Toon had a ‘heart of gold’
Police prosecutor Mike Toon’s immediate colleagues have spoken about his death for the first time.
The devastated Palmerston North police force is struggling to come to terms with the loss of their mate ‘‘Toony’’, who drowned in a heroic rescue of his daughter in the Manawatu River on Thursday evening.
Police said Toon, 49, jumped into the fast-flowing river to help his daughter rescue the family dog from the water.
His daughter and the dog emerged from the water and a search for Toon continued through the night.
His body was found by the police national dive team about 9.30am on Friday.
One of Toon’s fellow prosecutors, Sergeant Stu Oram, said ‘‘Toony’’ was an integral part of their team and a close friend and colleague to all of them.
‘‘He had a heart of gold and was always willing to go the extra distance for anyone. We’re just devastated by his loss.’’
Palmerston North Police Association chairman Senior Constable Allan Wells said he couldn’t speak more highly of Toon.
‘‘He was a much-liked and wellrespected police officer amongst his many work colleagues.
‘‘He was known by many staff simply as ‘Toony’, and in his most recent role as a prosecutor he came in contact with staff from all the different work groups of policing within the Palmerston North and greater Manawatu area.’’
Wells said Toon was a professional in his job and his easy-going attitude and welcoming personality would be missed. ‘‘None more so than within the close knitprosecution section.’’
Wells expected a large police presence at Toon’s funeral to show the respect his work colleagues had for him and to support his family through these hard times.
A death notice run on Monday said Toon was a much-loved husband of Vicki for 25 years and a loved and respected father of Joel and Kelly.
‘‘Gone but not forgotten, you will be forever in our hearts,’’ the notice said.
Toon’s daughter and the dog are said to be recovering well, but the family is in shock following the tragedy.