CHRIS Craner's shiny shoes were one of the first hints Margaret King got that March 5 2016 was a day she would never forget.
The former Port Stephens 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 to join Senior Constable King and sons Patrick and Aiden to dedicate a Raymond Terrace training room in Sergeant Richardson's honour five years on.
Senior Constable King said the 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."
Port Stephens-Hunter commander Detective Superindennt 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 Mr 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.
