Leicester police remember former officer killed in the line of duty

LEICESTER, Mass. — The Leicester Police Chief is asking the community to support all police officers in the coming months as the department mourns a former officer killed in the line of duty.

Officer Ron Tarentino began his law enforcement career with Leicester Police and worked there for seven years before transferring to Auburn Police, where he was killed during a traffic stop early Sunday morning.

Leicester Police Chief James Hurley said Tarentino remained close with his colleagues even after leaving the department, and was active in the community with a basketball league and church.

"Ron was a dedicated and professional officer who strongly believed in public safety and public service," Chief Hurley said. "It was Officer Tarentino's dedication to the safety of the residents of the town of Auburn whom he served that cost him his life."

Tarentino's friends who remain on the Leicester Police force shared some of their favorite memories, telling FOX25 Tarentino was "more than just a cop."

"I was on the hiring committee when he came here, helped with his training, saw him come up the ladder, Unbelievable guy," said Sgt. Paul Doray. "The dispatcher who had to take that call...is one of his best friends. So it's tough."

Monday, Tarentino's wife Trish and their three sons met with their pastor to finalize funeral arrangements in Leicester.

"Our heart is just breaking for them, and we are looking forward to shower them with love, support, encouragement," Pastor Stephen Derrick said.

The wake for Tarentino will be held Thursday, May 26 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 10 H Putnam Rd., Charlton.

A funeral service will follow Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church with a burial at Greenville Baptist Cemetery in Liecester.

You can watch the full remembrance in the player below.

Cox Media Group