"His untimely and accidental death is tragic. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, present and former colleagues.''
Mr Wright spent 34 years in policing, first as a traffic officer with the Ministry of Transport and then as a police officer since from 1992, Mr Searle said.
"Alan spent virtually his entire career in the Auckland region where he was well known and respected. He was a real character with a great sense of humour. He was passionate about road policing and also his boat.''