Alabama State Police Lt. Mark Meadows was shot and killed outside Highlands Church in Irondale
An Alabama State Police Lt died on Monday after being hit by a car while directing traffic at the church.
Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows, 60, was setting up cones at the intersection outside the main Church of the Highlands campus when he was struck by a man driving a Chevrolet Colorado, a local branch AL.com reported. The driver immediately stopped.
The incident happened before 7am on Monday as the church’s popular “21 Days of Prayer” event, which runs from January 5 to January 25, was about to end for today.
Meadows was transported to nearby Grandview Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, according to Irondale police.
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Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows died Monday after being struck by a truck while directing traffic outside a megachurch in Alabama. (Irondale Police / Facebook)
Irondale Mayor James Stewart Jr. he described Meadows as a “valued member” of the city family for decades.
“He was a man of few words, but always led by example and embodied the heart 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 Station, as well as by all the employees and citizens of our City. We are comforted to know that he is with his heavenly father, and we will continue to cover his family in prayer as they grieve this great loss .”
Police said bereavement support is available to officers and others in need following Meadows’ death.
Meadows was an Army veteran and had been in law enforcement for decades when he was killed. (Irondale Police / Facebook)
Church of the mountains Lead Pastor Chris Hodges said Meadows has worked with the church since its main campus in Grants Mill opened nearly 18 years ago.
In a statement to AL.com, Hodges said “our hearts are heavy beyond measure,” adding that the Meadows are considered family.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, son, family members, fellow officers and many who loved him,” Hodges said. “Even in the hardest and most difficult times, we know that our God will provide comfort, strength and security based on the promises of heaven. We as a church will do all we can to care for his family.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey expressed her condolences to Meadows’ loved ones and church family following his death in a post on X Monday.
“My heart is heavy to learn of the tragic loss of Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows, a veteran and true public servant. I join all Alabamians in lifting his family, the Irondale Police Department and the Church of the Highlands community in prayer,” Ivey wrote.
Irondale Lt. Mark Meadows has helped direct traffic at Highlands Church since it opened nearly 18 years ago, according to Lead Pastor Chris Hodges. (Irondale Police / Facebook)
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., also said he was “saddened to hear of the loss” and thanked Meadows for his service to Alabama as a police officer and to the United States as a military veteran.
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Meadows began his law enforcement career in 1992 at the nearby Mountain Brook Police Station before being transferred to Irondale.
He was a certified FBI pistol and rifle instructor, and an NRA pistol instructor, according to AL.com. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency leads the investigation of the fatal incident.
