Honorees

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Year Honored
2010
Honoree
Joseph R. Barlow
Agency
Johnson County Rescue and EMS
Agency City
Mountain City
Agency State
TN
Last Call
9/18/09
Cause of Death
Ambulance Involved MVC
Biography
Joe Barlow loved being called "Poppie" by his grandson; he was also a great husband and father. When Johnson City Rescue Squad lost Joe, they buried him as a local hero. "When a man like Joe leaves, you immediately realize the loss; it was overwhelming," said a friend. Joe loved his family, and he cherished his grandbaby. He loved his community and his work in Emergency Medical Services. He enjoyed four wheeling and hunting. Joe would do anything to help another individual. We sent him off as a hero, he was given the highest honors, and he deserved it all, we truly lost a great one, a great man.<br /> <br /> Joseph R. Barlow, 55, of Mountain City, Tennessee, died in the line of duty on September 18, 2009. He was the driver of the Johnson County Rescue Squad that was en route to the hospital with a patient aboard when they were hit by another vehicle. The driver of the car involved had crossed the center lane of the road and hit the ambulance, knocking it off the road. When the ambulance driver was trying to gain control and re-enter the road, the ambulance clipped the edge of a median post and went down a 20-foot embankment and over turned. All crash victims were transported to the hospital by rescue helicopters. The patient was killed instantly; Joe succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital. The paramedic is still recovering from serious injuries.<br /> <br /> Mr. Barlow was Vice Deputy Director of the Johnson County Rescue Squad and EMS. He served as a certified EMTIV with the agency. Joe was such a great rescue worker; he lived this part of his life helping others and will be sorely missed.<br /> <br /> Honored 2010