Summit police Detective Matthew Tarentino, a father of two whose wife is expecting their third child, died in a car crash. Watch video
TRENTON -- State officials Friday announced that Summit police Detective Matthew Tarentino, who died in a crash while driving to work last month, will be honored through grants issued in his name to fund community-policing programs.
To commemorate Tarentino's badge number 121, the state will use $121,000 in forfeiture funds for the "Detective Matthew L. Tarentino Community Policing Grant Program," state Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced.
"Detective Tarentino was respected and beloved in his community because he embodied all of the best qualities of a police officer and role model: selflessness, compassion for others, and an unshakeable dedication and enthusiasm for his calling," Porrino said in a statement.
"Because he was a visionary in this area, it is only fitting that we hold Matthew up as a model," Porrino said.
Tarentino, 29, of Somerville, who was a community policing officer in Summit, was driving east on I-78 in Bernards at about 6:20 a.m. on May 30 when another driver, Archibald McGlashan, 68, of Bethlehem, Pa., was traveling west and veered off the road, across a grassy median and into the eastbound lanes.
McGlashan's car struck Tarentino's car and a third car.
Tarentino, a father of two whose wife, Victoria, is expecting their third child, was pronounced dead at the scene.
McGlashan was taken to Morristown Medical Center where he later died. The driver of the third car was also injured and taken to the medical center for treatment.
Tarentino was posthumously promoted to detective. Summit officials praised his service to the city. Tarentino and his wife graduated from Immaculata High School in Somerville. He was president of the Immaculate Conception School Advisory Council when he died.
Porrino on Friday recalled meeting Tarentino and hearing him speak in May when the detective and Summit police were recognized for their community policing program.
In announcing the grants, Porrino also thanked the members of the Summit Police Department and Chief Robert Weck for their strength and leadership during this very difficult time.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be available to police departments throughout the state.
Application forms are posted on the Attorney General's website or at this online link. The deadline for applications is July 10, 2017. All awards must be spent during the five-month period from Aug. 1 through he end of the year.
"In the end, the hallmark of a strong police force is mutual respect and trust between its officers and those they serve," said Elie Honig, director of the state Division of Criminal Justice.
The attorney general's office provides a list of possible community policing efforts including community picnics, public meetings and workshops, athletic leagues, 5K runs and bicycle races and food drives, among others.
Since Tarentino's death, the Summit PAL has been raising funds to his family. The PAL is working with two Summit restaurants for a June 15 event.
Tom Haydon may be reached at thaydon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_HaydonSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.