Police To Host Community Day In Honor Of Fallen Summit Officer Matthew Tarentino

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Police Department is hosting "Making a Difference Community Day" in honor of fallen Police Detective Matthew Tarentino on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. in downtown Summit.

The community day celebration will serve as a thank you to the Summit community for its tremendous outpouring of support following the sudden passing of Detective Tarentino on May 30.

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. A third child was born in August.

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

The event is being produced in coordination with the Summit Department of Community Programs.

“Making a Difference Day is a way for the Summit Police Department to show our appreciation to our incredible community for its compassionate and generous support following the death of Detective Matthew Tarentino,” explains Police Chief Robert Weck. “We look forward to celebrating Matthew’s life and legacy on Oct. 1, including how each one of us has the ability to make a difference by performing random acts of kindness every day.”

The event will begin with a parade at 1 p.m. from 25 Deforest Ave. to the Village Green on Broad Street and feature first responders, the Summit High School marching band, community groups and local organizations. Participation in the parade is open to anyone that would like to march. Lineup for the parade begins at 12:30 p.m.

Following the parade, the family-friendly community event on the Village Green will feature a performance from the Summit High School marching band at 1:45 p.m.; the opening ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m., Daddy Pop will perform a free concert on the main stage until 4 p.m. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., Exit Row will perform. A family dance party begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a showing of the movie "Sing" at dusk.

On the auxiliary stage, entertainment for children will include a magic show from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and a Presley and Melody concert from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. In the same location, yoga will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m and a community fitness class from 5:15 to 6 p.m.

The event will also feature amusement rides for children, six food trucks, free hot dogs and snacks, and a silent auction with autographed sports memorabilia, golf opportunities at Baltusrol Golf Club and Canoe Brook Country Club, an overnight stay at the Grand Summit Hotel and other items. The rain date for the event is Sunday, Oct. 8.

Event sponsors include: Berkshire Hathaway Realtors, Avelino and Hartlaub Attorneys at Law, St. Teresa of Avila Pre-K, The Connection, Thompson Sporting Goods, Summit Soundz, Fun Service and Shoprite/Wakefern.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of these businesses and through the Detective Matthew L. Tarentino community policing grant from the Office of the NJ Attorney General, according to Weck.

For more information visit cityofsummit.org/police or contact the Summit Police Department at 908-277-9472. To become an event sponsor, contact David Guida from the Summit Department of Community Programs at 908-277-2932.

(Image via Summit Police Department)

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