An Alabama State Police lieutenant was killed Monday when he was struck by a car while directing traffic at a church.
According to a report from local media outlet AL.com, Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows, 60, was setting up cones at an intersection outside Highland Church's main campus when he was struck by a man driving a Chevrolet Colorado. It is said that he was hit. The driver stopped immediately.
The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. Monday as the church's popular “21 Days of Prayer'' event, which runs from January 5th to January 25th, was preparing to conclude for the day.
Meadows was taken to nearby Grandview Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, Irondale police said.
Irondale Mayor James Stewart Jr. described Meadows as a “valued member” of the city's family for decades.
“He was a man of few words, but he always led by example and embodied the spirit of a true public servant,” Stewart said in a statement. “Lieutenant. Meadows will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters at the Irondale Police Department and all city employees and citizens. We know he is with his heavenly Father. We are relieved and will continue to keep his family in our prayers as they grieve this great loss.”
The police department announced that grief support will be provided to officers and others in need following Meadows' death.
Highland Church senior pastor Chris Hodges said Meadows has worked with the church since the main campus in Grants Mill opened nearly 18 years ago.
“Our hearts are heavy beyond measure,” Hodges said in a statement to AL.com, adding that she considered Meadows family.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, son, family, fellow officers and the many people who loved him,” Hodges said. “Even in the most difficult and trying times, we know that our God provides comfort, strength, and reassurance in the promise of heaven. I will do my best to take care of my family.”
In a post to X on Monday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey expressed her condolences to Meadows' loved ones and church family following his death.
“My heart is heavy upon learning of the tragic passing of Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows, a veteran and true public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Irondale Police Department, and all Alabamians. We offer the prayers of the Highland Church community,” Ivey wrote.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said he was “saddened to hear of his death,” and thanked Mr. Meadows for his service to Alabama as a police officer and to the United States as a veteran.
Meadows began his law enforcement career in 1992 at the nearby Mountain Brook Police Department before transferring to Irondale.
He was a certified FBI instructor in pistols and rifles, and a certified NRA instructor in pistols, according to AL.com. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The Alabama Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into this deadly incident.
