LORTON, Va. -

Fairfax County (web|news) police confirm that the body pulled from the Pohick Bay Saturday afternoon is that of missing police officer 2nd Lt. Frank Stecco who failed to resurface days earlier during a helicopter water rescue exercise.

"Let me just say it is with profound sadness that I announce that we have recovered 2nd Lt. Frank Stecco - a respected member of the Fairfax county police department for 19 years," said, Chief David Rohrer, Fairfax County Police, in a press conference Saturday.

Stecco, 42, went missing Tuesday afternoon after he volunteered to play the role of victim in a helicopter water rescue only to become one himself.

"That water is very murky about a foot or less of visibility down there," said, Mary Ann Jennings, Fairfax County Police.

Divers began a hand by hand grid search, eventually finding Stecco 100 feet from where he was last seen in the bay.

Police Chief Rohrer notified Stecco's family who visited the place where their loved one gave his life.

"My heart goes out to the family of our fallen officer, and my heart goes out to the men and women of the Fairfax County Police department," Chief Rohrer added.

A 19-year veteran of the force, Stecco was twice honored for bravery on the job. He's survived by his wife and three children.

42-year-old 2nd Lt. Francis Stecco, Fairfax County Police

A four day around the clock search was conducted by the police department, a dive team, police marine patrol and the Fairfax County Fire Department in an effort to locate the officer after he went missing in the murky water of the bay on Tuesday.

After several days of intense searching officials said there was no real chance of finding Stucco alive.

However, search crews continued to look for his body using boats, helicopters, and specially trained dogs. As a result, the Coast Guard had prohibited recreational boating in the Pohick Bay and nearby Gunston Cove. The order was in effect for seven days, allowing only commercial boaters to pass.