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Lowndes County citizens are mourning the loss of one of their own — Emergency Management Agency Director Rodney Rudolph.

“It is with profound sadness that the family of Rodney Rudolph announces his passing on Tuesday, Jan. 28, following an extended battle with health challenges,” said Rudolph’s son-in-law, Rev. Courtney D. Meadows.” A dedicated public servant, Mr. Rudolph faithfully served as the Director of the Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where he worked tirelessly to enhance emergency preparedness and response throughout the region.”

Rudolph was appointed EMA Director in 2021 and the Lowndes County native loved serving the community where he grew up.

“I was there to help the people,” Rudolph told the Signal in a December 2023 interview. “God gave me a gift, that when those things happen, I know what to do and don’t panic. God gives me the strength to know what to do and to get the job accomplished, even when it affects me too.”

Lowndes County Commissioner Dickson Farrior described Rudolph as someone committed to a job well done.

“He did a good job,” Farrior said. “He took care of business and kept the office running smoothly, kept everything up to date. When something happened, he was always there.”

At the time of his death, Rudolph also served as Lowndes County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments president and had served as Director for District 10 of the Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, covering multiple counties.

“I’ve known him almost his whole life,” said White Hall Fire Chief Sharon Thomas. “He cared about serving others. He was passionate about the volunteer fire association and making sure that we had the resources we needed to serve the people of Lowndes County.”

“A lifelong resident of Lowndes County, Mr. Rudolph’s commitment to the safety and well-being of his community was evident in his decades of service,” Meadows said. “His leadership and expertise in emergency response played a crucial role in safeguarding the county’s residents during natural disasters and crises.” 

Rudolph was an active volunteer and advocate for the youth in Lowndes County and served as a long-time assistant football coach and head softball coach for Central High School, his alma mater.

“He played a vital role in athletics and other programs within the Lowndes County School District, mentoring and supporting countless young people in their academic and extracurricular pursuits,” Meadows said. “His passion for shaping the next generation was evident in the many lives he touched. “

Friends and community members knew Rudolph as a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. His death comes after a long battle with extended health challenges.

“Rodney was a very genuine and unique person,” said Lowndes County Commission Chairman Charlie King, Jr. “He cared about the people in the county and went above and beyond to make sure his job was done, even at times when he shouldn’t have been out, even at times when certain things wouldn’t fall under his direction. He was there to make sure that he helped people.”

King said Lowndes County Engineer David Butts would continue as Interim EMA Director during the search for Rudolph’s replacement.

Details regarding Rudolph’s memorial services will be shared at a later time. 

“The Rudolph family extends their gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time,” Meadows said. “They ask for privacy as they grieve their loss and make arrangements to honor his life. “