Officer Tarentino's Son Says Police Deserve More Respect

CHARLTON (CBS) – Slain Auburn Officer Ronald Tarentino's son said during funeral remarks that he hopes his father's death prompts people to treat police with more respect.

Read: Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Remembered As 'Knight In Shining Armor'

Spenser Tarentino, a high school senior, was one of several people who gave emotional addresses during the funeral for the officer killed Sunday in the line of duty.

"Police officers deserve so much more respect than they get. You guys do one of the hardest jobs in the world. People are so disrespectful," Spenser Tarentino said, standing next to his brothers Ronald and Kyle.

"And I hope my dad did not go in vain and something good comes out of this in that people realize they need to start realizing and addressing police officers for everything that they do. I can't do anything but hope obviously something good comes out of this."

Spenser described Officer Tarentino as more than a father.

"He was not only my dad, but he was my best friend. I learned everything I know from him - his sense of humor, his work ethic. Simply everything I know came from him. I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me and I know my brothers feel the same way," Spenser added.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Charlton was filled with friends, family and a large number of police officers.

In addition, thousands of officers from New England and around the country stood outside the church to pay tribute to Tarentino.

"Police officers specifically, you guys have one of the hardest jobs in the world. You guys are something special, all of you," said Spenser. "To see how much he's changed everybody's lives, it makes it a little better."