A Bay of Plenty Police officer honoured for his rescue of a man from Tauranga Harbour says he is humbled by the accolade.

Senior Constable Deane O'Connor, who recently retired, is to receive a New Zealand Bravery Medal for an act of bravery in saving a man on an evening in August 2013.

Retired Senior Constable Deane O'Connor has been recognised for his bravery during his time in the force. Supplied.

He was the first officer to arrive at the scene where a van had crashed through the railing on the Maungatapu Bridge and dropped into the harbour.

Sadly, the driver of the vehicle became trapped and died. But the passenger managed to free himself and was floundering in the water.

In the dark, Deane stripped down to his underwear and dived into cold, choppy, tidal waters to attempt a rescue.

He swam out up to 150 metres and towed the distressed man rescue-fashion back to shore. After both being in the water for about 40 minutes, they were taken to hospital in a critical condition and treated for hypothermia.

Deane received much praise and media attention at the time of the rescue.

Today, he reflected on the event:

'The memory of it never goes away. It was only later I learned that the chances of surviving in cold water like that after 45 minutes are greatly reduced. I now think to myself ‘I got away with it'.”

Deane, who says the award is both humbling and amazing, has kept in contact with the man he rescued.

After retiring from the police, Deane returned to the maintenance sector – a job he did before he graduated as a constable.

The New Zealand Bravery Awards are administered by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The medals are due to be presented at Government House on a date to be announced.