The late Senior Constable Tony Tamplin was many things to many people and on Monday his memory was given a lasting legacy.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione joined Senior Constable Tamplin's widow, Sonia, their extended families and some of the region's top brass to open the Tony Tamplin Memorial Garden.

The garden, which is adjacent to the Newcastle police station in Watt Street, also has three wooden posts with plaques for justice, family and community.

"Columns in the local newspaper, a familiar face on television and comforting voice on the radio that exuded a warmth, wisdom and authority in just the right amounts, he became the face and the voice of the police force in the Hunter region," Mr Scipione said.

". . . I can't imagine that anyone could come here and sit at this spot and not think of Tony."

Newcastle City local area commander Superintendent John Gralton said his legacy was far-reaching.

"He was such a part of the landscape of Newcastle I think it is very apt that we put the garden here . . . which is a place for people to come and sit and reflect and think of Tony and the wonderful fellow that he was and the work he did in our community," Superintendent Gralton said.

"We said when Tony passed that he took a piece of the Hunter's heart away.

"Well let's just hope that people can come back and feel a bit of Tony here in this garden."