Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
When we can't pay homage to those fiercely loyal public servants who dedicate their lives to serve us, then there is something not right. You gave Dade County your outstanding service,, Officer Cook and paid the supreme price, your life. A career and humble life filled with so many blessed things, most importantly, honesty, dignity and integrity in the strength of your character. All too many times we overlook a person's humility, for you, Officer Cook, the most meaningful part of your day was your honesty, that all came from your two loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cook. Solidarity and being one was how you represented the residents, it was about their needs, their peace, their unity and prosperity.It was completed in a classy and decent manner.Your due diligence and proper respect and courtesy for others won't be forgotten. You will continue to be saluted for your valor, bravery and excellence in commitment and in your professional convictions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The cost of a heroic life was the respect and grace which you showed all mankind. Integrity lives on in the morals of your loving family members who now carry your legacy of humane distinction.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 7, 2016
Sorrow is a burden sometimes too hard to bear. But what can heal a broken heart is witnessing the smiles on the folks who can now live in safety and in unity all because of your sacrifice, Officer Cook. They can live in peace because you were a calm and quiet gentleman who let his actions speak for themselves. It is one's dignity and integrity and how they comport and compose themselves when the going gets tough. With a soft heart and yet a compassion to do the right thing you remained fair and serious when the situation called for it. A cherished and treasured hero forever, a man of motion and the strength to carry on with your professional obligations, it is now your family and colleagues who share in the onus to carry on with your legacy and to keep us its vitality and stay vigilant. Stay focused. Remain calm and collected. know your responsibilities, it goes a long way to assisting any public servant who battles very bravely and most heroically. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If you could view Dade County citizens today, Officer Cook, your beautiful smile would be a big grin from ear to ear.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 7, 2016
Be patient. Be honest. Stay dignified. Success does not always appear the first time around. It may take several attempts and yet as long as the integrity is central to your endeavors you'll achieve beyond your wildest expectations. You toiled and labored quite long and hard, Officer Cook, to become a very dependable and reliable police officer. No matter the task at hand you accomplished and dispatched loyal preservation and service to all Dade County. its residents found themselves at a sorrowful loss despite your heroic effort to save your comrades and those folks who came to respect and admire your calming influence you maintained while keeping the peace. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your good name and humble legacy of humane and supreme effect will never be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 7, 2016
The relevance of your relief to all mankind, Officer Cook, has meant the difference in how we can go about living and functioning as a community. As one of the many dignified and honorable angels of the law enforcement profession, you delivered the results and resolve in firmness, fairness and justice for all. Two plus two equals four. Multiply your life and career by all your valiant actions and the results are rather simple, you will be cherished and saluted for having the inane wisdom and knowledge coupled with those fundamental leadership skills to assist other comrades in staying away from harmful pitfalls. The challenges await those who have taken over your watch. Please look over them and your family. They were as you were most beloved and treasured. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Every servant is relied upon to produce the much needed relief and for what you meant to your department, Officer Cook, resourcefulness and loyalty went out on patrol each day with you. Manners and decency, class and compassion walked that beat in Dade County and now it walks with God leading your soul to the many celestial sites.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 5, 2016
A person filled with a heart of gold and a brave soul full of love served us in my ways. Not only were you a humble inspiration to all mankind, Officer Cook, more than that your honesty, dignity and integrity filled the many people of Dade County whom you protected and served. A fountain of faithfulness, a loyal and distinguished police officer who led by example and preached that golden rule, treat all people as you would want them to treat you. And in your home my neighbor, friend and hero, respect and politeness always went hand in hand. So too your legacy of strength in so many areas will forever be appreciated. Rest in peace. Your soul lights up our skies carrying that sacred message of unity, peace and goodwill for all. Your heroic sacrifice bears this out.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 5, 2016
The wheels of justice move in ways that are not always logical. Just go to the Officers Down Memorial Page and read the stories and accounts of the lives of our beloved heroes and heroines. Your story, Officer Cook, made those who knew you both personally and professionally cry. Here you were at the tender young age of twenty-five with a uniquely God given mindset and skill that was dictated by long hours of hard work and training, you had that certain candor, honesty to go about your daily affairs, Dade County and its residents were in good hands, its peace and unity all by your gentle hands and feet that lifted the spirits of all mankind. It is and was this passion that propelled you my neighbor, friend and hero to a career that had more left to achieve. Your missions was deemed complete and it is Our Creator who now shelters your spirit in His palms for safekeeping. You saved us from harm, were a valiant and dignified human being and with this a strength of charm and character to match. Rest in peace. The wheels of fairness and honor moved properly by your every movement. These enhancements are the result of your arduous convictions and the swiftness of your professional commitment to both pride and excellence.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 5, 2016
Perpetual motion. The actions of the pristine men and women of the law enforcement profession who go out on patrols in an effort to preserve and to protect our freedoms. You were a sincerely faithful, loyal and top servant whose integrity, dignity and honesty never got the best of him. You maintained an even keel with a positively calming approach in solving problems that cropped up. You'll be inscribed by the citizens of Dade County as a hero and a legend. History bears out your humane and kind acts of love and you will remain admired and adored forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Being sedentary does not accomplish as much as being on the go in doing God's heavenly chores.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 5, 2016
The theme of any duly sworn law enforcement professional is the realization that one operates cautiously, carefully and with a balanced amount of scrutiny.One's own home where they have grown up depends on a large measure of integrity, dignity and honor while they search for that chosen field of endeavor. Your chosen field, Officer Cook, was your desire to become a police officer. And you were an instrumentally sound person who let his worthiness and actions of love and hard work speak for themselves. This community of Dade County has experienced many changes since your untimely passing, but nevertheless, your sacrifice has brought newer hope, optimism and enhancement to those yearning for its appearance. A cherished and most beloved gentleman whose valor and courtesy will not be overlooked nor forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The humility of your career and the life behind your good deeds of kindness and dogged dedication and determination will rest within the venues of this area for all future generations to come. Decades from now your powerful exploits of energetic effort will be brought back to recall your legendary heroism that secured the peace and unity of the citizens who came to rely on your responsible resolve.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 3, 2016
Procedures, preservation and protection, any officer's sure powered methods they employ to secure the safety of those around them. For the many residents of Dade County, Officer Cook, you policed with sheer energy, intuitiveness and intelligence that bears the name of honesty, dignity and integrity. You were that humble leader of other comrades who served alongside of you during your day in which you constantly battled violence. Evil perturbs most rational thinking folks and it was your grace, gallantry and calming presence that has allowed the masses to live as they do today. Forever saluted. Courageous, compassionate and considerate. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your heroic legacy rests upon the virtues of sound character, sincere convictions and a bold and brave commitment to excellence and the pride you went about your life and professional affairs.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 3, 2016
I meant to say you never dodged a problem, Officer Cook, you faced danger head on and never complained about anything. Your tasks were handled in a humble and most taciturn fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. For your achievements in life and during your career during which you gave your life you shall be rewarded by God a she stirs your soul around His sacred shelter. Peace and unity were always on your lips as was honesty, dignity and integrity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 2, 2016
I am the kind of person who looks at a picture and will get emotional. We all know you were born into a family of dignity and devotion where love of God and living life's golden rule, treat others as you would want to be treated was preached and put into a daily routine. Doing things routinely is not what only drives any police officer's life and profession, what drove your career, Officer Cook, was politeness, kindness and a calming influence not to become flustered, not to outwardly show fear, though, one can display a bit of fear. You were the kind of person who dodged a problem or dilemma. You sought ways to resolve trouble so May 16, 1979, was that humane example of your attitude and astuteness. You answered a call, you attended to many other moments and alertly tried to calm down a young troubled man. The hero in you and Dade County's reality is that we do have supremely brave and valiant public servants who serve and protect our best interests. The good name of Officer William C. Cook: Badge#1664 shall never be forgotten. You wore your badge and uniform with a civic pride and responsibility to service wherever and whenever called upon. The sacrifice of courage, your strength of compassion and commitment to ethical character shall be honored and saluted forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Crying is okay. One is permitted to wear their emotions on their sleeves. You are missed and as long as I'm able I will continue to not only reflect on your life and career, I will visit your grave to honor your memory.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 2, 2016
The greatness of any hero is their pursuits of evil which in turn help us to live more safer and peaceful lives. Your heroic actions, Officer Cook, have helped to further enhance the honor, dignity and integrity of the Dade County community where you not only lived and grew up, but where served and protected others in an outstanding manner. Your fortitude and strength of conviction, character and commitment has long been remembered and saluted very much everyday. Once a year Dade County gathers to memorialize and look back on the lives and police careers of its heroes and heroines, yet sometimes we do forget where they too came from. Your upbringing and life was etched upon the principles of common courtesy, decency and proper conduct toward all mankind. And it was this dogged devotion, desirable determination that spear-headed your every patrol throughout the dangers that sometimes police officers must confront professionally and most proficiently each day. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, if only you were here today to instill good advice to those who would cherish it greatly.Your deeds and thoughtfulness resound loud and clear from God's heavenly shelter above. Your beautiful soul touched the hearts of many as did that magnificent smile, as bright as the sun. Each day i pass by the old Bennett and Ulm Funeral Home where you had your viewing and visitation. Brings back a flood of memories. Wished I had known your parents, your sister and yourself. Humility and honesty was totally within your family tree. Its leaves have branched out today and forever.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 2, 2016
When determination and the driven passion through desire help us to succeed we in part can look up to the heavens above and thank you, Officer Cook. A man of honor, dignity and keen vision with a loyalty that cannot be matched. One who gave his life for the sake of heaven and their fellow friend ought to be given a hearty salute. That honor is afforded you each and everyday. You became what you wanted to become through not just dreams, rather a God given talent to work just as hard as the next recruit. Some pan out. Others don't. The heart and mind must perform equally well just like vigilance and perseverance. Travelling down Dade County and its territories one needs all the assistance one can get. God steered your paths my neighbor, friend and hero valiantly and most courageously. Rest in peace. Your heroic legacy stands for relief, hope and happiness for one another.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 1, 2016
With humbleness dedication and distinction comes danger. The perils of not knowing quite what to expect. Although, police officers are highly skilled and trained professionals, one never knows when destiny will announce its calling. For you, Officer Cook, your integrity, honesty and dignity always were around when you protected and served Dade County residents who came to look upon your diligence for their unity and peace. We will never forget your unwavering bravery, commitment and your heroic actions which saved your colleagues, civilians and no telling how many more lives. A true and faithfully loyal and devoted hero, whose humility will be saluted forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 1, 2016
The man standing by the American flag wearing those glasses and having the vision to humanely make our lives better. You succeeded on that front, Officer Cook. You endeavored to fight the good battle, battles, gunfights are never good as they often lead to more violence and innocent bloodshed. That day, horrible as it was, May 16, 1979, you displayed the courage, honesty and professional integrity and dignity to reign in evil. A troubled young man with more problems than anyone could imagine. You came to the aid of your fellow officers and those civilians and more than what we could ponder. It brought about one change, those side panels. Valor and diligence wrapped around your entire being my neighbor, friend and hero. Patience and resiliency revolving around your work and personal life, one with more left to achieve. A mission of hope and promise now left in God's hands as you patrol His sacred venues. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Today, as I was driving to and from Naples, Florida I thought of you and what the world would be like if you were with us, Officer Cook. The honesty, dignity and integrity could be more meaningful if heroes, humble as yourself were here to lead and to give professional pointers to other comrades on how to be morally proper and to maintain ethical behavior when preserving and protecting. Dade County saw the upbeat and decent public servant, so devoted, dedicated and faithful to his craft. It was about respect, courtesy and manners to all mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The heroes and heroines in God's heaven have left a beautiful fragrance of character, bravery and conviction as their legacies. Your commitment brought a newer resolve for all to see. Of course we can't smell that which is in heaven, hopefully the effects trickle down to those who commit themselves wisely and with total determination.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Through all the modern technology available now for people to utilize it seems as if the world has become a more dangerous place filled with pitfalls and perils for one to travel through. During your time, Officer Cook, you did not have all these professional tools to guide you when patrolling Dade County. A radio in your car for dispatches and not much else. Three things you take with you each day were your honor, integrity and dignity. They never left your sight as you were a heroically thoughtful and intelligent man. A police officer, a professional through and through. Courageous and caring. Commitment and consideration while leading other comrades through these challenges that face each public servant. You will be saluted for valor and devotion that hopefully those future officers can take a cue from. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Some of that modern technology has gotten plenty of officers in hot water. The message is clear govern yourself accordingly. Some departments now equip their men and women with body cameras which can record all actions taken in the lines of duty. .Ethics and character are really now front and center.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Through divine intervention it was your professional intervention, Officer Cook, that saved the day on May 16, 1979 for Dade County and its honorable citizens. Your honest, dignified and heroic actions are the things we come to expect from our beloved officers and believe me you were a well respected, admired and most vigilant officer whose mainstay for dedication and tenacity won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy of strength and resolve still revolves around your beloved family as does your wonderful soul as it forever lights up the night skies.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Ever since you gave your life for your community, Officer Cook, if we could step back and ponder a little on what has since transpired, there have been racial tensions, three of the most famous landmarks had planes crash into them killing nearly three-thousand people. From your department, twenty-three other fine brave men and women gave their lives in an effort to foil violence. All of them like yourself were humble. loyal. decent and honest. Actions of courage seem to make our hearts grow fonder. The memories of a wonderful man, a treasured servant who served with class and morals, principles to drive your life and career all with more, so much more left to achieve. God determines our lots in life and He deemed that you patrol His golden streets in heaven to observe the coming and going of those whose character and strength shined as brightly as yours did. No two people, much less police officers are alike, you delivered results and resiliency to a professional position where the stakes are always high and the perils lay out there for one to be very careful and to proceed with caution. You were supreme in your heroic actions and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 29, 2016
God shines His eyes down upon His creatures in both love and in mercy. The eyes and ears of the honorably righteous men and women have His full attention. Furthermore, the integrity and dignity steers those to accomplish that which is deemed proper. Your whole life, Officer Cook, God graced your house, parents and entire family with all the products to be able to maintain humility and success. It was through that humbleness that you kept peace and unity throughout Dade County and for its residents to thrive and to prosper. Achievement at times comes with a price, with compassion, care and consideration did you, Officer Cook, allow us to continue paving the trails of justice and fairness that you laid over forty-three years ago. All done in an outstanding manner of commitment, character and loyalty. It's this modest bravery that is not always found in our heroes and heroines of the law enforcement community. You served admirably and remain admired, cherished and respected for giving nothing less than one-hundred percent endeavor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your sacrifice will be saluted forevermore. You brought pride and resolve to the Metro-Dade Police Department in wearing its badge and uniform in a decent and devoted fashion.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 29, 2016
If only for the good old days when right was right and there can be no wrong in this universe. Only God is perfect in all His ways and yet for what it is worth, you were a very devout and loyal servant, Officer Cook, protecting people with all your might and every last ounce of strength in character, courage, dignity, integrity and honesty. All of this will never be lost or forgotten. Your perseverance and diligence have made the loss of your very brave soul stand forever. That loving and caring soul keeps travelling in God's heavens above keeping us safe and secure as it watches over us like never before. If you are reading these posts, reflections that I have been leaving for your beloved and most heroically courageous son, Officer William Coleman Cook, Mrs. Cook, you should live and be well. You, your husband, Charles and your son will always be in my thoughts and prayers. He won't be forgotten, only beloved and cherished as the gentleman you raised along with his sister, Nancy.Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 28, 2016
Police officers afford us, the citizens the opportunities to be able to live freely and to pursue the pleasures in life that we choose. Of course, they too, the officers have these same pleasures and desires to freely pursue. Yet, it is their humility and humbleness when coupled with their honesty, dignity and integrity that allows them to do their jobs as they are assigned. Your role within Dade County, Officer Cook, was to make the venues as safe as possible for all. Now years later because of your unwavering valor those venue shave become destinies of enhancement and it's been a tragic shame that you could not have witnessed these changes. Fate and faith in Our Lord carried all your missions solidly and with a vigorous resolve. Cherished, beloved, admired and respected, those efforts of yours will continue to be saluted for generations to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 28, 2016
When violence is forever wiped away, then and only then can we declare victory. Visions of yesterday and tomorrow are in large measure to your heroic actions, Officer Cook, not always seen. Better to commit to honesty and conviction by doing something than just talking and not backing up your speech. One good deed leads to another good deed, the very reason we were placed in this world. Your actions my neighbor, friend and hero have brought a little more comfort to the people of Dade County strengthening. Legacies are the character and the dignity of those who uphold ethics, morals and scruples, your humbly sound upbringing. Your parents, sister, your beloved wife and your entire family and colleagues remain proud and have saluted your boldness and bravery of a well lived life and an outstanding career, though there was more left to fulfill, your missions are now in the holiness of Our Creator's sanctuary. Rest in peace. Looking back you wore your uniform justly and very courageously.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 27, 2016
The torment and anguish families experience only strengthens our resolve to do better and to further enhance the honesty and dignity of their heroically humble legacies. Your family, Officer Cook, loved and cherished you, they now carry on your name in integrity, character and commitment. Your service to Dade County and its residents remains the focal point of both your life and the police career you humanely carried out in faithfulness and in loyalty to your esteemed comrades of which you were a very valuable and versatile part of. The pain is there, yet those who knew and admired you still feel the warmth of your treasured soul as it continue sits travels up above in God's firmament. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Heroes and heroines will always be sheltered in God's palms where no harm will ever come your way again.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 27, 2016
Courageously caring. Doggedly determined. Calming and compassionate. The words of love and humility that describe our most beloved and valiant men and women of the law enforcement community. Dade County has seen many officers finely trained, skillfully tooled who have risen through its ranks, those of them who gave their lives and careers in an effort to serve and to protect Dade County and its citizens we salute them as heroes and heroines. As one of the many who chose this profession, Officer Cook, one that is considered highly dangerous and yet has its rewards for outstanding service above and beyond the calls of duty, we say thank you for your role in sheltering peace, brokering bonds between all citizens. You were a devoted officer, Officer Cook, cherished and admired by all colleagues. You remain revered by all and will continue to be honored for your integrity and dignity. If courage, conviction and character alone could bring you back, we would be most appreciative. You are with God resting in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, being sheltered in His wings where your soul rests and keeps lighting up the skies with happiness, peace, hope and optimism.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 26, 2016
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