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3 weeks after death, Auburn PD continues to mourn Ofc. Tarentino

AUBURN, Mass. — It was a shocking murder that stunned our community when a well-liked Auburn police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Officer Ronald Tarentino was a husband a father of three children. Now, his heartbroken fellow police officers are stepping up to help.

It has been three weeks since Tarentino’s death, but Auburn Police Chief Andrew Sluckis said the letters have not stopped coming.

“People truly do care, and they don't forget,” he said.

Tarentino was killed during a routine traffic stop. The killer, a career criminal, was killed later that same day in a confrontation with police.

“It was very difficult. It was difficult at the hospital that night. It was difficult in the days and couple of weeks going forward. Still difficult today,” Sluckis said.

Auburn officers, including patrolman Paul Lombardi, are trying to help. They’re staging a comedy fundraiser in Worcester headlined by Artie Lange, Lenny Clarke, Steve Sweeney and others.

“It makes us feel good about society. It's not all bad and people are coming together to help people they don't even know,” Lombardi said.

Tarentino is remembered as a hard working cop, a dedicated family man, someone who enjoyed a good laugh. It's hoped this fundraiser will help heal some deep wounds.

“I think he would think it's great we are doing it for his family, but he wouldn't want us doing it for him,” Sluckis said.

The fundraiser will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 7 p.m. in Worcester Mechanics Hall. You can buy tickets online here.