Edmonton police honour fallen Constable Daniel Woodall in 10th anniversary tribute soccer game

One of Edmonton’s fallen heroes was memorialized through sport this past week, marking the 10th anniversary of his death.

“This year, we made the extra effort to get over there,” said Cst. Bruce McGregor of the Edmonton Police Service.

Edmonton police played a memorial soccer game against officers from Manchester, England — a tribute to Constable Daniel Woodall, who served with Greater Manchester Police before moving to Edmonton.

Woodall was shot and killed ten years ago while investigating a hate crime in Edmonton’s west end.

“It’s important, I think, for new recruits coming into the police service to understand who Dan was — to understand who he was as a police officer, and to keep his memory alive,” McGregor said. “He was happy. He was joyful. Dan had a unique laugh, and he brought a positive spirit into any room.”

Woodall’s son, Callen, joined the match and played alongside officers for the final 10 minutes of the tribute game.

“We talked about Dan, shared some laughs, and a brotherhood was fostered,” said McGregor. “It was a good time.”

The two police forces first met on the soccer field in Edmonton in 2016, just one year after Woodall’s death.

A private ceremony honouring Woodall will be held by the Edmonton Police Service in June, closer to the anniversary of his passing.