TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The family of a fallen soldier from Tiverton is one step closer to getting the Sakonnet River Bridge renamed after him. Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts served in the Rhode Island National Guard for more than 14 years. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and killed in combat on his birthday, Oct. 3. During a hearing at the State House on Tuesday, the Senate approved a bill that would rename the bridge as the "Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts Sakonnet Bridge." His wife, Terri, told 12 News it was a surprise. "It's been 20 years, it doesn't always feel that way," she said. "It allows him to live on, his name will be there as long as the bridge is there. Maybe somebody will look him up and figure out why the bridge is named after that person and learn a little bit about something about him." Sen. Walter Felag Jr. described Potts as a "true American hero" and hopes to rename the bridge as a reminder of the sacrifices our service members make. The first piece of legislation was introduced back in 2009, even before the bridge was built in 2012. "It's a great honor to honor just an ordinary person, as you know, in 2004 Pat Tillman passed away in Iraq, and he was an NFL star," Felag said. "So you run the gambit when ordinary people serve this country. They're all created equally and treated equally in the military." The bill now heads to the House for consideration. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less