TEWKSBURY (WBZ-AM) -- Auburn and Tewksbury's boys' basketball teams don't usually play one another--but the two teams shared the court Thursday night to honor a fallen police officer.
Auburn Police Officer Ron Tarentino was shot and killed in the line of duty two years ago during a routine traffic stop.
Tewksbury Police Officer Rob Byorkin helped organize the game, and told WBZ-TV he did it to show the officer's family--including his parents--that the community supported them.
"You know, there's times when they're hurting, and we just wanted to bring as much joy, and show them how much their son meant to the communities," Officer Byorkin said.
His widow, Tricia Tarentino, said the event was extra special for her and her family.
"For my boys to be able to see the extension of their father's legacy is really cool," she said. "We're really grateful."
Tarentino grew up in Tewksbury. Every player in the game wore Tarentino's old number, 32.
The game will be an annual event.
The town has also raised money toward a monument and plaque in honor of Officer Tarentino.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports