It is with great sadness that police can confirm that the man whose body was recovered from the Manawatu River this morning was a police officer.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Mike Toon was off-duty when he got into difficulty last night while attempting to help a family member who had gone into the river to rescue their dog.
¡°This is obviously a tragic and very difficult time for Mike¡¯s family, as well as his police colleagues.¡± says Superintendent Sue Schwalger, Central District Commander.
¡°We and the wider Police family will come together to provide the support needed to his family and colleagues.
¡°Mike acted with courage to help a family member, and that has ended in tragedy.
¡°This is a sad day for all police staff and we share the grief of Mike¡¯s family.
¡°I would like to thank all the emergency and response services who have been part of the search, particularly for their support to Mike¡¯s family at this difficult time.¡±
END
Advisory: Media please note that Superintendent Sue Schwalger will hold a brief media stand-up outside Palmerston North Police Station at 3pm today.
Issued by Police Media Centre
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