Police Officer William Coleman Cook

Police Officer William Coleman Cook | Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
Police Officer William Coleman Cook

Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979

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William Coleman Cook

Police Officer William Cook was shot and killed at the intersection of NW 77th Terrace and NW 12th Avenue, in Gladeview, after he and other officers responded a shots fired call at 2:11 pm, just four minutes before he was to return to the station to end his shift.

A man had just fired shots into the home of his estranged wife.

He and other members of his squad were only one block away and responded to the scene, although they were not dispatched. When they arrived at the scene one of the officers jumped into the suspect's car and attempted to disarm him but was shot in the head. The officer fell out of the car as Officer Cook returned fire, striking the suspect.

Thinking the suspect was dead, the other officers immediately went to the aid of the wounded officer. The man suddenly rose and opened fire again, striking Officer Cook in the side, between the panels of his vest, and the third officer in the chest. As the man exited his vehicle a detective arrived on the scene and immediately exchanged shots with him, killing him.

Officer Cook had served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 1664

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

domestic, shots fired

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The quicker the reaction the faster possibly comes the outcome. A man bred with character and both the fabrics and fibers of honesty, dignity and integrity engaging, enhancing and enlightening our world for a brief and all tragically too short of a life. Twenty-five years, Officer Cook, you created, made and impacted the tunnels and channels of society, mankind and humanity with your humbly blessed acumen, graciousness and humane and loyal esteem which is forever saluted and so dearly paid homage. Dade County was blessed to have a warrior who cared was concerned, duly diligent and always ever so vigilant. Vision, virtue and wisdom beyond your years of commitment, conviction which was and always is regarded as clarity well defined and well documented. Truth and trust must at some point in their circumstance make a dent in this violent world where you gave your life for us to live and to thrive peacefully directing energy and your unrelenting and unselfish heart and soul to preserve and to protect liberty, freedom and our missions of faith and dedication marching onward. Sanctity, versatility and a passion so real and yet humanely unique but you'll always be missed very much by your beloved family, comrades and s I've stated many times a host of friends. Rest in peace my neighbor, angel, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2024

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