Local officials hold ceremony naming post office in Slatersville after fallen soldier

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Sen. Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman David Cicilline hosted a ceremony Sunday afternoon to dedicate a post office after a fallen soldier.

The US postal office at 42 Main Street is now named the “Specialist Matthew Turcotte Post Office.” The event happened at 1 p.m.

Spc. Matthew Turcotte was a North Smithfield man that was killed in August of 2017 during a live-ammunition training exercise. The incident took place at Colorado while Turcotte was serving for the US Army. He joined the army after graduating from Northfield High School in 2015, where he was co-captain on the football team.

The fallen soldier grew up near the post office and played high school football four miles down the road from the post office.

“We are forever grateful for Matthew’s service and sacrifice for our country,” said Sen. Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman David Cicilline in a joint statement.

President Biden signed the bill into law February 23, 2022. Reed and Cicilline both authored the bill.

Turcotte earned many awards and medals including, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a NATO Medal , and an Army Achievement Medal.