Assistant Chief of Police Donnie King, a longtime law enforcement officer and beloved community figure in Bells, Tennessee, recently received the ultimate gift: a new heart. Thanks to the transplant team at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West in Nashville, King is now recovering and looking forward to enjoying life with his family after more than three decades of public service.
King, who served multiple West Tennessee communities during his 35-year career, began feeling unwell while on duty. A medical evaluation revealed that he was in advanced heart failure and urgently needed a transplant. He was referred to Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, where he was admitted to the hospital and began intensive treatment while awaiting a donor.
“My ejection fraction had dropped to 10%, and I was experiencing fluid buildup, extreme fatigue, and shortness of breath,” King said. “I underwent a heart catheterization on Jan. 28 and failed the stress and bicycle tests. That’s when they admitted me.”
To support his heart, doctors first implanted an Impella device, a temporary mechanical pump. When that proved insufficient, he was placed on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a machine that helps pump blood when the heart cannot. His condition remained critical, and he rose on the transplant list. King experienced additional cardiac complications, including an episode where his implanted defibrillator had to restart his heart.
“Being a law enforcement officer, I know what a Taser feels like—and that’s exactly how it felt when the ICD shocked me,” King said.
On Feb. 24, King received the call that a donor heart had been found. The transplant surgery was performed on the same day by Dr. Ashok Babu and lasted six hours.
“Thankfully, I recovered after the transplant and they removed my defibrillator, and everything has been improving since.”
Today, King’s heart function is better than ever, with an ejection fraction of 70%. A normal heart’s ejection fraction range is between 50% to 70%. He attends physical therapy weekly and is getting stronger each day.
“I thank God Almighty every day for this second chance and for the entire care team at Ascension Saint Thomas,” he said. “Everyone there—from the doctors and nurses to the support staff—was so professional, kind, and truly caring. Dr. Babu especially had such a calming, compassionate presence.”
The community of Bells has rallied behind King, offering donations and unwavering support. As he continues his recovery.
King has decided to retire from his career in law enforcement and plans to spend more time with his loved ones. He’s also become an advocate for organ donation.
“Being an organ donor is so important,” he said. “You’re giving someone—and their family—a second chance at life. I’ve already checked the box on my driver’s license, and I hope others will too.”
