Elwood post office named for fallen police officer
Elwood’s post office officially has a new name, in honor of a local police officer killed on duty in 2022. The district’s House representative spearheaded the effort, which required congressional approval. As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, dozens of people gathered Wednesday to celebrate the honor.
Last September, U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Indiana) introduced a bill designating the post office in Elwood as the “Officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz Post Office Building.” In early January, then-President Joe Biden signed the bill into law.
Before unveiling a plaque commemorating the post office’s new name, Spartz stressed the importance of honoring individuals like Shahnavaz.
“For the family, nothing can replace grief and mourning, but today I want to celebrate Noah’s life, and I want to celebrate his legacy,” said Spartz. “Any nation is judged by how they treat their heroes, and Noah had a lot of heroic things he’s done in life.”
Shahnavaz’s family attended the ceremony as well. His mother, Laurie, says that since his passing, she has received support from the friends that he made during his service.
“He had the best laugh. And one of the legacies he left us with is connecting us with his army buddies. They come stay at our house,” She said. “We’re honorary grandparents. I mean, it’s just a wonderful thing. It doesn’t fill the hole, but it comes pretty close.”
Also in attendance was the Acting District Manager for the Indiana District of the United States Postal Service, LeGretta Goodwin. She says she’s happy that Shahnavaz’s name will never be forgotten.
“In the future, when anyone inquires as to who Officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz was, his life story will be shared,” Goodwin said. “The United States Postal Service and its employees, especially those here in Elwood, are proud to be part of this post office buildings dedication.”
Shahnavaz had been with the Elwood police for 11 months before being killed during a routine traffic stop in 2022. He was 24 years old. The man charged with his murder is now scheduled for trial next January.
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Shahnavaz was a US Army veteran, and the ceremony included a 21-gun salute.
Indiana has also named a portion of State Road 13 running through Madison County for Shahnavaz.
Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer. Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu
