The NSW Police Force regrets to inform the community of the death of a serving police officer in an accident in New Zealand, NSW Police say.
Detective Senior Constable Joshua Paroci, aged 31, died following a rafting incident in Queenstown, New Zealand on Saturday (19 May 2018).
Det S/C Paroci joined the force in 2009 and was most recently working at the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad.
Commissioner Mick Fuller extended condolences to the Paroci family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
"The hardest part of my job is when we lose one of our own and my thoughts are with Det S/C Paroci's wife, who is also a police officer, family, friends and colleagues," Commissioner Fuller said.
"Det S/C Paroci was well respected by all those who knew him and the police family will rally around his loved ones during this difficult time.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, said Josh was a great man and an excellent detective, and will be sorely missed by the team.
"Professionally, Josh was a tireless worker; dedicated to investigating some of the most heinous crimes against children," Det Supt Kerlatec said.
"His passion was justice for victims. Not only was he a police officer, he was completing a law degree, which he intended to use to create better outcomes for young victims.
"Josh was inspirational, and everywhere he worked, he turned colleagues into mates; today, we mourn the loss of our good mate."
Det S/C Paroci’s family have requested their privacy at this time.
New Zealand Police continue to make inquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and with the assistance of Maritime NZ, which is conducting its own investigation into what happened.
