Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
No messing around when crime needs to be abated. All the acumen, astuteness and awareness must be poured into one's labor of efficiency. And believe me it was. You took your concern to those in Dade County that you served wit hall your heart, all your honesty, all your simple and trusting might, Officer Cook. No gimmicks, no guessing games. Straightforward gallantry and prompt answers to the difficult questions and now your family, colleagues and friends must still wonder and ponder why? When character, vision, wisdom and commitment get substituted for wanton evil and violence we the people demand answers, we expect clarity. When intuition, ingenuity and above all good values and ideals are stepped on and trampled we want results, answers that will offer a solution to the vexing problems of our society where peace, freedom and a little friendliness offer some glimpse of hope, you will forever remain treasured and adored, Officer Cook. Hope your angelic wings keep you flying higher and higher each and everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 23, 2018
Beauty is vain. One who commits and gives up their life for others is a true friend and brother. Your bravery and vision, Officer Cook, matched up well when compared to your humble honor and integrity, it was the very quality of character and courage that all Dade County stands and fondly remembers you for. You put on a uniform of strength from your heart, valor from your soul and labored tirelessly on our behalf searching for peace and tranquility among mankind. No doubt a legacy of devotion, faith and hope that humanity will forever look back upon generations from now and your family members, Officer Cook, can reverently look back upon your resolve and resiliency that allowed you to intercept kayos before it mushroomed into more terror. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 23, 2018
Proficiency takes much practice as the endeavor must be made. Policing a community does require must skill and some good fortune. For there you were back in 1979 serving Dade County as you had been, Officer Cook, since 1973. It was a hot day in the Liberty City section of Miami-Dade County and at 2:10pm a call went out of a shooting and domestic disturbance. You were a block away and you and your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln were not dispatched. I believe your friend and colleague, Officer Keith DiGenova and Officer Robert Edgerton were there to try and get that young man, Mr. Lewis Pearsall to surrender. You came upon the area and got out of your patrol car and told your partner to not unholster his weapon. Your honor, integrity and dignity spoke softly and most humbly then all heck broke loose and Officer DiGenova was shot and seriously wounded, you defended him and you shot Mr. Pearsall defending him, your partner and Officer Edgerton. Only God knows why you were needed in heaven along with your boldness, character and humane heroism. Always saluted for answering that call of duty. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Officer Cook, you were a great comrade, a professional true and through, a gentleman of gallantry and the greatest of morals and stamina. All of this is now being charged in heaven with an even more arduous assignment, keep us safe by watching over those who serve and protect our rights and liberties.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 23, 2018
Showing prowess rests in the beholder's eyes. And the Chief of sight is the Master of the Universe, God Himself. He sees and hears and His plans for us are very clear. God had plans for you, Officer Cook and for twenty-five years of life, humility, honor and dignity did he allow you the privilege of serving the good people of Dade County. He assisted you in keeping the peace and unity stapled together and as well helping keep violence and kayos from them. Your comrades in arms have saluted and honored your heroic legacy of character and commitment, amazing and energetic in effort, so much so that serenity and safe missions of hope and goodwill may reach their fruition. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 23, 2018
A rebel without a cause is one thing, public servants protecting and being resolute is totally another. The folks of Dade County were in the very best of hands when you observed and policed the community. A place you called home where you grew up and learned to lead as a man of proper behavior. The caliber of your courage, Officer Cook , transcended anything else. It was total dignity, responsibility, accountability and the stellar integrity that greeted your comrades everyday, faithful and of dependable character. Charm is one thing, bravery, boldness and humility all from your compassionate heart that branched out liberty, unity and civility to an entire region. Always revered, admired and cherished for a job of influence where the stakes of serenity and safekeeping are high. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Humanity cannot stifle humility as it's instilled in the hearts and wings of our wonderfully brave and honest warriors. They are the ones that patrol and risk their souls for our peace of mind and ability to sleep at night while they are out exploring for evil. You searched throughout Dade County for security and safety, Officer Cook and performed your utmost to save us. Character and class must be seated upfront in this everlasting battle over violence it is one that needs your soul looking down on those bold and courageous who place their lives in harm's way for our peace of mind, Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The careless know what may happen to them. The righteous and reverent such as yourself, Officer Cook, God takes care of their spiritual needs forevermore. No more adversity or danger will come upon you.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
The webs of terror weave wickedness unleashed upon a society looking for a humble amount of serenity. Dade County has many in and outs and your demeanor, Officer Cook, allowed you the chance to pursue peace. The roads leading to tranquility are filled with interference with which you must navigate around and for the most part you did so very well, Officer Cook. All because of your intuition and intellect, but then of course, honor, integrity and dignity must function in unison along with courage and character, the fabrics of sound morals. You must be disciplined and motivated, you never had any problems learning the basics, Officer Cook, a hero of humane and humble proportions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Devils and demons are present, those honorable enough must stand in to sweep aside their deadly advances. As a duly astute and dignified public servant, Officer Cook, your job was first not simple. Protecting life and giving us some serene moments takes much planning and preparation. All your classmates have remembered your life, Officer Cook and could not have even imagined your pathways in life would have stopped thirty-nine years ago. With more integrity and decency left on the horizon, our society and Dade County is and has been left devoid of your resourcefulness, Officer Cook. Your loved ones have missed your big bright smile, personality and laugh. Some moments call for a happy demeanor, though you were serious man and heroic for sure. Humanity has its stability because of your unwavering proficiency never to be forgotten and solemnly saluted for all the valor that your heart had, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
The gracious gifts of gallantry, courage, bravery and valor are not taught, they instilled within the hearts of the bold and honest. Those determined and desirable men and women who go out and patrol for quiet among the mischief that still rears its dark side in our world. You came to police work, Officer Cook and I'm sure your colleagues and academy friends were very grateful. Your devotion to mankind was legendary as was your heroic actions that sad day of May 16, 1979, a day no family member or comrade will forget. You cannot turn aside a man's nobility and wisdom, it was your maturity years ahead of others. The commitment that helped alleviate kayos from among us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Tissues help us to clear our noses and to wipe tears from our eyes. Plenty of tears and the anguish that pained your family, Officer Cook, thirty-nine years ago when your life was suddenly taken. A life of adventure and photo taking, you enjoyed hunting and by being in the great outdoors. You cherished your roles, Officer Cook and for all your desire, honesty and integrity allowed you to seek peace and tranquility here in Dade County for one and for all. That beam of light shines brightest when your soul of endearment circles high above us observing our coming and going. Only for happiness and easy passages. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
We bike to honor their bravery. We cycle to honor courage and dignity and we run to remember their resolve and integrity. All are done to revere and to respect their professional feats of tenacity. We walk to stand tall and humble as they all did in the very face of danger and evil. Ruination beyond the scopes of words and for all this your leadership skills, Officer Cook, won't be forgotten. You distributed the desire and decency all by way of your humility and humble successes. Dade County salutes its heroes and your good name, Officer Cook, will be etched in our minds forever. Peace and harmony came at your labors of love for your fellow officers and thankfully you saved them and will be so honored. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Shocked and infuriated by your untimely loss, Officer Cook. It left your wife, Karen, your widow beyond sadness and words of comfort that might make her feel better. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, I hope you are well Mrs. Cook and to your big sister, Nancy, without her little brother to bounce ideas off of. I know Karen has remarried and despite your tragic loss has found peace and comfort. You will always be her hero of honor, integrity and dignity who served the scales of justice with effort and the energy that humility bestows upon a very blessed man. Bravery and courage, valor and motivation all sound wonderful, but , unless they are utilized in an exemplary manner they lack that punch that can knockout wickedness from our midst. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I pray that the Cook, Tidwell and Wilkerson families have found some comfort and solace in knowing your son, Billy, Uncle Bo was a hero of the highest esteem. He remains a cherished soul.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Police don't make fashion statements. They make a point when they go out on the streets and risk their souls of security saving life and property. Dade County had you and your colleagues, Officer Cook, out in force persevering and showing your due diligence to the important matters at hand. Any individual who bares their character, honesty and integrity to shield us from peril deserves our sincerest thanks and being the devout and faithful servant, Officer Cook, may God bless you and your family. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The talents of the humble display their nobility, sanity and serenity and Our Creator has you all sheltered for eternal safekeeping. The uniform and badge along with the spit shined shoes only relate part of the story. The tale of tenacity is the absolute truth of why you were trusted and loyal to your comrades, Officer Cook.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
The story of life teaches us so very much. The lessons, the instructions they all will have a benefit that may help us in the future. Your future was bright, Officer Cook and an evil man took you from us and your dear family members. You can be sure you took care of your professional business preserving the integrity and life in Dade County. Honor and dignity brought to the academy and to your travels in and around your community where you continue to be honored and saluted for humility and character of the highest regard. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your parents, Officer Cook, would be very proud of their darling and much beloved and treasured son. a legacy founded on the beams of boldness and ferocity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
The sane know civility follows them everywhere. Sanctity and serenity too must go hand in hand in order for the wisdom of integrity, dignity and honesty to make any sense. To make such an undertaking you must surely know that this is your calling and watching over us, Officer Cook, was your duty. God brought you into this world with a certain destiny in mind and there was no quit in your body. Your commitment and conviction would never want to hear this. Your effort and resolve with sincerely appreciated and those living in Dade County were grateful for your unyielding heroism. It was stamped in your heart, Officer Cook. Humble and beloved, esteemed and adored, respected for values and ideals that drove your missions of goodwill. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Pious and prudent, you always made good sound decisions, Officer Cook, only to save and to protect the lives of your community. Dade County was good to you and your family, it's a shame your life ended at such a young and tender age. You can be certain your life and its humbleness will be proudly and wisely remembered for having the acumen and bravery to withstand the very evil which took you from your loved ones and peers. A decent and hard working man should not have to endure unmitigated violence and yet you were there for us, our peace and unity stapled together as one entity. Humility and humanity have the very same aspirations, your heroism, Officer Cook, serves as a beacon of hope and faith for all brave and honest men and women who undertake these and the many difficult tests ahead. The obstacles are present let us pray they can overcome them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You defended us as only a brave warrior would do.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
The winds of time blow and where they deliver a powerful punch no one knows what will occur. What the people of Dade County knew was that their safety and serenity would be granted under your humble watch, Officer Cook. Your character coupled with your candor and courage spearheaded proud times for all. A gentleman of the humane honor, dignity and integrity investigating everything and able to achieve his goals. Today, we still have our tough moments but thanks to your benevolence, mankind and humanity in general can endure. An undying and unselfish public servant with the best of morals and humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Dreams are meant to be fulfilled. But at times the best laid plans can go awry. Not one dry eye when Dade County paid their respects to you on May 19, 1979, Officer Cook. when you gave your life and career to serve us, that smile got locked up and taken to a higher sphere where harm and danger would no longer confront, confound and torment you. You gave every bit of honor, dignity and integrity to see safe and peaceful movements for every soul you watched over. Only the most perceptive of resolve, wisdom, maturity and the vision to see your journeys through until God came calling. His brave and intellectual servants now are tasked wit ha much tougher role, to guard those fortresses in the skies above where the souls of the many angelic heroes and heroine shine brightly. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
The truly humble and humane public servants do receive their rewards. As their service only enhances our capabilities to pursue happy lives and to stay safe and secure. All anyone can expect is just an honest day's effort. Tragically, violence sometimes makes plans that no one expects nor desires. You did your job, Officer Cook, very well and most smartly. Your supervisors and brave brothers and sisters could not have worked with a more diligent and determined young man. A trusted gentleman of gallantry and of good grace who humbly displayed the right stuff, character, commitment and the valor all within your soul now in heaven where you may rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Dade County was very well taken care of when you patrolled, Officer Cook, a hero to be proud of.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
True brotherhood demands tough love at times. Even when times get heated and stressful you show your real mettle when you care for those brave comrades who serve with you. A littler prodding maybe all that's needed. You were a consummate leader, Officer Cook, by virtue of your humble respect for your job. Serving a community takes all the skills, the vision and the wisdom to carry integrity, dignity and honor itself to a higher level while restoring peace and prosperity for all citizens. Your fabric of values and vigilance showed why you were so well admired and revered as a hero who attempted to stop a troubled young man from carrying out more violence that day when the entire police world lost a proud and devoted servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Always ready and itching to go, you provided solace and peace for everyone in Dade County, Officer Cook. A confident and humble man of his word, whose boldness, bravery and desire matched up very well with your honesty, integrity and dignity for your position of trust and heroism. You can rest assure that on May 16th you won't be forgotten for your decency and courage under fire. Your actions that day, Officer Cook, reflected the highest standards of morals and ethics, all obtained through arduous work and training. Character never more present and clear. Humility was nobly dispensed to all mankind through your cherished soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2018
Police work is surreal. Nothing easy about this profession which rewards those who serve and protect the public's peace and right to pursue joy, hope, faith and happiness. All within reach, Officer Cook, as was your daily patrols and life itself. It revolved in the Cook Household twenty-four seven. A man of sanctity with stellar character, honor, class and decency taking care of the strictest of business on behalf of the residents of Dade County. The bands of boldness every so tight. The fabric of good principles and values so validating, never better than your resiliency and the essence of good efficiency. As proficient as a humble savior and hero could be. You grow up with love and respect, somewhere it comes back many times over at you. You are to be honored and dignantly saluted for giving your soul for serenity and security to balance out each other. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 21, 2018
Details at times bring misery and pain and yet through it all, your sacrifice on Dade County's behalf, Officer Cook, represented your true worth as a public servant, superior in wisdom, replete with dignity, honor and integrity and incorporated with ideals that will forever be integrated in those walls of honor here in Miami and in our nation's Capitol. When character and conviction came calling tranquility and unity, the peace and safe passages were within reach. Never overlooked and solemnly and humbly thought of for maintaining composure, bravery, humility and unselfish compassion, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Misery never loves company. Only peace and quiet, civility and sanctity make better guests.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 21, 2018
I think moxie and mettle blend in well just as one having a rhythm of resolve, a flow of ferocity and the cohesion of courage, character and the commitment to do whatever is required to keep peace and to ward off evil. Wickedness is wild and can seem like a non-stop nightmare for those who desire harmony. Yet, here in Dade County you persevered as a hero must, Officer Cook. A big thank you for your honor, dignity and integrity, all humble and humane from your heart and soul. Our Creator takes His valiant to a place where they belong for having served their journeys they can now take their rightful places among their fellow angelic heroes and heroines. Their uniforms ironed and crisp, buttons in place, badges polished as are their shoes. You'll be fondly saluted, Officer Cook, you brought class and the strokes of brilliance and wisdom to the visions for our tomorrows. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A uniform donned proudly. Your family and comrades will remember your gallantry and charismatic personality. that big bright smile that lit up a room, it's glowing in heaven non-stop twenty-four hours a day.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 21, 2018
Resourcefulness rolls over and another new day begins. The challenges must be met and faced head on no looking back. Police must face peril and evil everyday of their lives and careers as this is what they willingly have decided to pursue. Dade County and its citizens expected, demanded and received superior service from you, Officer Cook, one of your department's finest officers with a honest and hard working demeanor. Serenity, safety and peace were firmly in your your hands, Officer Cook, a public servant with the most esteemed and highest morals there was out there fighting crime and looking to secure a little civility for mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 21, 2018
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