Sergeant Peter Stone is farewelled during a procession at his funeral on Thursday. Photo: NSW Police.
The heroic police officer who died while saving his son from a rip near Narooma earlier this year has been farewelled at his funeral.
Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone, 44, drowned after rescuing his 14-year-old son from the surf at an isolated and unpatrolled beach near Bogola Head on New Year’s Day (1 January).
NSW Police Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer said while he was “able to push his son out of the rip, he was then taken further out to sea”.
He was pulled unconscious from the water and volunteer lifesavers performed CPR until ambulance crews arrived, however, he sadly died at the scene.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the highly-regarded officer’s funeral on Thursday (12 January) which was held at St Columba’s Catholic College Hall in the Blue Mountains, NSW Police said.
The sergeant’s family and friends were joined by members of his police family and a funeral procession with a marching escort travelled from the hall at the end of the service.
His valedictory was read by Inspector Adam Evans.
“Sgt Stone’s service history is a reflection of his good character, dedication to duty and passion for helping others,” the inspector said.
“On behalf of the commissioner and colleagues of the NSW Police Force I wish to express my condolences to Peter’s family and friends on his tragic death.”
Sergeant Peter Stone drowned near Narooma on New Year’s Day. Photo: NSW Police.
Sergeant Stone has been awarded numerous medals, commendations and citations.
These included the National Emergency Medal, National Police Service Medal, NSW Premier’s Bushfire Citation and Commissioner’s Emergency Commendation.
He became a probationary constable in December 2000 after completing his training at the NSW Police Academy, then became a constable a year later.
In 2008, he was promoted to sergeant and in 2011 he transferred to the Blue Mountains Local Area Command as a general duties team leader.
Sergeant Stone also completed the rescue squad operators course and began part-time rescue duties within the Blue Mountains area in 2015.
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