THE murder of Tamworth highway patrol officer David Rixon was “a senseless tragedy” but it has left a lasting legacy for police, an inquest has heard.

Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon said yesterday’s coronial inquest into the death of the experienced policeman would open old wounds, but said by law it was needed whenever anyone suffered a sudden, unexpected or violent death.

“A grossly premature death [caused]by Michael Allen Jacobs was all those things,” he told Tamworth Coroner’s Court.

Senior Constable Rixon boasted 21 years of police service before he was gunned down four years ago.

Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd told the inquest the murder had been felt by “his family, friends, colleagues, the community, and indeed, anyone with a conscience”, but it couldn’t be put into words.

“Pure devastation may come close,” he said.

Acting Superintendent Budd said “Ricko” as he was known, was a “fantastic country cop” who genuinely believed his efforts “had an impact on road safety”.

He said the murder had made the police “more galvanised” and “resolved to protect the community”, and acknowledged that even local crooks showed empathy to police in the wake of the tragedy.

“Genuine, hardened criminals ... acknowledged the line had been crossed,” he said.

In a statement to the inquest, Senior Constable Brock Freeman said his colleague was “very conscious” of officer protocol and safety and did “everything by the book, by the letter of the law”.

Mr Dillon said it was clear Senior Constable Rixon was a good officer because he “knows his own patch”.

“He knew Michael Jacobs was a habitual offender,” he said.

“He strongly suspected that Jacobs had breached the law.”

He said the tragedy had highlighted “what a risky profession policing can be”.

“This is just something that just shouldn’t happen,” he said.

“They do this job so the rest of use can live in peace and safety.

“Every single member of the police family is carrying a legacy of David.”