A prayer walk in memory of Const. Woodall
Ormsby Place residents, local parish members and a slain Edmonton police officer’s former co-workers gathered at Our Saviour Lutheran Church for a prayer walk Friday in his memory.
Const. Daniel Woodall, 35, a father of two, was serving a warrant at a home near the church in southwest Edmonton when he was killed Monday. A second officer, Sgt. Jason Harley, was wounded, but is expected to make a full recovery.
About 100 people, many wearing blue, took part in the walk, which circled the neighbourhood, stopping at three local churches for moments of silence, reflection and prayer.
“I wouldn’t normally come out to something like this, but he was protecting my neighbourhood,” said Kendle Melsness, who lived near the home where Woodall was killed. “I felt I had to come out.”
Shelly Lindberg-Krein, a member of the Lutheran church, handed out blue carnations and white roses adorned with blue ribbons before the walk began.
“You don’t expect that to happen in our neighbourhood,” Lindberg-Krein said of Monday’s shooting, as well as of an unconnected shooting that took place in the church parking lot slightly more than two weeks ago. A man was seriously injured in that incident. “I hope this creates a sense of community.”
The flowers were a sign of solidarity and love for everyone affected by Monday’s shooting, said Pastor Philip Penrod. Penrod organized the walk to show support for “innocent bystanders” who experienced Monday’s events, as well as killer Norman Raddatz’s family, whom Penrod said is left with the shame of his actions.
Raddatz took his own life Monday as police surrounded his burning home.
“You’ve seen blue ribbons everywhere in memory of Const. Woodall, but they’re not the only ones involved,” said Penrod.
During the walk, children tied blue ribbons to trees. Others laid flowers in front of a cross at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
“You can’t beat up hate, can’t fight it,” said Penrod. “People needed a tangible act.”
In northwest Edmonton, the Al Rashid Mosque is collecting funds for a trust fund for Woodall’s family. The mosque plans to present a cheque to the family during Ramadan.
“Const. Daniel Woodall was a friend to the Edmonton Muslim community,” wrote a Mosque spokesperson in a message to the Journal. “He had visited many mosques in Edmonton including Al Rashid and offered his support at any time should we need his assistance.”
A funeral procession and regimental service open to the public will be held Wednesday for Woodall. A public visitation will be held tomorrow.
Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Sharpe said Friday that Woodall’s family has been overwhelmed and comforted by the public’s response.
Woodall’s young sons have seen the blue ribbons around the city put up in his memory.
His parents, David and Denise Woodall, who flew to Canada from the United Kingdom, were moved by the blue lights on the High Level Bridge.
“What I see is a community grieving, as well as wanting, in some ways, to help out,” said Sharpe, who knew Woodall and was visibly shaken as he spoke.
Members of the Edmonton Police Service Guard of Mourners will stand vigil over the closed casket.
Police officers from across North America are expected to attend the service.