Hero boy made an honorary detective after finding missing man

He might only be six years old but Perth boy Tommy Cook is getting a lot of attention, and it's for all the right reasons.

The East Fremantle Primary School student received a bravery award after finding 88-year-old Francisco Rebelo who had been missing for 42 hours. 

Tommy and his mum Jo stumbled upon the grandfather while walking to school yesterday, bringing an end to a gruelling 42-hour search for the 88-year-old.

Today, police officers paid him a visit at his school and made Tommy an honorary detective – complete with a detective badge and tie. 

Tommy told 9NEWS that when he grew up, he would like to be a detective.

But despite all the attention, he said he did not consider himself a hero.

Mr Rebelo's family have also personally thanked Tommy and his mum and said Mr Rebelo was recovering well, but likely to remain in hospital for the next few days.