Auburn Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Sunday, May 22, 2016
Reflections for Police Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr.
Good morning, Officer Tarentino. Our Crossfit Club dedicated our workout this morning in your memory. May God bless and comfort those who knew and loved you.
Ret. Sgt. Barry K. Henline
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
September 1, 2025
Officer Tarentino, i'm sorry for what happened to you that night 9 years ago, as you didn't deserve it, and it was senseless. Thankfully however, the person who took your life got what was coming to him, as he was killed by the officers who attempted to catch him. All in all, he was a coward, and his actions weren't just cowardly, but evil in every sense of the way, as he didn't have a reason to take your life. If anything he could've gotten a ticket or a warning, but instead chose to make a decision that would prove how worthless he is as a human being. He didn't just take away an officer, but a husband, a father, and a good man who was doing his job as expected. He's receiving his punishment in the afterlife for his actions, as karma has successfully reached him and made him pay, as karma knew he wasn't gonna get away with it. I think that during your almost 10 years of service, i think it's safe to say you did alot during your time as an officer, as you were doing what most officers do, which is conducting traffic stops and making the roads safer. But however, there was evil lurking around, and it unfortunately got to you, which is a shame in itself. Rest assured, the monster who killed you was caught in the end, and karma got to him, as karma takes its time to reach those who do harm, especially to those who are with the blue line and protecting and serving. However, i'm sure your kids have gotten older enough to learn about their father's legacy, as you unfortunately left it behind. Hopefully, one of your kids may realize it and follow your legacy, as picking up one's legacy especially their father's is an honorable and selfless act to do. All in all though, your death was unjustified and uncalled for, as the man who took you away was nothing but a senseless coward who doesn't deserve to be forgiven for his actions. Although i myself am not a police officer, but somebody who loves law enforcement, i understand that not every officer returns home to their families, which is unfortunate in itself but true. Your legacy won't ever be forgotten for as long as time goes on, and that the citizens of Auburn and the state of Massachusetts appreciated your service while you were alive, as you were one of the good officers in law enforcement who did his job the way he knew how, and you were a protector to those who couldn't defend themselves. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service is deeply cherished and remembered, and that the scumbag who took your life is also dead and facing his punishment in the afterlife, and that you've been avenged in death. Rest Well Mr. Tarentino
Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line
June 1, 2025
Officer Tarentino, it has been 8 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 9 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
May 22, 2024
Only knew of this today through the Charitable Fund in this hero’s name.
Abbys House Resident
Abbys House
November 1, 2023
Officer Tarantino, it has been 7 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
May 22, 2023
Although I did not know Officer Tarantino, being a born and raised Boston boy, a CJ major in college, a former PI and someone with family in Worcester and several friends in differentlaw enforcement agencies, I do remember when this happened and feeling the pain and anger from this tragic event. More importantly, yesterday I was at our nation's capital and visiting the Lincoln Memorial with my son, one of my cousin's from Virginia and her two children. Well as I was admiring the monument, I looked and the kids were gone. They had wondered over to say hello to this female officer on a horse. She was very nice and the horse was so beautiful and so majestic and calm while the three children patted him. As we were about to walk away I asked what the horses name was and she said "Tarantino. He was named after a fallen officer from Massachusetts."
Dan
March 6, 2022
5 years later and your legacy stands firm. Although it’s hard to believe it’s been that long . You will never be forgotten. I hope you are resting easy knowing your family , friends and brother/sisters in blue are thinking of you. Unlike the evil coward that took you away from us , Your death was not in Vain! Your sacrifice for your family, community and country will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Ofc Ron Tarentino you were a good one, Til Valhalla, we got it from here brother.
SPC. Alexei Orloff - US Army
Ofc. Alex Orloff -Worcester County Sheriffs Office
May 27, 2021
Today is just one of those days I'd really like to to talk with you. Just missing you, buddy.
Patrolman Robert Bjorkgren
Friend/Tewksbury Police Department
June 19, 2020
God bless you
Mark Mottola
May 23, 2020
My Big Brother,
It's been two and a half years since I've seen your smiling face and heard your one-of-a-kind laugh. Two and a half years since you were cruelly taken from us. It still feels like yesterday and I know it always will. I miss you more and more every single day, I have such a difficult time grasping the fact that you're really gone, it still doesn't feel real.
Your co-workers have been nothing short of incredible to us all since we lost you. They became our family instantly, over night, and we would be lost without them. Being apart of the family in Blue is truly special and there is nothing in the world like it. They have had our backs, been there to provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, lifted us up and comforted us through every little thing. Their support is unwavering, to this day. I know they will be there for us for life. They are our true family, and we will forever be grateful for all they have done for us and to keep your memory alive. I always look forward to seeing them, because every time I do, I feel a little closer to you, like your there with me. They always have a new story to tell me and something you did to make them laugh, which makes me laugh. I know they love and miss you as much as we do.
I vow to you, that so long as I live and breathe, I will do everything in my power to ensure that you will never be forgotten. I vow to keep your spirit and memory alive and well in all that I do in life. I vow to do everything I can to help create a safer environment for our Police Officers, so that what happened to you won't happen again.
I miss you so incredibly much, you took half of me with you when you left, but everything I do, I do for you. I love you so much.
My Brother, My Hero.
HEROES LIVE FOREVER
All my Love,
Caitlin
Sister of Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. E.O.W. - 05/22/16
November 30, 2018
John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.
A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen
August 30, 2018
Rest in peace Officer Tarentino. your bravery shall be saluted. I was wondering if you were related to movie director Quentin Tarentino.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 25, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends on the 1 year anniversary of this fallen hero.
Hannah Penn
Friend of Ofc. Eric Mumaw EOW 2/2/17
May 22, 2017
May you rest in peace on your first anniversary and the hope that your family and co-workers can assuage their grief. You are a hero and have a place in the kingdom of God. That evil soul is now in hell.
Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)
May 22, 2017
Thank you for your sacrifice and may you rest in peace.
Travis D. Bird
Commonwealth's Attorney - Spotsylvania County, VA
August 11, 2016
Rest in Peace, Police Officer Ronald Tarentino. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.
Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dept., Barnwell, SC
July 20, 2016
Ron,
May you rest in peace my brother, I will miss our times together, especially during hunting season. You always had a smile on your face and was there to help whenever needed. I am honored to have been your friend and will never forget you. Love you bro.
Patrolman Michael Lombardozzi
Leicester Police Department
July 19, 2016
My nephew, I still cannot totally digest that you are no longer with me in this world. I am at a loss for words. I do not think it will ever sink in. I hope you are at peace and that you rest easy, you are certainly deserving of it. Your beautiful family is surrounded by some of the most dedicated men and women that are your colleagues, and they watch over them. I keep thinking of all the good times we shared over the years and I always end up with a smile on my face because they were all good. Although we were uncle and nephew, we were only 10 years apart in age. I miss hearing your laugh, and your always referring to Lori as "Auntie". I miss talking to you and referring to Spenser as "Luke". When you got on the "job" your new busy schedule, and my busy schedule kept us from doing all the fun things we shared but I am fortunate to have all of those memories. I honestly believe that if I can become half the man you are when I grow up, that I will have accomplished something in my life. I love and miss you more that words can describe, and you are in my every waking thought every minute of everyday. Thank you for being the person you are, and for being my friend. I am so proud of you and I WILL see you again some day. Hugs and Kisses, Uncle Lar.
Officer Lawrence J. James
Medford Police Department, MA / Proud Uncle
July 18, 2016
Rest in peace my cousin. As I told the family at your services I will proudly hold the blue torch high down in Florida. I got it from here.
Sr. Deputy Joe Durney
Volusia County Sheriff's Office
July 16, 2016
Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vires et Honorem
Frank J Kapusta
Moahwk Police Department
July 2, 2016
God's peace and speed Officer Tarentino. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP Brother.
P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago Police Dept.
June 27, 2016
Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr was an officer that all of our officers enjoyed working with. Ron was a funny charismatic guy with a great sense of humor. Many of our officers fell victim to his practical jokes.
Ron was the guy that dropped whatever he was doing to help a friend or somebody in need. Ron was not a judgmental person and gave everyone the Benefit of doubt.
Ron was a great family man, and worked long hours to provide for his wife and three boys.
Ron, I can't believe you had been taken from us a month ago. You and your family have been continuously in my thoughts and prayers.
Happy Birthday my friend and may you rest in peace. Your brothers & sisters at APD miss you.
Detective Eric Dyson
Auburn police department
June 22, 2016
In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
June 21, 2016
RIP Brother.Thank you & God Bless.
Lt.Robert M.Petty (ret)
No.Bergen, N.J. P.D.
June 15, 2016
God Bless you our Brother in Blue. Prayers out to all of your family, friends, and co-workers. I know that you will be missed, but I'm certain that you will never be forgotten.
Former Deputy/Jail Officer
Wayne County Sheriffs Department
Wayne County Mississippi
June 7, 2016

