The City of Summit Police Department is announcing the posthumous promotion of Officer Matthew Tarentino to the rank of detective, effective immediately. Detective Tarentino, 29, had served five years in the police department before being killed in a motor vehicle collision early Tuesday morning.
Tarentino was part of the police department Community Policing Unit and considered instrumental in establishing and managing a notable number of programs and partnerships with Summit public and private schools, community organizations and within city departments.
"Matt was an exceptional police officer and fully deserving of this honor,” explains Summit Police Chief Robert Weck. “He was highly respected within our 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.”
Detective Tarentino was married with two sons, ages two and four, with another child expected in August.
For more information on the Summit Police Department and the many significant accomplishments of Detective Matthew Tarentino, go to cityofsummit.org/police.