burden is significant, and support is urgently needed.
A Lifetime of Service
Tom has dedicated over 38 years to law enforcement, beginning his career in June 1987. In 1993, he was appointed as the Chief of Police in Willard, Missouri, a role he continues to hold with commitment and humility. His work extends far beyond the badge. Tom has poured his heart into programs that help guide and shape local youth:
• He leads the Willard PAL and Camp Character program(s), founded in 2009, teaching responsibility, honor, self-control, and discernment. Hundreds of kids have graduated from these programs.
• He runs the DARE program, reaching thousands of students over the years and giving them tools to make healthy, safe choices.
• He participates in Shop With a Cop, ensuring families in need are supported during the Holidays.
Tom also brings exceptional training and leadership experience, including graduating from the FBI National Academy. Beyond law enforcement, he is a devoted pastor, holding a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Studies from Mission University (1997).
Who Tom Is at His Core
What truly sets Tom apart isn’t just his résumé—it’s the way he carries himself. He believes in community first policing, and he leads with a servant’s heart. He’s a father of two, a grandfather of five, and a mentor to thousands.
Tom is known for his steady presence and his ability to connect with people through genuine humor. He has long been the person who can ease tension in a difficult moment with a well-placed remark or a smile. His humor isn’t just for levity—it’s a way he reassures others, helps them feel at ease, and reminds them they’re not facing their challenges alone.
Above all, Tom’s life is anchored in his faith. Everything he does—every program, every decision, every kid he pours into—flows from his desire to glorify God. That faith has guided him throughout his career and continues to steady him now as he faces this enormous challenge.
How You Can Help
The financial strain of medical expenses, relocation, lodging, caregiving, and months without income is overwhelming. Any support—whether financial or by sharing his story—makes a meaningful difference.
Tom has spent his life giving to others. This is our moment to give back.
Updates (8)
April 9, 2026
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support
April 8, 2026
WE HAVE LUNGS!
Surgery is wrapping up and went perfectly! Will update again soon
April 1, 2026
Update from Ashley -We did receive a call last night for a potential match, so my parents went up to Barnes immediately. Once they got him there and proceeded with testing and preparation for surgery, the lungs ended up not being a match for my dad. So they are home again and we will continue to wait. Praying hard for the family of the person who lost their life and gave a second chance to others through organ donation. Please also continue to pray for my dad as he continues to fight this while waiting for his new lungs.
March 5, 2026
This is Tom’s daughter, Ashley. As of today, my Dad is officially on the list for a double lung transplant from UNOS. We understand and acknowledge the sacrifice that comes with organ donation. We are waiting prayerfully for a match and my dad is continuing to stay as healthy as possible to ensure the success of his transplant. We will keep you updated and thank you so much for your support.
January 25, 2026
Liz & I are in place in St. Louis ahead of the snowstorm to ensure we did NOT have to postpone the inevitable. We are still hammering away at our increased treadmill time & volume. Thank you all SO much for covering us in prayer and financial support. We are currently @ 70% of our fundraising goal. You guys are AWESOME!
January 25, 2026
Thank you all for giving, sharing and praying! We will have an update later this week after more testing and appointments with the transplant team, but for now, enjoy this update from my dad!
January 10, 2026
Yay! We have surpassed the 50% milestone!! Thank you all SO much for helping up hit our goal. We couldn’t do it without you!
December 28, 2025
Thank you so much for all the prayers, support and donations… On the donation side of things, we have hit the 40% mark today… Thank you very much!
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
April 8, 2026
Prayers for you and your family!
Chester Cornelison
April 8, 2026
Sending all the prayers and love your way for a successful transplant and recovery!
Allison Robertson
April 8, 2026
We love you and are praying for you!
Smith Marcus
February 24, 2026
Sending lots of positive vibes and keeping you in our thoughts.
Paige Davenport
February 2, 2026
We are thankful for the friendship and spiritual impact Tom has had in our lives. We are praying!
Jason Gaddis
January 24, 2026
Tom, I was in a SFST Instructor class with you. Can’t recall the year, but probably late 90’s. In Jeff city or Columbia. Anyway, I was employed by Mo Dept of Conservation LE Division and have followed your career through the Springfield newspapers. I well remember you in class and was always impressed by your professionalism. Our non-denominational church in Osceola has just experienced the loss of our second Pastor in 2 years. We are searching for a new spiritual leader and in the meantime have been hosting a series of interim Pastors. If you find the time we would like to hear your message/testimony on a Sunday morning. We offer a modest stipend and would take up a love offering that is normally pretty decent given our congregation of 80 or so to help with your recovery journey. I pray for the best and that God’s comforting and healing hands will come over you and your family. I will place you on our prayer list. Best of luck Tom.
Mike Burton. [email protected].
Mike Burton
January 21, 2026
Chief McClain is a good, Christian man, & a valued public servant. My thoughts & prayers are with Chief & his family.
Greg DeLong
January 20, 2026
I can't think of a more honorable man than Tom. God Speed.
William Dowdy
January 20, 2026
Have had some dealings with Chief McLain through his boxing efforts. He is a good man and I know he has been a consistent public servant in Willard.
Art Hains
January 20, 2026
Best wishes, and thank you for your service!
Jackie Barger
January 14, 2026
We are praying for you Tom! Stay strong and take comfort in God’s plan and the knowledge that you have been a very strong Guardian for his people!
Eric Schmitt
January 13, 2026
Tom,
The Southwest Missouri Police Chiefs are honored to contribute to your road to recovery in the months ahead. We are with you, we are here for you, and we are praying for you. We are a call away if you need anything. God Bless.
Trampus Taylor
January 11, 2026
Hey Tom, thanks for serving and protecting your community. Praying for you...get well soon!
Greg Horton
January 6, 2026
Tom, praying for a successful transplant surgery and full recovery.
Duane Griffin
January 4, 2026
May God give you peace and assurance as you face this mountain. I’m thankful that He has promised to never leave us. Be assured of my prayers united with the prayers of others for you and your family as you look forward to the transplant and for the days and months following.
Ruth Bissett
January 3, 2026
Godspeed Sir.
Tony D'Andrea
Tony D'Andrea
January 2, 2026
I could only give a small amount but hopefully there will be many more helping you out. My prayers for you BOTH.
Bev Vernier
January 2, 2026
Tom, Liz and family, memories of all of us together on Hotdog nights on the BBC campus and other cherished memories have rushed in after seeing Ashley’s post. Lifting you all in prayer for courage, strength and healing. God bless you, Tom!
Janna Griffin DesRoches
December 31, 2025
Praying for you and your family.
Kathleen Brown
December 31, 2025
Wishing you all the best on your treatment and recovery. God speed.
-From a fellow Officer.
Devin Clark
December 30, 2025
Praying for you Tom and family
Larry Janet Mathews
December 29, 2025
We are asking our Lord to give you strength, wisdom and peace as you go through this unexpected experience. Trusting Him for complete healing to add to your already wonderful testimony for Jesus.
Anonymous
December 28, 2025
Prayers for strength and healing!
Chad Jackson
December 27, 2025
Sending love and prayers to the entire family.
Shauna Stenhoff
December 26, 2025
Praying for you Tom. May our Heavenly Father's love surround you and lift you up.
Anonymous
December 26, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Juan and Victoria Meraz
Victoria Meraz
December 25, 2025
So many prayers and love sent to yall. God Bless.
Shyanne Farabee
December 25, 2025
I am praying for you Tom, that you will have complete healing in Jesus name! Thank you for all you have done. The Lord knows your work is not completed yet!
Ernest Curry
December 24, 2025
Prayers for our Chief and family
Robin and Keith Bushong
December 24, 2025
Prayers for you all ❤️
Anonymous
December 24, 2025
Praying that the loss of someone's loved one will not be in vain by providing life to Chief McClain!
Julie Germann
December 24, 2025
Stay strong and we are keeping you and your family in our prayers! You're a born fighter and got this!
Brandon Butrick
December 24, 2025
God will provide!
Anonymous
December 24, 2025
Thank you, Chief McClain, for the way you’ve served our community all these years. Prayers of strength, healing, comfort & peace to you & your family this Christmas season.
Gary & Kassie Jarvis
December 24, 2025
Tom means so much to so many! Praying for strength, faith, and courage for you and your family. You can do this!!!
Anonymous
December 24, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers for a true shepherd and leader in our area. May God bless and keep you.
Terry & Judi Frost
Terry Frost
December 24, 2025
You have been a mentor, a role model, and a comic genius that got me through some dark times. I love your, Chief, hang in there!
Brandon Bond
December 24, 2025
We have always loved you and what you do!! Literally a pillar of our community!
Brad Nothum
December 23, 2025
Praying for Chief McClain!
Amy Stroder
December 23, 2025
We love you Chief
Dwayne Wright
December 23, 2025
My family and I love you and your family so much. We are praying for divine healing and provision.
Kristina Pohlenz
December 23, 2025
I dont know Tom well...but his wife and daughters are special to me!! I will be praying for the whole family!
Michelle
Michelle Edwards
December 23, 2025
Sending prayers.
Lisa Ann
December 23, 2025
Tom and Liz we are praying for you. Praise God for being in control of all things. He will work it all out! Love you guys.
Darlene Nelson
December 23, 2025
Praying for my brother in Christ.
Robert Dixon
December 23, 2025
For an outstanding DARE officer! Stay strong, sir!
Kathleen Raatz
