The former Port Stephens police commander was wearing them as he arrived at her door to tell her Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, her husband, had died on duty when his car hit a tree at Allandale during a pursuit.

The now Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner donned the shoes again on Friday, March 5 to join Senior Constable King and sons Patrick, 12, and Aiden, 5, at Raymond Terrace Police station where a training room was dedicated in Sergeant Richardson's honour on the fifth anniversary of his death.

Senior Constable King said the multi-purpose training room would preserve her husband's legacy.

"Five years would seem like a long time, but to us it's an eternity and a split second all at once," she said.

"He was a devoted husband and father, loving brother and brother in law, hilarious uncle, wonderful friend and the best son and son-in-law anyone could ever wish for.

"Our hope is that every time this training room is entered Geoffrey's sacrifice is remembered and every officer can reflect on the type of cop Geoffrey was and remember what uncertainty each day can bring."

Sergeant Richardson was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road shortly before noon on March 5, 2016.

At the time, the Port Stephens police Sergeant had been driving to assist colleagues engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.

His full police funeral, held at Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle a week following his death, was attended by more than 1000 mourners.

Sergeant Richardson was the recipient of numerous awards including a Region Commander's Commendation for Bravery and a posthumous Commissioner's Commendation for Service.

Sergeant Richardson was also honoured in 2016 when a light blue police car bearing number plates RCH joined the Port Stephens command's fleet.

Current Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commander Detective Superintendent Chad Gillies said "Richo" had been renowned for "a knack of identifying and arresting crooks."

"Quite simply he was a copper's cop," he said.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said he had taken Sergeant Richardson's warmth and commitment and tried to emulate it.

"He was a thoroughly decent man. He stands for everything we as police officers want to do, and that's race out and lock up the bad people," he said.

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