Police tributes flow for Sergeant Peter Stone, who died saving son

NSW Police have paid a touching tribute to the “selfless” officer who drowned while trying to save his son on the state’s south coast.

NSW Police have paid tribute to a police officer who drowned after saving his struggling son from a rip on the state’s south coast on Sunday.

Sergeant Peter Stone, 44, was able to get his 14-year-old son to safety at a beach near Narooma, but was caught in the rip himself and taken further out to sea.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the loss as “tragic.”

“Sergeant Stone was well-liked by all those who knew him, and we are not surprised by his selfless actions,” Commissioner Webb said on Tuesday.

Sergeant Peter Stone drowned after saving his son from a rip on the NSW south coast on Sunday. Picture: Supplied NSW Police.

“His death is a tragic loss to the NSW Police Force and my thoughts are with Peter’s wife, family, friends and colleagues during this terribly sad time,” she said.

Sgt Stone attested in 2000 and was most recently serving as an officer in the Blue Mountains.

Superintendent Don Faulds, Blue Mountains Police Area Commander, said Sgt Stone was an “exceptional man” and a “brilliant operator.”

“Peter had dedicated his professional life to helping the community and had a real passion for rescue operations, particularly here in the rugged mountain terrain,” Superintendent Faulds said.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Sgt Stone’s death was a “tragic loss.” Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

“He was always quick - if not first - to offer his help or assistance around the command and his colleagues considered him a mate,” he said.

“As we mourn our mate, we acknowledge the loss of a husband, a father and hero.”

Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer said the swell was two to three feet, predominantly north east, and the rip “substantial.”

According to Nine News, life savers from Narooma rushed out to sea to rescue Sgt Stone, who was unconscious when he was reached, but their attempts at CPR on the beach were unsuccessful.

The beach where Sgt Stone drowned was reportedly unpatrolled and out of sight of lifeguards.

Originally published as Police tributes flow for Sergeant Peter Stone, who died saving son