Greater Manchester Police has remembered one of their own who died a hero in Canada.
Daniel Woodall was shot dead in 2015 as he tried to arrest a man suspected of an anti-semitic hate crime in Edmonton, Alberta.
Father-of-two Daniel, who had been based at Wythenshawe, had emigrated nine years earlier with his wife, Claire, and two sons to join the Canadian Police Force.
Now a memorial painting has been presented by GMP to Daniel's parents, Denise and David Woodall.
Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said: “PC Woodall was an exceptional officer who fulfilled his service until the very end. His untimely death remains unbearably tragic for his loved ones and both GMP and Edmonton Police Service alike.
“The painting is a fitting tribute which honours PC Woodall’s life and service. It was a privilege to present this to his parents.”
Chief Constable of Edmonton Police Service, Dale McFee said: “The grief of losing Dan was felt worldwide. Friends, citizens and organisations stood up to show we are stronger together and hate does not belong in this world.
“On behalf of Edmonton Police Service, we give this gift to Dan’s parents and we reach out a hand to the Woodall family, who will always be members of the Edmonton Police family.”
On June 8th 2015, PC Woodall and colleagues were attempting to arrest a local resident, Norman Raddatz, on suspicion of harassment and hate crimes.
As they approached the door to apprehend the suspect, Raddatz , 42, fired 53 times through a door when Daniel and a colleague arrived at his home.
Daniel died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Raddatz had been accused of lengthy online harassment of an Edmonton family.
Raddatz opened fire on the officers when they tried to enter his residence. Sgt. Jason Harley, 38, was shot in the back but was treated and released from hospital.
After the shooting, the house was set on fire and burned to the ground. Raddatz’s body is believed to have been found in the basement of the home and was expected to be formally identified today.
Daniel 35 when he died, leaving behind a widow, Claire, and two sons Gabe, aged six, and Callen, aged four.
To honour PC Woodall, Edmonton Police Service, in conjunction with the charity Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Ribbon Society, sent GMP a painting to commemorate his duty.
This was given to PC Woodall’s parents, Denise and David Woodall, from Eccles, during an emotional presentation this week.
At the time of his death Claire was touched by tributes from Greater Manchester Police Federation and former GMP colleagues.
She told the MEN: "The fact that he has been remembered in the country where he started his career means the world to me and the boys."
Daniel served with GMP from August 27 2002 to December 11 2006. He was based at Wythenshawe but lived in Eccles.
