Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
The satisfaction of a job well done should make any police officer proud. It can only happen if that individual is dressed formally with morals, character and integrity. All the dignity and honesty is meaningless unless accompanied by true faith and humility. All of which you possessed, Officer Cook. The building blocks of a solid career and life founded on the principles of loyalty and a budding perseverance to administer justice fairly and for all. Dade County received the compassion and tenderness of your beautiful being, Officer Cook. It provided moments of reflection which shall not be forgotten. How can anyone forget a happy young man who set out to to perform a profession with inherent wisdom and leadership strong enough to muster the courage to battle? Evil takes the talents and God given skills of a few who are brave enough to channel their convictions and commitment into a difficult area which at times is hard to navigate. You kept on, Officer Cook, until the Almighty came to call your lovely soul back home with His many angelic heroes and heroes of humanity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 1, 2016
When duty calls, it's time to run and patrol your venues of vigilance. One must remain on guard and be diligent of what is ahead of them. Officer Cook, Dade County was always in your mirrors and your eyes were never off the residents who looked for peace and unity. A cherished man respected by his peers, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Legacy and heroism run together as do integrity and dignity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2016
A derelict acts upon their whims. A devoted and honest man takes his ques from honesty, integrity and sound judgment. The bravest of officers, you were that kind of servant. Loyal and faithful to resolving disputes that threatened the very sanctity of peace and unity. Dade County embraces its heroes and heroines of enhancement by saluting their heroism and its actions. When push came to shove you were accounted for, Officer Cook. The plans, the dreams, the goals have been formed up by your valor and fine character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. when we turn the corner, we found your legacy waiting to engage us with the warmest and humblest of greetings. A good man with a resourceful mission never to give up. You never did and will always be fondly remembered, Officer Cook. Your soul and its golden wings just fly so high every second. Those serving now, pay careful attention, success is not guaranteed, you must stay focused and honorable in all your services of freedom and its legitimacy.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2016
It is said that bread is the slice of life. Your candor, concern and consideration, Officer Cook, were slices of a life and career fulfilled by integrity, honesty and dignity. Dade county and its citizens were the receivers of your quality and outstanding service to them. Day or night you were there my neighbor, friend and hero. You performed an important profession with the vigilance, diligence and perseverance that your position represents. The quiet and calm of those residents was squarely affixed in your hands. Your smile and engaging personality of humbleness to humanity won't ever be forgotten. Only saluted and so honored for your convictions, loyalty and quality of character. A loving gentleman who fulfilled his hopes and dreams which are now our inspirations of enhancement brought about through your devoted leadership of other colleagues. They remember you. At all times we admire and respect your foundations that have laid your wonderfully heroic legacy.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2016
If pictures are worth a thousand words, then integrity, its dignity and honor must be worth an infinite amount. Though, the value of any officer worth their salt is endless if they stay the courses of good conduct with the basic morals to hold down the fort serving and preserving life and property. Life and its meaning are what matters the most, your family, your friends and comrades who shared a part of your story, courageous and bold, Officer Cook, you took leadership and intelligence to new heights. So too did you travel with humility and conviction as all excellent professionals must do. Sometimes the pathways to progress, peace and prosperity are a bit rough around the edges, in Dade County with your wealth of knowledge and know how the peace and transparency was realized. Polished and diligent, devoted and determined. We'll cherish a man who legacy of heroism reaches newer heights each day that your loving soul patrols around God's sacred venues, places here where you have been so honored for inspiration and fulfillment of your dreams to become a public servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Our Creator judges the scopes of a man's breath and length of his days and how he makes proper usage of them. You served your community very well, Officer Cook. You placed lights on where darkness from evil shadowed the residents. Only your faith, hope and optimism could have fulfilled your missions. They were honest and gallant as long as you served.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2016
A photographer of exquisite tastes who relished the outdoors, nature and all her surrounding beauty. A man whose morals rested in his honesty, dignity and integrity, you shall be saluted, Officer Cook. You brought a sense of joy, pride and commitment to your department and those loyal colleagues who served with you. This war of evil never seems to pass, it only comes closer confronting, confounding and confusing those citizens who want to live normal and peaceful lives. In Dade County you were an officer of promptness and proficiency never to be forgotten for having the courage and character to fight, to defend and to protect our God given rights to security and serenity. The dignity of all mankind rests solely in our beloved and esteemed professionals of the law enforcement community. You were one of its noblest and humblest of members within its ranks. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2016
The beauty of a wonderful life and career full of humility and bravery was the endeavor by which you will be revered for, Officer Cook. We here in Dade County have come to remember a decent and determined young man and a gentleman of integrity and grace. Your career of service and protection was the epitome of effort and energy summoned from your heart. It's where your inner courage was stored and used for fighting evil with resolve and a dogged desire to succeed mightily. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The designs of one's heroic legacy are drawn from those who cherished and recognized your faithfulness and loyalty to them and your department. It put peace and unity along with enhancement back in the citizens' hands. Your humility and nobleness, Officer Cook, forever rest in God's hands and feet, a place of eternity where your soul may travel wherever you patrol God's sacred pathways.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 30, 2016
When that anchor gets dropped, it's full speed ahead for those men and women who are the finest and fittest, whose stamina can handle anything. You only knew one way, Officer Cook, full steam ahead. And what accompanied you on your journeys in life and during your career was your uniform and its dignity, honor and integrity. These three words cannot be spoken enough. For if any officer dares to go out and patrol without them they could be lost and in dire straits. A resourceful person carries themselves with class and utilizes that which they were taught and then passes it down to the citizens. We call this communication. You were the best of speakers, Officer Cook, your tone set the day. Your character summoned the courage to battle this enemy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Humility and decency helped you to accomplish your missions in life and as a police officer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 30, 2016
Our Creator's celestial drums beat loud and clear. They welcome with open arms those heroes and heroines so mighty, yet so brave and humble who gave their lives for a cause. That is why we pause and salute their valor and honor. They possessed the dignity and integrity to carry out their missions of faith, hope and peace as professionally as possible. Our world is a little less safer without you, Officer Cook, with those colleagues who have shown the character and desire the job to save and to protect may be realized. You will always be respected and revered for your resolve and fondly remembered for your faithfulness and keen perseverance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Dade County and its people cherished your appearance and understanding of the problems that confronted you. You were a listener and a doer. A man of action and effort.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 30, 2016
The humbly heroic honors you continue to receive this day, Officer Cook, are deserving because of your efforts back in your day to affix safety, peace and unity to all the doors of citizens in Dade County. A fine young man of sound body and mind on a very special professional mission to bond and mind that which we deem as improper and immoral. You were a man, an officer of integrity and decency whose honesty and dignity carried your feats of faith,hope and unselfish sacrifice. All in all your legacy, Officer Cook, shines as greatly as does your beloved soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The courage and heart of a lion with the fortitude and character to fight on in this seemingly never ending war of wanton wickedness. It must be corralled before it lets loose its viciousness among society. We ail because of it. You tried your utmost to succeed in this battle and for this we are grateful and thankful for a specially blessed man of compassion and humbleness.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
Citizens look at officers and their performances with an astonishing feeling. Amazing all the hard work that is being put into action by the many brave souls of humanity through their diligence and devotion. Having put in many hours of arduous training in the classroom and in the field, Officer Cook, it made you the heroic officer that your colleagues and Dade County has come to revere. The good hands, the common sense, the tone of voice, positive tenacity, honorable actions all were centered in the name of securing peace and unifying lives. People matter. Lives count. Timing is of the essence. Never more so than on that fateful day of May 16, 1979, when Liberty City experienced a domestic disturbance between a man and his girlfriend. Badge#1664 and its brave young man showed up, yourself, Officer Cook, with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln. Something had to be done. Resolve and loyalty were placed on your shoulders broadly to protect and serve. Everything done was professionally handled. Your perseverance and prudence won't be forgotten, nor will your character and commitment to see your assignments through. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
The sounds of silence can be deafening at times. Those moments when violence comes and leaves its ugly scars which are hard to heal, it is the process of coping that perhaps we may begin to heal. There must be a cure for this awful affliction that can strike at any moment. Like a tornado, it does not announce its presence. When your patrol car, Officer Cook, drove around Dade County, there was a great big smile. Now the sounds of happiness, faith and hope have truly arrived. Your sense of fairness, dignity and integrity have graced the front, back and side doors of those you served, preserved and protected quite valiantly. In life you can never be assured of some things, when you patrolled, Officer Cook residents were assured they would be safe and you were accountable for that. You remain admired and beloved by your family, friends and colleagues who each shared an important part of your life and career with vim, vigor and vitality. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
The saying goes something like this; the grass is greener on the other side. Dade County is divided into four corners. A Northeast, a northwest, a southeast and a southwest side. With over three-thousand men and women protecting life and property. I only knew your service at the time of your untimely passing to be in Northwest Dade in the Liberty City area. All areas have their elements, their exposures to crime. It was up to your bravery, Officer Cook, to secure peace and justice for all citizens. No matter what it took, your skills and training, you still needed your honor, reverence for your position and the telling dignity and integrity to go out and patrol, to reach and teach one and all. One magnificent job. Outstanding in resolve, character, clarity and in humble esteem. You loved your life and career, it was a crying shame it was taken away from you my neighbor, friend and hero. A gentleman and endeared colleague to all. Mankind's heroic angel. You were a warrior and savior, Officer Cook, no mistaking that fact. Rest in peace among the heroic and humane public servants who served their Lord with a passion and fervor. When timeliness counted, you were there to counsel and console.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
That's the problem in society at times. People want to take, take without giving back. Giving back to our duly swore police officers who risk their lives daily on our behalf. Dade County has seen many officers come through its large venues, they came prepared for a battle royal in wanton violence. They wore their dignity pinned on their badges of pristine uniforms of bravery and courage. Yours, Officer Cook, had all the professional prowess and personification of punctuality and perseverance. Nothing to be take lightly. Never backing away from facing reality in the eyes of those who attempt wickedness. You put peace and sanctity back on the road map to a brighter today and tomorrow if only you were here to witness this amazement. You'll be remembered and cherished for your integrity, dignity and honesty which is symbolic of any officer's creed. The cries of help went out and you were present to save lives of those citizens and of your brave comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's vestibules are being protected by all of His vigilant angels of heroism and of humanity. Humility shines. It sparkles like a diamond. Some officers could use a little more polishing. Better hurry with fervor and a sense of urgency. Crime takes no breaks or vacations.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
God gives and God takes. The Lord blesses us in ways we might not see and yet His shining presence rests among us. His grace rested in your pursuits of peace and happiness, Officer Cook. Something all who ever walk the face of this Earth are very much entitled to. One who walks humbly, eats his bread with salt and rests with humility shall so be honored. You shall so be saluted, Officer Cook, for your saving grace and bravery during your watch over Dade County and its residents. To make unity and peace work as an oiled machine, the chains, its parts and whatever else is needed must function smoothly and with the combined endeavors of its people. Remember, dignity and integrity cannot cross the same paths if they are not aligned properly. With the assist of your esteemed comrades their most respected and beloved colleagues was able to complete his professional mission. Your goal, Officer Cook was deemed finished and thus the cornerstones of enhancement have been laid by a valiant gentleman of commitment, conviction and stellar character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
To believe. To inspire. To nurture. To achieve. We were placed in this world to function with other civilized individuals and to make this a place to thrive and be able to live freely choosing our own pathways in life. You chose to become a police officer, Officer Cook, confident in your abilities to serve and to protect our liberties, nothing to be taken for granted. Life is not a proverbial picnic, if it were our ideals and honor would or may be abandoned. Life should have reason and meaning. Sense behind all actions. Expect reward for doing well. Expect rebuke if you are not acting the way a mature person should act. Evil brings out the worst of those who display malfeasance and commit revolting mayhem. That's why men and ladies of dignity are ready and waiting. Their humility and courage are constantly placed on the line. It is in their dreams, goals and aspirations that we continue fighting for what is right. peace and unity are prime and in Dade County you fought for the goodwill of us all, Officer Cook. Those who served with you, Officer Cook, salute your wisdom, maturity and character all shining like freshly polished diamonds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The effort goes on. The enhancement of your sacrifice blazes newer paths for those who have succeeded you. Knowledge, wisdom and bravery when combined with humility for humanity are their greatest sources. The weaponry to conquer starts with a tone of voice and continues with dignity, decency and a natural born and driven desire to accomplish. Task completed. Your mission of compassion and justice for all fulfilled. Keep watching us, Officer Cook. Badge#1664 was donned proudly and proficiently. So was your uniform worn cleanly, clearly and most succinctly.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Freedom and liberty can only follow themselves down the trails of happiness if those brave enough to conquer can stay a course of honesty and decency. They must stay centered on integrity and intuition to see them though. You saw something, Officer Cook and resoundingly responded to the calls of morals and justice. It is what made you the humble hero here in Dade County where you grew up and continue to be so honored and saluted for gallantry and grit. A man with a plan who stood for peace and safety for each other. The loyal servant God relies upon in those darkest of times and not forgotten. The charismatic gentleman living your life of fulfillment, a mission of security handled with class and introspection. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Fixations and focused. All public servants must have their beings engaged on a target and that aim is to provide prudent, honorable and peaceful surroundings for all citizens one and all. Dade County is a large metropolis and it relies upon the ingenuity, integrity and intelligence from those brave men and women who wage an unwavering fight over violence, so wanton and wild, they have got to get a handle on this callous monster. You came, Officer Cook, conquered and calmed down those who tempers got the best of them. You'll be universally revered for your relentless attack on this wicked wonder. Its pangs spread out looking to ensnare anyone in its clutches. A kind and thoughtful young man and a gentleman of the highest humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A highly regarded hero of unquestionable character, care and conviction. We knew your hands and mind would perform, if only that day Mr. Pearsall's mind was thinking rationally. God only knows. A great life and a solid professional career headed for more fulfillment. The Master of Mercy we bestow our guidance in His loving arms where He holds you now, Officer Cook, for safekeeping.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Screaming and cursing only exacerbate a heated moment. They cloud the brain's thought processes. When people are angry they need moments to get away and chill. Funny, on the Officers Down Memorial Page I thought profanity was forbidden. I have seen it while scanning the various reflections left for officers who gave their lives for the safety of the public. I also though if you were an officer involved in an ongoing investigation you could not reflect. I guess times are different and free speech and its right to compose are there for all to partake of. You never cursed or screamed, Officer Cook, you maintained that fair balance of civility and honesty while calming down people whose emotions may have boiled over. Peace and togetherness must walk that thin line just as vigilance and professionalism. Persistence and preservation must mark the ideals of every brave public servant, otherwise their watch ends without the desired resolve. Effort must match the dedication. Desire, faith and devotion are cherished tools to be utilized wisely and with great knowledge, wisdom and the maturity behind each and every journey of endeavor. You knew your profession well, Officer Cook. Your candor, class and decency spoke eloquently and efficiently. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You'll be admired and saluted for your intuition, ingenuity and matching intelligence. it served Dade County and its residents quite well. A calming and calculated person lives by righteousness and the fairness to fight on in those battles of wickedness. You were a warrior, savior and hero. Your family's and friends, comrades as well. Face to face, you never backed down from doing your utmost to stop violence from gaining the upper hand, Officer Cook. Accountable. Accessible. Reliable. Responsible. Personable. But fair and balanced.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Police officers are given a steady dosage of different things to handle. Some must be accomplished at once and not only that , they must possess a main diet of dignity, honesty and integrity. It is during moments of stress and duress where they must remain calm, focused and composed to get the most out of their professional attire. The uniform and badge worn go to the relevancy of ethics and character. Without these commitments, Officer Cook, you could not function accordingly to rules and regulations within your department. Keeping sane and civil allows the legal process to proceed on as a situation dictates. The shining legacy of your life and career my neighbor, friend and hero rests soundly among those brave souls of comrades who served and motivated others to follow suit and to promote peace and goodwill among mankind.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Admonishment can serve as a great motivator. It can also serve to destroy the fabric by which our society was created for. To be a leader, you must be humble, yet highly honorable and most dignified in your journeys in life and a career you pursue justly, one that is catered to your character and the determination you spend working diligently to become something. Dade County and its citizens had you, Officer Cook, preserving and protecting our rights, liberties and opportunities to do the right thing by seeking counsel when necessary. You were a good leader of other officers because you took direction and used it as a springboard for your humane endeavors. All the people ask is that their law enforcement professionals are decent, loyal and faithful to the causes of quiet and unity among all. Callousness and friction lead to strife and acrimony. Nobody wanted peace and calm more than you, Officer Cook and despite what occurred on May 16, 1979, you remain a cherished hero, a blessed Godsend and a gentleman of morals and principles, the right reasons to don a uniform and badge of perseverance and persistence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul is wedged within the foundations of God's sacred walls of remembrance. You will never be forgotten. Your voice and common sense served you well. You performed in an outstanding fashion coming to the aid of your colleagues and the citizens that day doing as much as you could humanly do.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Our country has a fascination with the social media. twitter, the internet, facebook, my space whatever our eyes can see and our hands can place themselves on. What police officers must place their dignity and bravery on is crime and its powerful affects on the human mind. Your hands and feet, Officer Cook, patrolled with Our Creator's streets and while doing so it warded off evil as much as possible. A noble and valiant officer, your professional manner, Officer Cook, remains treasured. Your integrity, respected by all. You afforded the residents of Dade County the reasons to live by the very ideals of peace and civility. An enhancement as well as your heroic legacy that remains in our thoughts forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When it came to pride, its commitment to conviction and character it was top notch, first class. A decent man and devoted hero to all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
I was reflecting last night, Officer Cook, regarding executives of companies who receive golden parachutes when they retire or when their companies merge and are taken over by other corporations. In Dade County, employes too may take advantage of this by taking their unused sick leave and vacation time not used and to be able to receive compensation when they retire. Back in your day, Officer Cook, I don't know how this was handled. I do know as do your comrades back then that you were astute, loyal and personable. When problems arose while on patrol it was your integrity, honor and dignity that carried you through. Dade County has seen many heroes and heroines grace them, the humility of all its heroes and heroines who gave their lives for enhancement to shine down on them can never be overstated. Your contributions to humanity, Officer Cook, revealed a gentle heart and soul that uplifted the downtrodden, the oppressed and those who were less fortunate. May God grant your soul, beloved to your family, friends and colleagues who have treasured their memories of you. Your grace and bravery, nobleness and its breath may it shine down and illuminate us in our saddest of moments. Our Creator has you my neighbor, friend and hero you in His garden of paradise to walk that sacred beat on His golden streets forevermore. Nothing will ever disturb nor harm your beautiful soul. Its gentleness floats on the wings of kindness and love for all. Respect, resolve and determination were doggedly following you, Officer Cook, in all your pursuits of peace and happiness for all Dade County and its citizens. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
The words we speak help to dig our wells of wisdom and faith. So cherish the moments, the hours and minutes fleeting, one never knows their dates with destiny. Your appointed rounds patrolling Dade County and its residents, Officer Cook, was all in the name of justice and righteousness. It cannot be obtained without the much needed honesty, dignity and integrity. You had that and its humility to humbly fulfill your sacred missions here in this world. Now, as I reflect back on your life, career, let it be known that you were heroic, a solid professional, a gentleman of courage and valor, most can only ponder. This takes years of preservation and a certain pre-occupation in one's daily performance. Yours, Officer Cook, will be cherished and remembered for having sanctity and civility to unlock the keys of peace and prosperity for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Executives when they retire from large corporations most times receive golden parachutes. Police officers, humane, honorable and humble receive golden wings from God when they lay down their lives in the pursuits of peace and happiness. Life doesn't seem so kind or fair for that matter. You were a supremely loyal and trusted comrade, Officer Cook and Dade County residents reaped God's grace when you looked after them. No matter how police try, this never ending battle over violence still seems to escalate, its repercussions reverberating like no tomorrow. You were our hero whose professional demeanor saved the day on May 16, 1979, a day in Dade County history never to be forgotten. Only to be championed by those brave as you, Officer Cook, who both summon and muster the necessary character to press on. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul keeps rising higher and higher each day. That was your commitment to prosperity and preservation, its level rose and now the bar is set higher and higher. Hopefully the expectations can be felt by all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 27, 2016
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