WATCH ABOVE: Dozens of bagpipers play ‘Amazing Grace’ in a stirring tribute to Const. Daniel Woodall.
EDMONTON — Chaplain Lawrence Peck may have said it best: “All of us wish we were not here today.”
The Edmonton police chaplain delivered the opening remarks at the funeral for Const. Daniel Woodall, killed in the line of duty last week.
“Not because we don’t want to honour Dan, but we wish that last Monday had never happened. We wish that Dan Woodall was still alive… That we had our son, we had our father, we had our husband, our colleague and our friend.
“But that is not the reality for any of us now.”
Thousands of people lined the streets as a funeral procession of uniformed members wound its way through downtown Edmonton. Thousands filled the Shaw Conference Centre for the service and celebration of the 35-year-old’s life.
“We come in support of Claire, Gabe and Callen, and her family. We come in support of Dan’s parents, David and Denise, and we come as a police family that has lost a part of ourselves.”
READ MORE: ‘My sons know he is a hero’: Const. Woodall’s wife thanks public for support
“Tears are welcome here as each of us grapples with the loss of someone who meant so much to so many in so many different ways,” said Peck.
People from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and across the world – including the United Kingdom, where Woodall began his policing career – have continued to rally behind the family and first responders. That was certainly the case on Wednesday.
“There are really no words great enough to express my love and gratitude to the city of Edmonton,” said Claire Woodall in a statement.”You have shown so much love and support to myself, my family, and all first responders. We will be forever grateful. I am lucky to call Edmonton my home. Thank you. From my family to yours.”
Const. Woodall’s parents also issued a statement:
“We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and thoughts at this very sad time. Dan was the light of our lives and the people of Edmonton have taken to him like one of their own. Thank you all again, we love you all.”
To send your condolences to the Woodall family, email a message to condolences@edmontonpolice.ca.
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