Alabama Leaders saddened by death of Irondale Police officer

January 6, 2025 – IRONDALE, AL - Irondale Police Lieutenant Mark Meadows was killed by a motorist while putting out pylons in front of the Church of the Highlands for their 21 days of prayer event.

A number of Alabama's elected leaders released statements mourning the tragic loss of Lt. Meadows.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) said on X, "My heart is heavy as I have learned of the tragic loss of Irondale Police Lieutenant Mark Meadows, a veteran and true public servant. I join all Alabamians in lifting up his family, the Irondale Police Department and the Church of the Highlands community in prayer."

Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) Issued a statement on the line-of-duty death of Lt. Meadows.

"Tonight, my heart goes out to the family of Lieutenant Mark Meadows of Irondale Police Department, his colleagues, and the entire Irondale community," AG Marshall said. "Monday morning, Lieutenant Meadows was setting up traffic cones at the intersection of Grant Mills Road and Overton Road when he was tragically struck by a vehicle. Throughout his over thirty-year career in law enforcement, Lieutenant Meadows was a committed law enforcement professional who always put the safety and well-being of his community first. He faithfully served his country, state, and city and we all owe him and his family our gratitude. Please join me and all Alabama law enforcement in mourning the loss of Lieutenant Meadows and offering our condolences to his fellow officers and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time."

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) also expressed his condolences for Lt. Meadows' passing.

"Saddened to hear of the loss of Lt. Mark Meadows of the Irondale Police Department," said Sen. Tuberville. "Alabama is grateful for his more than 30 years of service to our state and country. I ask all Alabamians to join me in praying for his family and friends."

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said on X, "My prayers are with Lt. Mark Meadows's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Irondale community. It's clear that Lt. Meadows was a dedicated public servant who loved his community greatly."

Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth said on X, "Irondale Police Lieutenant Mark Meadows, who was struck and killed while preparing to direct after church traffic, was a US Army veteran, a dedicated law enforcement officer, and a man of great faith and character. Join me in lifting up the family and friends of Lt. Meadows."

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said on X, "My prayers are with the family of Lt. Mark Meadows and the entire Irondale community as they grapple with the tragic loss of this true pillar of the community."

The Irondale Police Department said in a statement:

"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Irondale Police Department reports the death of Lieutenant Mark Meadows while on duty on January 6, 2025. The incident occurred shortly before 7:00 a.m. while Lieutenant Meadows was directing traffic at an intersection, when he was struck by a passing vehicle. Lt. Meadows was transported to Grandview Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is conducting an investigation of this incident, and any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to that organization.

The Irondale Police Department offers our heartfelt gratitude to surrounding police agencies for their support with this incident. The Irondale Police Department also wishes to extend our collective support, thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Lt. Meadows during this trying time. Grief support is being offered to members of the Irondale Police Department and others in need.

"Lt. Mark Meadows was a treasured member of our Irondale family for over 30 years," stated Mayor James D. 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.""

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