It is with a heavy heart that I write this month. It was hard to find the right words to share in light of the tragic events of June 8th which I am sure are weighing heavy on many hearts in Edmonton. This month I am sharing some of the things I thought about over the last few of days.
Let me express deepest condolences to Constable Daniel Woodall’s family, friends and colleagues on behalf of myself, my family, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch, our Board of Directors and our entire membership. No greater sacrifice could Cst. Woodall have made for the people of Edmonton. No greater sacrifice will his wife Claire, his two young sons and the rest of his family make for the rest of their lives. Edmontonians are and will be forever in their debt.
To the members of the Edmonton Police Service, thank you for all that you do. Thank you for your service, your commitment and your willingness to protect us when you are in harm’s way yourself. Our sincerest condolences for the loss of your colleague and friend. To Sargent Jason Harley, thank you for your courage and may you find healing in the days, weeks and months ahead.
As more and more of the blue ribbons appeared on people’s lapels and on social media pictures and profiles, I kept seeing and reading those three words: Integrity, Courage and Community. The more I read them the more I realize how true they are of the Edmonton Police Service and the people of Edmonton.
Integrity is a quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. As more than 53 bullets were fired at EPS officers, not one was fired back. I asked myself: would that happen anywhere else? In other cities would a barrage of bullets been fired in to that home? But even under fire, the brave men and women with EPS maintained a level of calm and integrity that few of us could imagine. The EPS are an incredible example of “to serve and protect” and immeasurable integrity.
Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one or to have strength in the face of pain, fear or grief. The EPS everyday conduct what many people think are routine events. But nothing is routine anymore. When RCMP Cst. Wynn was shot dead in a parking lot in St. Albert he was doing a “routine” license plate check. It is clear that nothing is routine anymore. It takes a kind of courage that only first responders can understand that would allow Sgt. Harley & Cst. Woodall to walk to a door to execute a warrant. Courage is going one direction when every instinct in you tells you to go the other.
Community is something that Edmontonians know well. It is described as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. The Edmonton Police Service does not just protect Edmontonians from a crime but they help uphold our shared values of a society that does not tolerate hate. As members of the hate crimes unit, Sgt. Harley, Cst. Woodall and the other members of the team that day were in harm’s way to preserve a peaceful and tolerant society. They not only protect our citizens, EPS protects the very values of our community.
Edmonton has always been a community of people who gather together in times of need and tragedy. Now is the time we can support the Woodall family, the Harley family and the members of EPS. There are many ways you can offer your support.
For the members of the Woodall family you can sign a condolence book. Each of the EPS Division Stations has one set up in their lobby. You can buy an EPSstrong t-shirt where the proceeds will go directly to Cst. Woodall’s family. You can post on Facebook and Twitter or use the hashtag #EPSstrong. You can also email condolences@edmontonpolice.ca. There are two ways to make financial contributions. the D. Woodall Family Fund has been established at RBC and contributions can be made at any RBC branch. There is also an Edmonton Police Association Go Fund Me fundraiser where you can make an online donation (gofundme.com/CstDanielWoodall).
For the community you can tie a blue ribbon around a tree, a post or on your front door. Placing a blue ribbon is a visible show of support to the Woodall family, the EPS and our community. You can also leave your porch light on in honor of Cst. Woodall as well as lighting up the night so that all first responders have visibility at night should they need to respond in your neighbourhood.
For the Edmonton Police Service you can send condolences through social media or send them to any police station. You can THANK THE POLICE! And, the next time you see a member of the EPS, remember that nothing is “routine” anymore. An offer of a hand shake or a simple thank you lets them know that we do appreciate and understand that they truly do protect and serve.
Until next time…
Debbie Sellers, ENW
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