Fund started for NSW Sgt killed in crash

A fund has been set up to support the wife and young sons of a NSW police officer killed when his squad car crashed on the way to assist colleagues in the Hunter Valley.

Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, has been remembered as a hard-working, highly respected officer who served the force for 18 years.

The father of two was driving through Allandale on his way to help other officers in a pursuit on Saturday night when his car ran off the road and hit a tree.

NSW Police Association president Scott Webber said the unthinkable tragedy was a reminder of the sacrifices made by police and their families every day.

"At these times the strength of the police family is fortified as we rally together to support the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic loss," he said.

The association and NSW Police Legacy has set up an online fund to raise money to support Sgt Richardson's wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and their young sons.

"This sad event demonstrates the danger police officers put themselves in to keep the community safe. They come to work day in and day out, knowing the risks they all face," Mr Weber said.

"It takes a particular type of person to step forward often into harm's way, and commit himself or herself to such a job and give up peace of mind to preserve it for others."

The NSW Police Force has offered welfare, support and assistance to Sgt Richardson's family and colleagues at the Port Stephens Local Area Command where he was stationed.

"In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served," a statement from the force said.

"Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.

"As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson's family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation."

Donations to the fund can be made at http://geoffreyrichardson.gofundraise.com.au.