that Alabama Police Lieutenant He died on Monday after being hit by a car while directing traffic towards the church.
Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows, 60, was placing cones at an intersection outside the main campus of Highlands Church when he was struck by a man driving a Chevrolet Colorado, a local outlet AL.com reported. 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 5 to 25, was preparing to wrap up for the day.
Meadows was taken to nearby Grandview Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, according to Irondale police.
A Detroit police officer killed in a hit-and-run crash is generally a person of interest
Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows died Monday after being struck by a truck while directing traffic outside a large church in Alabama. (Irondale Police Department/Facebook)
Irondale Mayor James Stewart Jr. described Meadows as a “cherished member” of the city family for decades.
“He was a man of few words, but he 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 Department, as well as all city employees and citizens. We take comfort in knowing that he is with his heavenly father, and we will continue to cover his family in prayers as they grieve this great loss.”
The police department announced that grief support is available to officers and others in need following Meadows' death.
Meadows was an Army veteran and had worked in law enforcement for decades when he was killed. (Irondale Police Department/Facebook)
Highland Church Lead Pastor Chris Hodges said Meadows has worked with the church since opening its main campus in Grants Mill nearly 18 years ago.
“Our hearts are extremely heavy,” Hodges told AL.com, adding that Meadows is considered family.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, son, family members, fellow officers and the many who loved him,” Hodges said. “Even in the most difficult and difficult times, we know that our God will provide us with comfort, strength and reassurance based on the promise of heaven. We as a church will do everything in our power to care for his family.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey expressed his condolences to Meadows' loved ones and church family after his death in a post Monday.
“My heart is heavy to learn of the tragic loss of Irondale Police Lt. Mark Meadows, a veteran and dedicated public servant. I join all Alabamians in lifting the spirits of his family, the Irondale Police Department and the Highlands Church community in prayer,” Ivey wrote.
Irondale Lt. Mark Meadows has helped direct traffic at Highland Church since it opened nearly 18 years ago, according to lead pastor Chris Hodges. (Irondale Police Department/Facebook)
US Senator Tommy Tuberville, Republican from Alabama He also said he was “saddened to hear of the loss” and thanked Meadows for his service to Alabama as a police officer and the United States as an Army veteran.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Meadows began his law enforcement career in 1992 with the nearby Mountain Brook Police Department before moving to Irondale.
He was an FBI certified handgun and rifle instructor, and an NRA certified pistol instructor, according to AL.com. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency He is leading the investigation into the fatal accident.
