Hero cop Mike Toon farewelled in Palmerston North

Sergeant Mike Toon drowned in the Manawatu River last week. Photo/supplied

Loved ones gathered in Palmerston North todayto farewell the hero cop who died while saving his daughter from the Manawatu River.

Mike Toon, a 49-year-old police prosecutor, was walking with his daughter and their dog last week when the dog went into the water.

Toon's daughter went in to save the dog, and Toon jumped in to rescue his daughter. While the daughter and dog survived and made it out of the river, Toon did not. His body was found the next day.

Daughter Kelly Toon thanked her father at his funeral today, saying: "You saved my life, dad", Fairfax reported.

"You are, and always will be, our hero."

Hundreds of people showed up to farewell Toon, Fairfax reported.

Toon's son, Joel, also spoke at the service, saying his parents' marriage was a great example for him and his sister.

"They showed Kelly and I what love really was."

Inspector Anthony Reilly said Toon was born to be in uniform, and would dress up as a policeman from the age of 10.

Toon was also first to put his hand up to help following the Christchurch earthquake.

Sergeant Stu Oram said Toon "died helping to free one of the most important people in his life.

"Job done, Tooney. You can rest in peace now."

At the end of the 90-minute funeral service, officers and police dogs formed an honour guard as Toon's body was taken out, and AC/DC's Thunderstruck played.

The flag at the Church St Palmerston North police station was at half mast since early this morning.