1000 turn out to honour NSW policeman

Seven-year-old Patrick wore his father's police hat with pride while a score of NSW police officers formed a guard of honour and saluted as the family of Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson made the sad walk to his funeral service.

More than 1000 mourners gathered at Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral on Monday to remember the decorated 43-year-old NSW police officer who was killed on March 5 in a police chase.

He had been on his way to help his colleagues in a late-night vehicle pursuit in The Hunter Valley.

Sgt Richardson's wife Margaret - who is also a police officer - carried their five-month-old son Aiden as she walked beside Patrick.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said in his funeral valedictory the highly respected officer had worn his uniform with "great pride" for his 18 years in the force.

"In the words of one colleague, he was a 'policeman's policeman' ... committed to his job, committed to his mates, and committed to the community he served," Mr Scipione said.

"He was the exemplar of a family man."

Sgt Richardson, who had already received three awards across his service, including one for an off-duty response with his wife, was posthumously awarded a further three accolades.

Mr Scipione granted the officer the National Police Medal for ethical and diligent service, the 15-year clasp to his NSW Police Medal and the Commissioner's Commendation for Service.

"Sgt Geoffrey Richardson gave his life in the very way he had lived it; in the service of others," Mr Scipione said.

"And, by unanimous verdict, Geoff was not just a police officer but a gregarious good bloke."

He said the community could remember the officer - known as Geoff, Richo or Buddha - "by following his example".

Sgt Richardson's name will be etched into the granite of the Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney.

The driver who sparked the police pursuit to which Sgt Richardson was en route when he died has been charged with 17 offences and remains behind bars.