‘Infectious smile’: Funeral held for fallen WA cop Anthony Woods

The wife of a police officer killed while on duty has recounted the day they cried “happy tears” when he was accepted as a police cadet.

Hundreds of police officers and dignitaries from all branches of emergency services have filed into Perth’s Optus Stadium for the funeral of Constable Anthony Woods.

The 28-year-old died in hospital on June 11, four days after he was allegedly run down and dragged by a car during an early morning vehicle stop in the inner-east Perth suburb of Ascot.

Mourners braved a chilly, overcast Perth morning as they waited to be let into the private service on Thursday, the facade of Optus Stadium illuminated in blue lights.

The coffin of Constable Woods leaving the service in an honour guard. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith

Although the forecast called for a high chance of rain, it graciously held off as uniformed officers, some donning their full dress uniform, entered the stadium.

Police commissioners from across the nation were in attendance.

Queensland Police Service also paid tribute to the fallen constable on social media.

“Today, we are thinking of our (WA Police) colleagues as they farewell Constable Woods. With Honour He Served,” it posted on Twitter on Thursday morning.

Members of the public gathered outside the stadium to watch the service on a big screen. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith

Even Anthony Albanese posted a tribute to Constable Woods ahead of the service.

“Like all police officers, Constable Woods knew the risks the job entailed, yet he bravely performed his duties, putting himself in harm’s way so others could be safe,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Representatives from the Australian Defence Force and St John Ambulance also headed inside as invited guests, joined by family and friends of the late Constable Woods.

Outside, members of the public gathered to watch the service in the BHP Amphitheatre, which features a large screen normally used for broadcasting whatever sporting event is taking place inside the venue at the time.

Vale Constable Anthony Woods. pic.twitter.com/PuQSSyL3as

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 6, 2023

Those in attendance included WA Governor, former police commissioner, Chris Dawson, Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Premier Roger Cook and his Police Minister Paul Papalia, and federal Opposition Leader and former Queensland police officer Peter Dutton.

Mr Albanese was represented by member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas, while WA’s National and Liberal parties were represented by Shane Love and Peter Collier respectively.

Hundreds of police officers attended the event or were patrolling the stadium grounds outside. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith

Eulogies during the service were delivered by Constable Woods’ brother Nathan, his mother Natalie, wife Emily, childhood mates, and colleagues from the Belmont Police Station, where the constable had been posted since December.

Nathan said his brother should have been the one speaking “in the limelight, in his element, making you smile”.

Hundreds of police officers formed an honour guard outside the stadium to farewell Constable Woods. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith

Constable Woods’ “infectious smile,” as his mother described it, continued to pop up in the eulogies.

“You may now have been able to live the longest life, but you lived a full one,” Nathan said.

Adolescent friends Max and Jacob fondly remembered their mate, known to them by his nickname “Fumbles”.

“He is someone who deserve better, and I’ll miss him every day,” Max said.

Constable Woods’ coffin being taken from the room ahead of his final trip to Karrakatta Cemetery. Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian/ Pool image

Belmont Police Station colleagues Shaun and James touched on “Woodsy’s” less-than-perfect driving ability and elicited laughs from the audience when they told of the time he accidentally “tasered the floor”.

But they also praised the quality of his police work.

Mum Natalie said in death her son “has been given angel wings and a golden heart”.

But perhaps most touching was the eulogy given by Constable Woods’ wife Emily.

“You cried all through our wedding vows while I was dry-eyed and professional, so I think it’s only fair that it’s my turn to cry in public,” she said.

She told the story of how they received the news Constable Woods had been accepted in the police cadet program while out grocery shopping and had held each other and cried happy tears in the middle of the store.

“We spent 95 per cent of the day doubled over in laughter, loving each other and planning our future,” Ms Woods said.

“Nothing in the world will replace the comfort and love you gave me.”

Emily Woods embraces WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, alongside WA Governor and Mr Blanch’s predecessor, Chris Dawson. Picture: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian/ Pool image

The service ended with the hundreds of police officers gathered forming an honour guard outside the stadium, where Mr Blanch radioed every officer statewide, calling on them to stand if they were able to have a minute’s silence for their fallen colleague.

Those driving were ordered to pull over, activate their emergency lights, and leave their vehicles for the minute.

Constable Woods’ body was taken to Karrakatta Cemetery, where he will be cremated.

The hearse was followed by mounted police units and bagpipe players as it made its way around the stadium. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith

The funeral comes just a day after the man allegedly responsible for running down Constable Woods, Reagan Chown, fronted Perth’s Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court.

The 23-year-old appeared on a charge of murder, upgraded in the wake of Constable Woods’ death.

Mr Chown’s was adjourned until August 30 when he’ll appear on all charges relating to the alleged incident.

Police say Mr Chown was behind the wheel of a car that bore stolen number plates when it was pulled over by Constable Woods and his partner about 1am on June 8.

As the officers tried to apprehend three people in the vehicle, Mr Chown allegedly reversed over Constable Woods and dragged him some distance, causing him catastrophic injuries.

Other officers arrived and they had to lift the vehicle off Constable Woods and perform CPR until paramedics arrived.

Nathan Woods said his brother lived a full life. Picture: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian

Mr Chown is the first person to be charged over the alleged killing of a WA police officer in the line of duty in 16 years since Constable Damien Murphy was run down by an unlicensed driver in 2007.

His killer was later jailed on a charge of manslaughter.

Constable Woods is the 88th WA Police officer to die in the line of duty.

Originally published as ‘Infectious smile’: Funeral held for fallen WA cop Anthony Woods