A much-loved family man and dedicated police officer has died overnight when his police car struck a tree while responding to a pursuit
Just before midnight, 43-year-old police sergeant Geoffrey Richardson was travelling along Lovedale Road, Allandale, when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Sergeant Richardson died at the scene. He was the only person in the car.
An Critical Incident Investigation has been launched, supported by the the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit
Sergeant Richardson joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1998 – beginning his career in the Campbelltown command. He was soon transfered to Cobar, where he was promoted to Senior Constable. In April 2010 he was transferred to Central Hunter, before moving to Lake Macquarie as Sergeant in 2010. In 2015 he was transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson was the recipient of a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty in 2012.
He is survived by his wife Margaret – also a police officer – and their two children.
More details tonight at 6.
