EDMONTON — Just over three weeks since Const. Daniel Woodall was killed in the line of duty, the Edmonton Police Association is thanking people for their support.
“The death of a fellow police officer is the most traumatic incident that can befall a police service,” said association president Sgt. Maurice Brodeur.
Woodall was fatally shot on the evening of June 8. He and several other officers were at a west Edmonton home to execute an arrest warrant when the suspect fired dozens of shots at police. An autopsy later confirmed Norman Raddatz shot himself before his house burned to the ground.
READ MORE: Edmonton police Const. Daniel Woodall, 35, killed in west-end shooting
Brodeur said since that horrific day, Edmonton police have been overwhelmed by the public’s response.
“As an entire police service grieved the death of a friend and brother, an amazing thing happened: the citizens of the Edmonton region also grieved with us and the outpouring of support was touching to all our members.”
He said people dropped off food at police stations, offered to pay for officers’ coffee, stopped them in public to say thank you, and thousands lined the streets for Woodall’s funeral procession.
READ MORE: ‘Comfort in the midst of enormous pain’: Thousands honour Const. Woodall
Brodeur said law enforcement officials from other countries were shocked by the public show of support for police.
“They all said that you would never see the people of their countries support the police officers in such a sincere and caring manner.
“In the words of one of the English fellows in town for the funeral: ‘Canada is so pure. You need to all realize what you have here. It’s special.'”
Across the city, blue ribbons were tied on trees, posts and fences as another sign of solidarity.
He explained how much the gestures and encouragement have meant to police, describing the overall effect as “embracing all of us in a collective hug while we grieve Dan’s death.”
“To all the Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians who supported the Edmonton police family in such a gracious and loving manner, thank you from all of us. Your kind support has helped our healing process and we will never forget.”
Brodeur said they want to take the opportunity to make the relationship between police and community even stronger.
“During a horrible tragedy, a city came together and showed the world what a great and caring community Edmonton is.”
He said the Police Association board is already talking to the city about a permanent memorial for Woodall – possibly in Ezio Faraone Park. There will also be a memorial created in the private police park Blue Meadows.
READ MORE: FC Edmonton to host inaugural Woodall Cup
A soccer match – the inaugural Woodall Cup – will be held July 26.
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