The family of missing Queensland officer Jay Notaro has said that they are 'deeply sad “because a day-long search has been called.
Detective inspector Notaro, 45, was last seen on Tuesday when he disappeared while surfing in Broken Head near Byron Bay in northeastern New South Wales.
The NSW police announced on Friday afternoon that the search was suspended, but that the assignments of the local police and the marine area command will continue.
'The family was of course destroyed of course. This gap in our lives will never be filled, “said Mr Notaro's father in a statement by Sky News.
“We are broken. Such a tragic accident. '
He said that the conditions have been 'terrible' and the police of NSW and Queensland, as well as supporting family and friends, thanked for a 'remarkable response'.
“It is really humiliating and heartwarming. But we fully understand that they should call it, “he said.
“The search was intensive. Now we wait until mother nature decides whether she will bring him back to us. '

Detective inspector Jay Notaro (photo) was last seen on Tuesday when he disappeared while surfing on a broken head near Byron Bay
The search for the Notaro search was launched on Tuesday around 12.40 at Broken Head by Tweed and Byron Police.
A squadron of emergency services consisting of the Queensland, Water Police, the Queensland Polair and Surf Lifesavers have participated in search stresses.
Actor Chris Hemsworth was also spotted to help the police on Wednesday when the desperate search went on his fourth day.
It was revealed that the police officer was part of an inner circle of surfing mates, including Hemsworth, 41, according to the Courier Mail.
Lak Notaro played an important role in resolving important cases, the bikie-linked dead of Gold Coast victim Greg Dufty.
The top agent then served in rolls, including officer who is responsible for the Gold Coast Water Police and Coomera Police Station.
Insp Notaro was recently transferred to Ipswich after he was promoted to inspector.
Last year he received a 'Compassion in Policing' Award through the Support Supports Group of the Victims of Queensland for his work on the Dufty case.
At the time of his disappearance, he reportedly spent a few days in the Byron Bay Area for his 45th birthday last Monday.
More come.