By Carol Robinson
al.com
IRONDALE, Ala. — A veteran Irondale police lieutenant was hit and killed early Monday while directing traffic at Church of the Highlands.
Lt. Mark Meadows, 60, was putting out cones at the intersection of Grants Mill Road and Overton Road as the church’s 21 Days of Prayer was preparing to let out when he was struck by an oncoming motorist.
The crash happened shortly before 7 a.m. Monday, shutting down all lanes of Grants Mill Road for hours.
Meadows was taken to Grandview Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Troopers said the Chevrolet Colorado that struck Meadows was driven by 32-year-old Even Sullivan of Leeds. The driver stopped at the scene.
Irondale Mayor James Stewart said grief support is being offered to Meadows’ co-workers.
“Lt. Mark Meadows was a treasured member of our Irondale family for over 30 years,’' Stewart said in a press release. “He was a man of few words but always led by example and embodied the heart of a public servant.”
The mayor said Meadows will be missed.
“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,’' Stewart said.
Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges released this statement:
“Our hearts are heavy beyond measure. Officer Meadows has been with us since the opening of our Grants Mill campus almost 18 years ago. He is family to us.All our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, son, family members, fellow officers and the many who loved him. Even in the most difficult and trying times, we know our God will provide comfort, strength and reassurance based on the promise of heaven. We as a church will do all we can to care for his family.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is leading the investigation.
Meadows served four years in the U.S Army 3rd Ranger Battalion, 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Benning in Georgia.
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, he began his law enforcement career with the Mountain Brook Police Department in 1992, before transferring to the Irondale Police Department.
“He was a true public servant, and a true family man,’' said retired Irondale Sgt. Michael Mangina.
Meadows, a husband, father and grandfather of two, became an FBI instructor certified in pistol and rifle in 2001. He then became an NRA Instructor certified in pistol in 2017.
Meadows worked at Church of Highlands for more than decade, helping to coordinate traffic security.
The 21 Days of Prayer started Jan. 5 and runs through the 25th. People gather at the various church campuses to pray each morning beginning at 6 a.m. on weekdays.
AL.com reporter Greg Garrison contributed to this report.
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