The Irondale Police Department has lost one of its own after a driver struck and killed Lt. Mark Meadows while he directed traffic near the Church of the Highlands on Monday.

The veteran law enforcement officer worked for the department for 30 years and was a beloved member of the community. According to authorities, he was hit by a pickup truck driven by a 32-year-old man.

After news of Meadows’ death broke, members of the Irondale community and Alabama’s top law enforcement official issued statements paying tribute to the fallen officer.

“Lt. Mark Meadows was a treasured member of our Irondale family for over 30 years,” said 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.”

Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges said the congregation’s “hearts are heavy beyond measure” because Meadows worked with the church for nearly twenty years.

“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.”

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall pointed to Meadows’ legacy of service to the city of Irondale.

“Tonight, my heart goes out to the family of Lieutenant Mark Meadows of Irondale Police Department, his colleagues, and the entire Irondale community,” 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.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing to investigate the incident.