WATCH ABOVE: One day ahead of EPS Const. Daniel Woodall’s regimental funeral, some of our city’s youngest citizens found a special way to say thank you. Jessica Kent explains.
EDMONTON — It started as a suggestion to write a few notes to thank Edmonton police for their work during this difficult time. But on Tuesday, St. Paul school presented close to 300 cards to officers.
“I would like to tell you that all the students at our school are very sorry for what happened to your friends and co-workers,” said 12-year-old Kylan O’Connell.
“We would like to say thank you for all the hard work that you do every day to keep us and our city safe.”
From Kindergarten to Grade 6, every student at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School made a card for members of the Edmonton Police Service.
“We hope that the police officers will take one of these cards for their home, office or car and when they look at it they will remember how many people love them and are thankful for what they do,” said Kylan.
READ MORE: Edmonton police Const. Daniel Woodall, 35, killed in west-end shooting
Const. Rob Pinter, an 11-year EPS member, Sgt. Eric Duff, a 17-year member, and retired Sgt. Chris Hayden attended the special event.
“On behalf of the Edmonton Police Service – serving members, retired members – I see these faces here and it’s just phenomenal,” said Hayden, fighting back tears.
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“You really have know idea what this means.”
“For you kids to put these cards together… from the bottom of our hearts, all we can say is thank you,” added Hayden. “We are proud to be police officers and we’re proud to make you safe.”
“For the City of Edmonton, we are truly overwhelmed.”
The school auditorium was full with students and staff dressed in blue. At one point, they all began chanting “EPS.”
“I have goosebumps all over me,” said Const. Pinter. “It’s been a really rough week and it really hits hard when one of us is not here any longer. Thank you for the support. The whole city has really stood up and showed us how much they care.”
Global’s Kevin O’Connell and Kent Morrison were honoured to be part of the presentation.
“What we’re here for today started out as a suggestion of doing a few cards to remember some of the Edmonton police officers in the tragic events that happened in the last week, and it turned into every one of you doing a personal card for a police officer in this city,” said Kevin, whose son attends St. Paul. “I think it’s just absolutely wonderful.”
“You guys did just an amazing, amazing job.”
Hayden joined Kevin and Kent on Sunday’s Weekend Morning News where they read some of the students’ thank-you cards.
WATCH: Retired EPS Sgt. Chris Hayden talks about the public support the Edmonton police have received. Plus, Kevin shares some cards written by students at St. Paul school.
Edmonton Const. Daniel Woodall was shot and killed in the line of duty on June 8. His colleague, Sgt. Jason Harley was injured.
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