GLOCESTER – The late police Capt. Joseph Mattera was recognized for his service and dedication to the town at the recent Glocester Town Council Meeting.
Mattera, who served on the Glocester police force for 34 years and retired in 2017, died Sunday, Nov. 5. He was 61. Councilors lauded Mattera, a Smithfield native and longtime Burrillville resident, not only for his service to the town, but for his friendship, as well. After a moment of silence in honor of Mattera, Town Council President William Worthy read a resolution honoring Mattera.
The resolution referred to Mattera as a, “true community servant who served with distinction.”
The resolution further stated, “Joe served the residents of Glocester with his professionalism, straightforwardness, integrity and dedication to the police department. (He was) a man beloved by the citizens of northern Rhode Island, who contributed to coaching and refereeing youth hockey games for many years. We appreciated his commitment to always serving as he felt was right., and acknowledge his service to our community in a position where his safety was always second place to ours.”
“Captain Mattera, you will be missed but not forgotten,” it noted. “The Town Council wholeheartedly represents all of Glocester residents when we say ‘Thank you,’ & ‘God Bless you.'”
“Doing something, anything, for 34 years is impressive, but what he did in that type of position was exceptional,” said Councilor Walter Steere. “He cared about the police department. He cared about the town. Most importantly, he cared about the residents of this town. He valued their safety. He would put himself in the line of duty to protect all of us. I just want to thank him for what he did and how much he cared about everybody.”
Worthy added that he and his wife Melissa were very close to Mattera and his wife Karen. He joked that Mattera was a witness to his hole in one at Glocester Country Club, giving it credence without question.
“We got to get very close with he and Karen,” added Worthy. “His love for this town and his commitment to all of us was always something I could always see as his passion.”
Capt. Matthew Fague praised Mattera as being someone who was always there to help out, take an overtime shift, step up on the holidays and/or do whatever was asked of him. Mattera also helped introduce new additions to the department and helped implement changes when necessary, Fague said.
“One of those guys, old school, back when the department was going through some changes, he was part of the original crew who brought it and carried it forward,” said Fague. The captain said Mattera was, “definitely one of those guys who was out there hustling all the time.”
“When I came to Glocester, Captain Mattera at the time, one of his strong points and his task was the Juvenile Hearing Board,” recalled Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete. “We’ve been honored with one of the best in the state of Rhode Island. That was his baby, and he carried that on. He was extremely loyal and devoted and passionate about the town of Glocester. His passion was Glocester, Glocester, Glocester. We’re all honored to have known and worked with him.”
