IRONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) -- The public relations officer for the Irondale Police Department has died following an accident Monday.
Lt. Mark Meadows, who has been in law enforcement since 1992, was killed Monday morning after being hit by a car while directing traffic at an intersection near Church of the Highlands during its "21 Days of Prayer" event.
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Meadows was a veteran who served four years in the U.S. Army 3rd Ranger Battalion at Fort Moore. In addition to his work with the IPD, Meadows was also a firearm instructor.
“Lt. Mark Meadows was a treasured member of our Irondale family for over 30 years,” stated
Irondale Mayor James Stewart Jr. “He was a man of few words but always led by example and
embodied the heart of a true public servant. Lt. Meadows will be dearly missed by his brothers
and sisters at the Irondale Police Department, as well as by all of our City employees and citizens. We are comforted in knowing that he is with his heavenly father, and we will continue to cover his family in prayer as they grieve this great loss.”
Irondale Mayor James Stewart, who knew Lt. Meadows for 20 years, said Meadows had a servant's heart.
"He always put others first instead of himself," Stewart said. "I could see how that could resonate with the other officers."
Stewart said that despite Meadows' tragic death, he and the city would lean on their faith to get them through this difficult time.
"We want to be able to let people know that even with this tragic event, God is still sovereign," he said. "He’s still sitting on the throne, he’s still in control of everything and we know that we’re going to be able to make it through this storm. As long as we have each other, we know that all is going to be well."
The crash remains under investigation.