State Trooper's New K9 Partner Named After Fallen Summit Cop

SUMMIT, NJ - Two years after his death in the line of duty, Summit Police Officer Matthew Tarentino legacy lives on in Tino, the newest K9 State Trooper.

Tino will be partnered Trooper David Wilkinson, who started his law enforcement career with Tarentino. To honor their friendship, and Tarentino's legacy, Wilkinson's new partner Tino was named after him.

After many months of training together, Wilkinson and K9 Tino are ready to hit the streets of New Jersey and aid in keeping the citizens and communities of the state they took an oath to serve safe.

Invited to Tino's graduation ceremony at the New Jersey State Police barracks in South Jersey were Tarentino's family as well as Invited to the graduation ceremony were Matt's Family and Lt. Rick Proctor of the patrol division to escort them.

We are truly touched and humbled by the honor bestowed on your partners name, we wish you both all the best in your careers and to be safe," the Summit Police posted to social media.

Tarentino was one of two people killed in a fatal three-car accident on Interstate 78 East in Bernards Township on May 30, 2017 and the Summit Police Department hasn't been shy showing their love for their fallen brother.

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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