Hundreds Attend Vigil For Slain Auburn Police Officer

AUBURN (CBS) – Hundreds attended a vigil at Auburn's Lemansky Park in honor of fallen police Officer Ron Tarentino on Wednesday evening.

The vigil opened with the National Anthem and words from Town Manager Julie Jacobson. Then, the crowd lit candles and sang Amazing Grace.

Many in the crowd had never met Officer Tarentino but were touched by his service and sacrifice.

"It's a tragedy when someone doesn't make it home. Especially a law enforcement officer who puts his heart and soul and body on the line every single day," Shrewsbury resident Chuck Carroll said.

Some felt a more personal connection to him like Kristen Lovely, who is married to a Worcester police officer.

"We took it to heart because it's Auburn. It's right here, right next to Worcester. It's not far away this time," Lovely said.

The vigil also served to honor retired Auburn Fire Chief Roger Belhumeur who died after a 16-year battle with cancer. He died within hours of Officer Tarentino.