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Claire Woodall was aware something bad was going down on Monday night, June 8, 2015 in Edmonton’s Callingwood neighbourhood. She was tuned in not only because of her employment at a local Edmonton radio station, but her husband Daniel was on duty that night with the Edmonton Police Service.

At 9:10 PM she tweeted @NumberGenie  Haven’t heard anything so here’s hoping my cop isn’t there! #policewife #nerves #family #love #prayer #positivevibesEPS2

Hours later the world, as she knew it, ended. Cst. Woodall was the “officer down.”

At 4:10 AM she simply tweeted #EPS #EPSstrong #PoliceLivesMatter #foreverinmyheart #love #unity #family #father #husband #forever

At 8:10 AM the next day, in an act of heartfelt gratitude, Claire tweeted, @NumberGenie Your generous outpouring of love for myself and my boys fills my heart…He is my hero, our boys’ hero & Edmonton’s newest hero. #EPSstrong

Men and Women in Blue

Our extended Jones family has a member in the EPS as well as many friends. On Monday night, mine and Jocelyn’s hearts and prayer went immediately to them as we heard the news of an “officer down.” We prayed for each one by name, hoping it wasn’t them but knowing someone’s loved ones would be devastated.

Daniel Woodall joins three other Edmonton officers slain in the line of duty. On “The Officer Down” remembrance page, his simple epitaph reads, Edmonton Police Service Alberta End of Watch: Monday, June 8, 2015”

A City Turns Blue

My colleague, Lawrence Peck, was the Chaplain to the Edmonton Police Service. We were teenage friends a long, long time ago in a province far away from Edmonton. He became a first responder to the bereaved families of first responders. His pastoral care was one of many such acts of compassion given to the Woodall family.

EPS officers took to social media to express their grief and pride of service. Screenshot 2015-06-10 21.48.52

@CstHauptman Let us not forget the family of fallen Cst. Woodall. He gave his life, and they lost a husband and father. “No greater sacrifice”#EPSstrong

@Cst_Lee We suit up and take the watch day or night because we love you (family, friends & neighbors) more than we love ourselves. #EPSstrong #yeg

EPS

“Policing is a dangerous field of work, there’s no debating that. I thank God every day I make it home to my family, and luckily (likely due to my faith and training) I don’t worry about what may happen. Today, what may happen, did happen. Today we again mourn the life of another fallen officer. May the Lord comfort the family and friends of both the deceased and the injured.” An EPS member.

There was a tsunami of grief and support from the Edmonton community. A makehift memorial appeared in the neighbourhood of the shooting the next day. Police stations were flooded with food and beverages. Citizens stopped on duty officers to say “thanks” and many gave a hug.

Blue Ribbons adorned a rapidly increasing number of trees and poles, the colour of the EPS. blue ribbon

The ATB Tower and the High Level Bridge glowed blue.ATB Financial blue

How to Help

On Sunday we took a moment of silence in each service to honour Cst Woodall’s sacrifice and the sacrificial service of each of the members of the EPS and RCMP at North Pointe.

We pray for Claire and her two sons and for those who serve as peace officers.

#EPSstrong

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Bob Jones

Happily married to Jocelyn for 45 years. We have two adult sons, Cory and his wife Lynsey and their son Vincent and daughter Jayda; Jean Marc and his wife Angie and their three daughters, Quinn, Lena and Annora. I love inspiring people through communicating, blogging, and coaching. I enjoy writing, running, and reading. I'm a fan of the Double E, Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Pats. Follow me on Twitter @bobjones49ers

2 Comments

  • Kristen says:

    We are praying for his family. Our hearts were in our throats that evening, Brent’s brother was on scene there all evening and used to be a squad mate of Cst. Woodall’s. Our hearts are broken for his wife and children.

  • bob jones says:

    Thanks for sharing and for praying, Kristen. The size of the EPS network of relationships at NP is larger than I realized. #EPSstrong

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