By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – A pair of Cornwall police officers were in Edmonton this week to pay tribute to a fallen brother.
Sgt. Dave MacLean and Const. Austin Clark of the Cornwall Community Police Service made the trip to Alberta Wednesday (June 18) to take part in a massive memorial service for Edmonton police Const. Daniel Woodall, who worked for the hate-crimes unit.
Over 3,500 officers and first responders, many from across the country, attended the funeral where the 35-year-old, husband, and father of two was remembered as a valued friend and colleague. Woodall started his career with the Greater Manchester Police based at the Wythenshawe station.
“There’s a wide range of emotions. The first and foremost is sadness for his family,” said MacLean. “You relate that to your own family and situation, and what that would be like for your kids. When I was out there that day, that feeling, it grips you.”
Woodall and Sgt. Jason Harley, 38, were serving a warrant at a west Edmonton home on June 8 when gunfire broke out as they attempted to enter the residence. A total of 53 bullet holes were found in the house and garage across from the crime scene. The officers didn’t fire any rounds.
Harley was shot in the back but has been released from hospital. Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Norman Walter Raddatz.
“He was just doing his job. There is always some risk but when a team goes out they’re confident that they’ll be coming home at the end of the day,” said MacLean. “Unfortunately there are situations where things take a turn for the worse and something like this happens. It’s a real tragedy.”
The 14-year veteran of the CCPS and Clark, who has spent seven years on the force, were glad to offer their deepest condolences to Woodall’s family, friends and colleagues as Edmonton residents lined the streets to watch the procession pass.
“The outpour of support from the community and fellow colleagues was unbelievable. Coming in from Ontario there were so many people who approached us and were appreciative we made the trip,” said MacLean.
