Fallen Officer 'Etched In The Minds' Of Summit Police

SUMMIT, NJ - Summit Police Officer Matthew Tarentino was honored by his colleagues on the two year anniversary of his death. Tarentino was one of two people killed in a fatal three-car accident on Interstate 78 East in Bernards Township on May 30, 2017.

The Summit Police posted on social media that the date remained forever "etched in their minds."

"Today, we honor and recognized all your achievements, all of your accolades, and all your passion for the career you loved," Summit Police posted to social media. "We think of your young family you left behind too soon, but know we watch over them like our own."

Tarentino was 29 when he died and left behind wife Victoria and sons Robert, 5 and Raymond, 4. Victoria was also pregnant with a third child when Tarentino died, who will turn two in August.

Tarentino was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective. The promotion is among the ritual courtesies extended to officers killed in the line of duty. Since Tarentino was reporting to work, the accident and his death, was considered in the line of duty.

"His character was unparalleled in today's age. Matt held himself to the highest standard and would not waver in times of adversity. He will always be remembered as a man of incredible strength and honor. For his family, we will remember his gentleness and devotion. The man doing puzzles on the floor or playing hide and seek with his children. The man who just always seemed to have the right answers. The bounce in his step; the flutter of his laugh; his jokes, both attempted and successful; his smile will never be forgotten," members of the Tarentino family released in a statement.

After the accident, Summit Police Chief Robert Weck said Tarentino was a highly respected within the department and throughout the Summit community.

"His legacy is one of strong community connections and balanced, enthusiastic outreach. While he may be gone, he will never be forgotten, and his family will always be part of ours,” Weck said.

In their commemorative social media post the Summit Police Department noted it is not how they died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.

"And you lived it to the fullest," they wrote. "Always in our hearts."

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