Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
I meant to say you were treasured, Officer Cook, trustworthy beyond any doubt, your watchful eyes and ears allowed us all to live and to prosper in serenity and in peace. The amount of love and affection you had for all Dade County and its residents cannot be simply measured. But, you were a heroic gentleman, a devout individual and a fair person whose devotion and honesty far transcends anything we could imagine. Praise the Lord for righteous and valiant servants such as yourself, Officer Cook. If you read these reflections of your beloved uncle, "Bo," Gina. I would love to know how your grandmother, Mrs. Cook is doing these days out in San Diego, California. Justin told me when I met him in September 2010 that September 17th of this year she turned hundred. I'll always continue saying prayers for you Mrs. Cook. As I've always said your son, Officer William C. Cook, your "Billy" was as brave and as outstandingly supreme as they come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 8, 2015
A time to be born. A time to live and prosper. Sadly, as part of the life cycle a time to pass. No matter what you do and accomplish with your life, Our Lord decides when to call you to His heavenly abode. After twenty-five well spent and most profoundly meaningful years on this earth, you were taken to heaven, Officer Cook. Your dignity, honesty and integrity went along with you. Only if you were still present here could you pass on the wisdom and vision you gained through a humble upbringing and by making wise and the noblest of choices by becoming a police officer of first class in character, conviction, courage and commitment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Never to be forgotten. Always treasure, cherished and greatly admired and respected. Dade County citizens were always in your good hands in service and protection. A true professional and hero at all times.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 8, 2015
Demonstrating the finer points of police work can be challenging for even the most seasoned officer. For those astute, honorable and dignified women and men their actions in the public and on the streets they patrol are what counts and for the most positive results it's always a good plan of action to involve the very people they watch over. I know the residents of Dade County were always central to you, Officer Cook. Every breath you took you always had them on your mind. After all your profession is a seven day a week twenty-four hour labor of passion and showing compassion when it is called for. Your treasured soul, your loyalty to your brothers and sisters who went out with you and fought like the warriors we know you were have never forgotten your congeniality. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God protects you as you protected us, with every ounce of His being.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 7, 2015
There you were Officer Cook with all your vigilance and valor protecting the loyal citizens of Dade County. And now years later you are still being saluted for your unwavering honesty. There you were with a no quit attitude trying to keep peace, trying to talk a troubled young man into giving up and coming quietly. It did not matter the day, nor time, you assisted as any officer would. Outstanding actions and outstanding character are your legacy of heroic dimensions, as humbly as they come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Engaging and enlightening are still there from your watch and let us hope and pray they stay with those brave servants who have taken over your chain of command.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 7, 2015
Keeping evil off the streets is a main task of all police officers. And your dignity and integrity were both essential, Officer Cook, in making others feel secure. Using your calming voice and basically all of your training tools was what assisted you greatly. You were polite and courteous, humane and resourceful, never to be forgotten for your actions of heroism, Dade County residents can proudly reflect back on May 16, 1979, you were there saving your colleagues and those civilians. A proud man. More importantly an honorable gentleman. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You are revered forever and will remain in our hearts and in our thoughts. Your friend, Officer Cook, Chief Jacobs will never be forgotten. One day maybe we can meet and reflect back on his life, he should still be with us, his spirit flies high every moment and brightens this world.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 6, 2015
A good life, a humble career carved out of decency and honesty, what more can we say? You were a loving person, Officer Cook, a very devoted and driven young man. All of your missions in life and during your career were quite fruitful and this is one of the many ways to remember a courageous hero. God gives us certain things to see if we are up to the challenges at hand. Staying steady and focused gives us the opportunity to do good. Your legacy is based on being decent and helping to maintain the peace and calm in Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Our Creator surely watched over you and now you are helping Him patrol His golden streets.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 6, 2015
It is with the goodwill of the people of Dade County that you, Officer Cook were able and capable of patrolling and serving with honor, class and decorum. Sadly, an officer in Illinois who was killed in the line of duty, upon further investigation was found to have betrayed his badge, uniform, department and the resident she was supposed to serve and protect. This is probably a first to have to remove an officer from the officer down memorial page. Integrity and dignity must assist any brave public servant in order for them to have a fighting chance to succeed and your decency and class reflects this commitment. Let us hope and pray, trust in ourselves and the leadership skills and morals necessary to come out victorious. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, shame on any police officer disgracing their badge and uniform that is expected to be worn commendably at all times. You were, Officer Cook, North Miami Beach, Florida's police hero, a humanitarian across this great nation who delivered achievement and peace to those who counted and relied on you the most. An Inspector's Funeral for a fallen officer is a solemn time when we mourn their loss among their families, colleagues and friends and is certainly not to be looked at in any jovial manner. Comforting those whose hearts are heavy with pain and grief and comporting one's self professionally and with the utmost reverence is what we expect from the law enforcement family.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 5, 2015
Be resolute. Give a salute, Don't hide your pride. Battle with excellence and respect. Comport yourself with humbleness and honor. Humility speaks volumes, but most importantly be dignified and possess solid integrity. You carried yourself and department with outstanding leadership and maturity beyond your years, Officer Cook. It is those supporting officers whose wisdom and vision are the reasons behind the serenity of a nation and community that comes together in a peaceful gathering. Your life and career will be fondly remembered as you were among the bravest and most courageous officers who now patrols God's golden roads. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Hi Chief Jacobs hope you are doing well. Your esteemed friend and classmate, Officer William C. Cook won't ever be forgotten and I'll continue praying for you Mrs. Cook. If you ever come to Florida Chief Jacobs, I would love to meet you and break bread with you.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 5, 2015
Society places its hope and faith in its diligent officers and that is why, Officer Cook, you were so trusted with protecting the public at large. But, it all begins with honor, dignity, integrity and decency. How else can one confident and humble gentleman go out and serve with the bravery and courage needed to conquer the evil that still lurks out there. You were treasured and loyal, astute and accomplished, so Dade County citizens had no qualms nor worries. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy of righteous was always navigated down the paths of commitment and pride. You were an outstanding and excellent police officer who won't be forgotten by your family, friends and colleagues who went to war over evil with you on a daily basis. You left a good name and a badge that was shining with stellar strength of character.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 5, 2015
We trust in God and act faithfully in all our mannerisms. You placed God at the head of your table and Karen's too, Officer Cook. the results speak for themselves. Honor, pride, integrity and solemn professionalism. Nothing but the truth came from your lips, your feet ran to the calls of duty. A sense of loyalty and reverence crossed paths and a truly righteous man, a gentleman whose legacy of strength in commitment and in character reveals much more. The more Dade County residents spoke the more you gained their confidence and trust, Officer Cook ,always the most dedicated and determined officer of your time, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The day comes calling and on that day we will be greeted by one humble heroic angel.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 4, 2015
I look at your bright and hearty smile, Officer Cook and am amazed at how well-liked and revered you were. It takes an awful lot of fortitude to do what you did. How you grew up and became a top notch officer. Officer Cook and made Dade County residents stand up with pride and take note. A hero of class, honesty, decency and dignity, who devoted his entire life and professional career to serving and protecting. A heartfelt legacy of memories of a true police hero in action. One stands up for what is deemed right and proper and uses whatever means legally to accomplish a peaceful resolution. You did that and much more in terms of enhancing our best interests, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. That smile is certainly missed today and everyday, but your family, comrades and friends know you are in heaven patrolling God's sacred streets where only peace and liberty abide with those brave heroes and heroines who focused their lives around the very same ideals as you, Officer Cook. Your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace is with his beloved son helping Our Creator shape this world's future, one you should still part of in a grand way.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 4, 2015
Through humble eyes can we see the hero in you and with your unwavering and unselfish humility were you able to function and to promote peace within a community where you were not only loved, but respected, admired and revered Officer Cook. You were an outstanding police officer, Officer Cook and yet your honesty, dignity and integrity was compared to Old Glory flying supremely high each day. You can't even begin to think about all the possibilities as to where your stellar career would have taken you. Heroically they don't come any more skilled, likable and brave as you were. Your conviction, your valor was your signature and you worn it at all times and places while keeping your character very impeccable. You were a born leader of all comrades and had the desire and drive to get to another level. God shields His courageously astute women and men taking them to a place where nothing will ever harm them. For your sacrifice you have been rewarded by Our Lord and fondly remembered and saluted for daring to care, be concerned and allowing your compassion to flow as your passion did while patrolling the venues of Dade County keeping those citizens safe from harm. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The level your spirit continues to travel is where you now are called a heroic angel. And your legacy reflects how you accommodated all mankind. A truly remarkable gentleman.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 3, 2015
Destiny takes us to places we don't always want to go. It took you through twenty-five years of life, six spent as an honorable man, a police officer patrolling and controlling the wickedness and wanton violence that sometimes spreads like a wildfire. Officer Cook, your whole life was not a puzzle even though the pieces to a well orchestrated career were in place thanks in large part to your character, boldness, pride and commitment. Most of us would be fortunate just to get to first base. Your legacy of action and of heroism turned the corner, more importantly it turned the pages of enhancement for all Dade County residents to live peacefully. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The grandest of men was the humility and humbleness that was centered on the sleeves and badge of your uniform. When the call went out on May 16, 1979, dignity, integrity and determination faithfully came calling. The most outstanding professionalism was exhibited by yourself, Officer Cook and nothing can ever take away what you meant as a cherished and respected police officer and a true gentleman.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 3, 2015
Through your brave soul, Officer Cook, you can lead the way to God's eternal shelter where you are assisting Him in keeping those here in this world safe from harm's way. You see, heroes and heroines are not just born, they don't just fall into police work. The road one chooses to take starts out as a bumpy one, with curves and pitfalls, road blocks and more to see if we are up to the highest level of challenges such a demanding position presents its recruits. You were very able and capable, nothing was going to deter nor derail your pursuits in life. All handled with the utmost, class, decency, honesty and stellar integrity. You can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, knowing full well you were revered and cherished, resourceful and caring when it came time to go out and patrol Dade County residents and their streets. Your humble legacy reflects hope and renewal. Consideration and determination to see things through until the end. Success breeds success. There was no talk of failure. Not from a devout public servant who dedicated his whole career and life to the preservation of all mankind. If you check the wall at Tropical Park in Miami. it spells out the names of men and women who gave of themselves, heroes and heroines. The badge and uniform you donned, Officer Cook, meant more than anything else, it represented optimism and the results of achievement and the work needed to reach that level.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 2, 2015
Pride. Professional resiliency instituted daily every time. Honor. Humble, outstanding, never ending, onus, resolve. All terms that fit humane and dignified police officers. All of the above, Officer Cook, as you served and protected Dade County citizens with genuine integrity, a mighty heart, a brave and valiant soul. We should all be so bold, be so courageous and fortunate you were there to save your colleagues from the worst fate. Your unwavering sacrifice woke up an entire nation, an entire law enforcement family as to the perils and dangers that lurk out there in society even for the most highly skilled and trained man or woman, But it is within your legacy that nothing gets lost. Commitment and enhancement work hand in hand together to forge a common bond between peace and unity. Living for the moment. Loving life. You certainly enjoyed your life and were headed for an even brighter career. Metro-Dade Police Department was grateful to have you among their rank and file fraternity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 2, 2015
When someone we love or know is hurt, the pain at times can be most unbearable. When the life of a humble man is taken, we grieve, we mourn their loss. The effects are felt throughout society, our nation and around the world. Officer Cook, you were a legend of modesty, of integrity, dignity and honor. It did not matter the time or place, you were present and accounted for. Dade County bears the brunt of wickedness as its officers shoulder a mighty large burden on the backs in an effort to keep us secure and peaceful. Being the ever faithful servant of God and displaying the loyalty necessary to combat evil, it is with your conviction and courage that mad you who you were and still are in the hearts and minds of all mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You will be honored and saluted for possessing the reason, logic and fortitude to do what was proper and just. People of class, decency and humility conduct their professional and personal affairs in an outstandingly righteous manner. Your life and career meant everything to you and your family, Officer Cook. Our Lord knows His pious followers and the deeds they bring to His eternal shelter
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 1, 2015
We must respect our fellow neighbor. We must help out in times of trouble and distress. Loved and admired by all people, you were the quintessential public servant, Officer Cook. One does not need to look further than one who honors his parents, does not overstep his bounds of authority and leaves a wonderfully good name in dignity and in integrity. All your commitments, all your associations with your comrades at arms do leave wonderful memories even though you should still be here among your family and friends. Your heroic actions humbly carried on have stayed enhanced within those beloved family members and now it's up to them to take the yoke of responsibility upon their shoulders. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Cleverness used properly leads to successful outcomes. That day on May 16, 1079, the outcome we all desired was for you to make it home safe and sound. Your spirit lives on as God has kept you safe from any more harm. You fought the battle, those who followed you march on in this world dealing with adversity and evil each day.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 1, 2015
A new day dawns, we open the door, pickup our newspaper with a drink in hand. Something you and Karen should be doing now, Officer Cook. Sadly, a forced retirement is not how officers should go out, it should be when they retire and continue to contribute to society and its needs on their own terms. I know Karen remarried and lives possibly in Minnesota. God surely has a valiant, loyal and honorable gentleman and officer now patrolling His golden streets where He continues His watch over you. You believed in fairness and you were respected by all peers. The courage and conviction to carry on stemmed from an excellent upbringing from your two loving, wonderful and devoted parents. We can all be proud. You stayed humane and faithful, Officer Cook, never once turning an eye to this plague we label as wanton violence. Heroes and heroines are too ordinary people, it's just their bravery comes front and center as do the residents they both serve and protect. Dade County will not forget you, your honesty and legacy left for others to continue down the pathways of righteousness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2015
Carefully planning one's goals in life does require a lot of care, caution and consideration, after all though we have freedoms to do as we see fit, one must look at everything. And this was something you excelled in, Officer Cook, to think when you wanted to become a police officer at such a young age, all the training, practice and patience that goes into making a truly honorable and trustworthy public servant. Now all these years later, the humbleness in your heroic actions has never strayed too far from your colleagues who worked with you nor the citizens whose very lives were entrusted to your service and care. You were the consummate professional, diligent, dignified and with integrity that has remained part of your legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, the enigma of evil will soon be vanquished. You made it happen. Your commitment to excellence and pride spoke volumes of your sterling character.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 31, 2015
Blatant disregard and respect for law enforcement personnel cannot help any movement toward freedom and peace. Officer Cook, seeing that you respected people and property, it is plain to see why you were successful in all your missions. God pays back those trusted and loyal followers who devote themselves faithfully and you my neighbor, friend and hero allowed your dignity, honesty and integrity to dictate your patrols around Dade County where the residents felt safe when you went out to quell evil. This must because the functional purpose of all departments, streets and the people deserve to live and thrive in a stable environment. Rest in peace. Commitment, courage and valor spell out the path by which police must conduct their professional affairs.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 30, 2015
Awareness and the inevitability of things that might transpire are what all police officers who are highly skilled and trained try to watch for. We never know that time. We go out and try to secure the peace and unity of a community. You did this very well, Officer Cook, all because of your honor, desire, dignity and dedication. Dade County has witnessed many changes since your untimely passing and yet because of your humble heroism to act, enhancements can forever stay grounded in place. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Character and courage are any officer's best protection no matter the situation at hand.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 30, 2015
Miracles of today, visions of tomorrow, all brought about by brave and decent souls of our beloved public servants of which you were, Officer Cook. Your loving soul still shines so bright it's as if we can witness it ourselves. Dade County and its residents saw on a daily basis an honest, eager and devoted young man who solved problems with a voice of both reason and passion. Your legacy of faith, boldness and commitment has and will forever stand as a source of enhancement, fortifying those who rely on these men and women of pride and excellence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The ultimate redemption will be because of your unwavering actions to the calls of duty, Officer Cook, a humble hero and a warrior until the end.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2015
Every person's actions are being validated by Our Creator. One does not walk into valor, bravery and courage by accident. Your whole life and career, Officer Cook, was imbued with integrity and honor and as you have been resting in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, let it be known you were a most devoted and humble servant. God really relies on the instincts of His servants in order for evil to be driven away. Your legacy of faith and hope now rests squarely on each of our shoulders. A true hero with a legacy of warmth, charm commitment and conviction. Always maximum effort. Only proper conduct. makes us all proud, especially those who knew you personally. I'm sorry we never met. At least I had the honor of meeting some family members and receiving a beautiful letter from your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook. You will always be in my heart, your son was a charming and hard working man of faith and reliability. Dade County residents could not be any happier. He honored you and his father, we now salute his grace and gallantry.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2015
Astute by study, bravery and boldness merging at just the right moment, commitment to courage and a vision of valor, wonderful memories of a gentile soul, a beautiful human being, a compassionate heart, all those, Officer Cook and many more traits that you possessed coming from a very loving and humble family. Your parents, family and friends could not be any prouder of their heroic son, brother, uncle, husband and great-uncle. The areas of Dade County rest solely because of your unwavering devotion, your supreme sacrifice all in the name of God. What an angel! A most beloved man of constitution and character, you have been remembered for giving more than we can ever imagine. It takes a lot to become a top of the line police officer, your dignity, honesty and integrity fortified your every endeavor. A humane and very treasured individual who led by example and taught other comrades the ropes so to speak. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2015
A person's good name and reputation can never be sullied even by the very wickedness that takes them for this good earth. As a most loyal and faithful servant, Officer Cook, your name and heroic actions will always be noted. Great men and women back up their talk with action and that was demonstrated valiantly on May 16, 1979. All Dade County and the entire police nation fondly salutes its most honorable heroes and heroines. You sir remain at the very top of that angelic list. Now God has taken to His shelter and protected you from harm so you could watch over other comrades who attempt to carry on with what you started. Dignity, liberty and peace has continued because of your humbly unselfish mannerisms. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The Cook name lives on and your wonderfully engaging spirit continues flying high each and everyday. Those good deeds are your legacy, one entrenched firmly in the hearts and minds of all mankind.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2015
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