Barringer honored for kidney donation to supervisor

Feb. 1, 2025-Monday’s DeSoto County Board of Supervisors meeting will begin with a special presentation to someone being labeled a “true local hero.”

Amy Barringer, a lieutenant with the Fairhaven Volunteer Fire Department and a dialysis nurse for Fresenius, is being recognized for making a life-saving kidney donation to Supervisor Jessie Medlin last November.  

The board plans to proclaim Monday, Feb. 3 as a special day to celebrate Barringer and her gift of life.

A ceremony at the start of the meeting will highlight Barringer’s selfless act. and how it has not only transformed the life of the District 1 supervisor, but has also inspired our community to consider the power of organ donation and becoming a living donor. 

Currently, more than 100,000 people in America, including 4,000 in the Mid-South area are on the national transplant waiting list.

Last November, a chance meeting at a fire department event was what led to the kidney donation. Barringer heard Medlin talk to someone about being on dialysis and needing a kidney.  Without hesitation, Barringer offered to be a donor and turned out to be the needed match.  

“Amy Barringer’s heroism goes beyond her service as a firefighter and emergency medical responder,” said Medlin. “She literally gave a part of herself to save another life; mine. I will forever be grateful for her selflessness and courage.”

The agenda for Monday’s board meeting is found on the DeSoto County Government website.