Crime & Safety
Tom Brady, Patriots, Donate Gear To Tarentino Fundraiser
Tom Brady and the Patriots donated items to a fundraiser for the family of Ronald Tarentino, an Auburn officer killed in the line of duty.
MASSACHUSETTS—It's been nearly a year since Auburn police officer and Tewksbury native Ronald Tarentino was shot in the back during a late night, routine traffic stop, killed in the line of duty.
In a flurry of support that included fundraisers, parades and even a baseball game, the community continues to rally around the family of Tarentino. This time, it's Tom Brady and the New England Patriots who joined the cause.
Brady donated a home-game jersey that brought in $6,000,and Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski also donated gear, in total bringing in $86,000 in a recent fundraiser for the family, reports The Boston Herald.
“That immediate response shows where his heart is at, and that Ron’s death has made an impact on him as well,” Tricia Tarentino told the Herald. “Ron was just that kind of person. He had an amazing personality and wanted to reach out to help others. I think that’s why so many people have responded to this tragedy. It’s just a great loss.”
Tarentino was shot and killed in the early morning hours of May 22, 2016, when he pulled a car over in Auburn. The shooting led to a standoff in Oxford in which the suspect barricaded himself in a home for hours, resulting in his death.
Tarentino had joined the Auburn Police Department three years prior after transferring from Leicester. He was a Tewksbury native and a graduate of Tewksbury Memorial High School's Class of 1991. He is survived by his wife Tricia and three children.
Nicole Bjorkgren, who is the wife of Officer Tarentino's best friend, had attended a fundraiser that included Brady. At the fundraiser, she approached Brady and asked him for "10 seconds of your time," reports CBS Local.
A few weeks later, Bjorkgren received Brady's jersey and several other items from the Patriots donated to the fundraiser, which was held in Auburn.
Shortly after Tarentino's death, a memorial fund was set up in his memory. Those who wish to donate can do so to: Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. Memorial Fund, C/O Savers Bank, 38 Auburn Street, Auburn, MA 01501.
Photo Credit: Massachusetts State Police
