Crime & Safety
Grant Program In Memory Of Fallen Summit Officer Distributes $219K
The Detective Matthew Tarentino Community Policing Grant Program assists police departments with fostering better relations with residents.
SUMMIT, NJ — A grant program established in memory of a city police officer killed in a car crash awarded its first round of grants, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced Tuesday.
Detective Matthew L. Tarentino was killed in a fatal three-car crash on Interstate 78 East in Bernards Township May 30.
A grant program established soon after Tarentino's death provided $219,000 to 28 police departments throughout New Jersey in its first round of disbursements, Porrino announced. Grant money is used to fund innovative community policing initiatives.
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Tarentino was deeply committed to community policing, especially to the D.A.R.E. program.
RELATED: Grant Program Created In Memory Of Fallen Summit Officer
Find out what's happening in Summitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Originally, only $121,000, in honor of Tarentino's badge number No. 121, was allocated for the program. However, Porrino increased the amount to more than $219,000 after 138 law enforcement agencies applied for funds.
“The overwhelming response we received from law enforcement for this new program is a tribute to Detective Tarentino and a testament to the strong commitment of New Jersey officers to community policing,” Porrino said in a statement. “Detective Tarentino had a tremendous passion for public service and embraced the community he served in a remarkable way. The initiatives we are funding will honor his extraordinary spirit and keep that spirit alive across our state.”
The Summit Police Department received a $10,000 grant to help fund its Coffee With A Cop program. The Morris County and Mercer County sheriff's offices also received grants, along with police departments in Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties.
The New Brunswick Police Department will use its $10,000 grant to purchase backpacks for kids that will be distributed Tuesday during its National Night Out event.
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Photo: Summit Police Detective Matthew L. Tarentino)/Summit Police Department
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