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Fallen Auburn officer laid to rest

CHARLTON, Mass. — An Auburn Police officer killed in the line of duty will be laid to rest Friday.

The funeral for Officer Ronald Tarentino took place at Saint Joseph's Church in Charlton. Officers from across the country will be lined up outside. Following the funeral, Officer Tarentino will taken to his hometown of Leicester to be laid to rest.

Fallen Auburn officer's wife thanks the community

Officer Ronald Tarentino's widow thanked the community for its support before his funeral service. Hear Tricia Tarentino's full statement here: http://fox25.com/1XWlhcp

Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, May 27, 2016

Officer Tarentino, 42, was shot and killed during a traffic stop early Sunday morning. After a manhunt, police found the suspect, Jorge Zambrano, in an Oxford home. A four-hour standoff ended when Zambrano ambushed officers, shooting a trooper. Officers then returned fire, killing Zambrano. The trooper was not seriously injured.

Thousands of officers and community members paid their respects to Officer Tarentino at his wake Thursday afternoon.  His obituary said being a police officer was his lifelong dream. Officer Tarentino spent seven years with the Leicester Police Department before becoming an Auburn officer two years ago.

"I love you Ron. I will never be able to fill the hole that is left in my heart for you," said Larry James, Officer Tarentino's uncle.

Officer Tarentino's sister, three children and police colleagues spoke during the service.

Caitlin Tarentino delivered the eulogy for Tarentino at his funeral Friday.

His youngest sister remembered him for his sense of humor and his willingness to help anyone.

She made the mourners laugh when she remembered the place of privilege her big brother had as the first-born child in an Italian family. She said it made him "kind of a big deal," and earned him the nickname "the Prince."

Tarentino's son, Spenser, urged people to be more respectful of police officers.

Officer Ron Tarentino's son, Spenser, said that he hopes his father did not die in vain, and that people can learn to respect police officers: http://fox25.com/1TMC7ZG

Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, May 27, 2016

Caitlin Tarentino was followed by Auburn Chief Andrew Sluckis, who said he never heard a single complaint about Tarentino, who had earned his deepest respect and trust.

"Ron was born with blue blood...[he] once told me being a police was his dream job," Chief Sluckis said.

Leicester Police Sgt. Paul Doray shared Tarentino's application for becoming a Leicester police officer.

"The last thing I want to do is let my family down," wrote Ron Tarentino when applying to the Leicester Police Department. "I also know it can be dangerous, but so is crossing the street or driving to the bank."

"In the middle of the night, in his cruiser, Ron would not hesistate to fist bump and dance to Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus," Doray added. "

FOX25's Bob Ward will have more coverage on FOX25 News at 4.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.