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Two Massachusetts Police Officers Killed On Duty Are Honored In DC Ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC (CBS) - Two Massachusetts police officers killed in the line of duty in 2016 were honored in a Washington, DC candlelight ceremony Saturday.

Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Clardy and Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarantino were included in a list of 143 law enforcement officers whose names will be engraved onto the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Clardy died in March 2016 when his cruiser was hit on the Mass Pike. Tarantino was shot in May 2016 during a routine traffic stop.

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Auburn Police Officer Ron Taratino. (Photo credit: Auburn Police Department)

Taking part in the candlelight memorial, a rank of Massachusetts State Troopers stood at attention, holding their candles in honor of their fallen comrade.

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Massachusetts State Police at the DC candlelight ceremony. (Photo credit: Massachusetts State Police)

The solemn ceremony Saturday also includes 251 others not previously honored.

"The names will be read as a part of this ceremony and be forever etched on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial--and in the hearts of a grateful nation," the Master of Ceremonies said.

"To them and their families, and to all law enforcement professionals who serve and protect us, tonight we say 'Thank  you,'" he said.

This is the 29th year of the memorial and this year's honorees will join over 21,000 other police officers whose names are already engraved on the memorial.

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