New Summit Police Car Pays Tribute To Matthew Tarentino

SUMMIT, NJ — A new police car displaying the face of fallen Summit Police Detective Matthew Tarentino was unveiled in Atlantic City on Tuesday.

Summit Police Chief Robert Weck unveiled the Detective Matthew Tarentino Tribute Car, a Ford Police SUV Interceptor, at Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for the 105th Annual Training Conference & Police/Security Expo.

"These last couple of weeks, not only did our law enforcement community mourn the loss of Detective Tarentino, but Summit, Somerville and other communities did as well,” explains Summit Police Chief Robert Weck. “The outpouring support and compassion has been overwhelming, but very much welcomed by the men and women of the Summit Police Department.”

Chief Weck continues, “Matt was always extremely proud to drive our vehicles and he would have loved this car. There are no words to properly thank all those involved in creating Matt's amazing tribute police vehicle, but they should know how grateful I am that everyone will get to view it at Summit City Hall in the coming weeks. It is just one more way that demonstrates how special Matt was to all of us."

The car displaying photo decals of Tarentino on the hood and rear window of the police car was completed courtesy of Triangle Communications, Code 3, the Summit Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Summit's own Lois Schneider Realty, Garden State Vinyl and Code3Art.

Tarentino, 29, was killed in a fatal three-car accident on Interstate 78 East in Bernards Township on May 30. Tarentino was married to Victoria and had two sons, Robert, 3, and Raymond, 2, and a third child due in August. The former Somerville local moved to Summit where he had served as an officer since 2012.

• See Related: Fallen Summit Officer Remembered As A Man Of 'Incredible Strength And Honor'

A fundraiser had been created in his memory and to help cover costs for his family.

• See Related: Fundraiser Created For Summit Officer Killed In I-78 Crash

(Images via Summit Police Department)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.