Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
The way we dress and compose ourselves adds credence to how we may turnout in the end. If one takes the time to be careful when donning their uniform or whatever they wear to their assigned jobs, you may end up better off than not. Whenever you put on your police uniform, Officer Cook, your colleagues and those you watched over could be sure of one thing, it was done with honorable intentions and only pride and humility flowed from it. Dress the part and act loyally, show some basic instincts of courage and valor. Your actions spoke louder than any words that could be spoken. Your legacy of trust and faith continues its conversations though at times we might not take in all the words. The dialogue goes on today as you rest i n peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Beautiful memories of a loving human being and a most revered public servant. Walk softly and carry yourself accordingly. Never give anyone something to fret about. Do not cause problems, I suppose this was the reason you were able to lead others, Officer Cook. Clarity and a mind mature beyond your years.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 10, 2015
I know the total truth regarding one who stays unbiased and operates within the dictates of the law of the land. We realize that our women and men of the law enforcement community have to act with fairness. They must keep a safe distance from evil impulses, negative influences. All areas you kept away from , Officer Cook. The bar has been set mighty high because of your unselfish devotion and unwavering commitment. Compassion when paired with honorable acts of kindness and common sense usually produces a high rate of achievement. Six years of unrelenting service and protection of all Dade County residents was the mantra by which you effectively patrolled and maintained a unity and peace that has kept its strength today. Enhancement and endearment also partnered with you Officer Cook and for what is was worth back during your watch it assisted you immensely. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 10, 2015
It is said that people in glass houses should not throw stones Don't judge others until you put your affairs in proper order. Well one thing for sure, Officer Cook and that was you placed every manner of life in the proper perspective. No weaving in and out of traffic so to speak. No shortcuts. Only the promise to make Dade County citizens morally straight with a calming influence, a passion dictated by logic, common sense and honesty. For some of us it is difficult at best to establish this trait of dignity and integrity. We are all better off because of your valor, courage and bravery. Let it be known that you were a loyal and humble servant of God who was charged with a most demanding profession, one that you aspired to become since you were a young man and also let it be said you were a truly treasured human being whose character and commitment far exceeded what most any individual could ever bring to their jobs. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A hero to be saluted forever and never to be forgotten. Always remembered for your compassion, care and concern for all mankind.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 10, 2015
The satisfaction we receive when our most bravest and loyal officers lineup each day in roll call and go out on patrol to protect our liberties sure conjures up many things. We think, at least some of us realize that police officers are our friends who have our best interests at heart. Dade County residents were in your heart, Officer Cook, trouble is the young man who rebelled against our society should have has this in mind t and put his weapon down peacefully before all mayhem broke loose. There would have been no further escalation of violence, no gunfire, no one hurt or worse, you tried to calm him down, went by your department manual, were outstanding in all your heroic actions that day of May 16, 1979, your honor, integrity and dignity, decency and class were tested and you passed with flying colors, saving your comrades and those citizens who relied on your valor and courage to see them through. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The legacy of faith and resolve rests with you sheltered in the arms of God as His angel of strength and pride. Glowing in the bright sun and at night during a full moon, you will never be far from our thoughts and hearts, for it was with your esteemed humbleness that we can rest our bodies at night because of your unwavering self-motivation to endeavor to capsulize evil and eliminate it from our world.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 9, 2015
The word impossible can denote many things. In your life the words, humility and endeavor became a part of a well lived life and whatever accolades you humbly receive this day, you deserve them all. Just for possessing the honesty, the dignity and the stellar integrity to face whatever problems you had to resolve in an effort to bring peace and freedom to all residents of Dade County. You were a blessing and a loyal servant of God, Officer Cook. You were tasked with many gifts that most ordinary people do not have. You took part in the peace process everyday while maintaining the dignity of all. Your tenacity and courage is not always seen by all officers. Some people have certain gifts, you gift my neighbor, friend and hero was your faith and loyalty, a calming influence fueled by passion and desire. the dedication and determination was channeled through your resourcefulness. A treasured gentleman indeed. A commitment flowing from your strength of character, it is no wonder you were successful and had many more years ahead to reshape this world. You now rest in peace in God's heavenly abode along with your father, Charles, too of Our Lord's supreme and pristine followers. Everything has a reason, I'm still troubled and bothered as to why your life was taken just for doing a job you enjoyed doing and had a dream to grow up and to become a well trained police officer who was raised with morals, ethics and scruples. It can't be stated any plainer than that. You'll never be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 9, 2015
Thank God you taught officers during your watch, Officer Cook, to march to the same beat. One thing that can't be taken from you my neighbor, friend and hero is your honor, dignity and integrity. Nothing can soil nor ever tarnish the badge and uniform worn so proudly and humbly by you. Salutes and honors don't just happen, just as one is given an award it is how they perform their chosen career paths of distinction with humility and gallantry. Forevermore you were a most treasured and loyal officer completely immersed in the affairs of making safety and peace a reality. For what it is worth, there are not too many like you. having the gumption, yet having the grace and courage to battle everyday dilemmas that at times confound us, you were a very important link to the past, present and the future survival of all residents in and around the Dade County community where you have been honored, adored and revered for your bravery. At least Officer Cook, you stood for values, ethics and an honest day's work. You gave much more. Your sacrifice helped elevate the standards of enhancement, though it should never come to an officer giving their life for this. Forty-two names of Metro-Dade Police Officers, heroes and heroines ready and willing to accept freely any and all circumstances that assist in the unification and peace process. Hope springs eternal, let us pray more springs forward by leaps and bounds.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 8, 2015
Police work is not an ego seeking profession, though we have some officers who seek the spotlight, they stray and trouble seems to come calling. With yourself, Officer Cook, the essentials that brought honor and dignity to your profession was your talents and your intensely loyal actions on behalf of all Dade County citizens. We stand tall among the most bravest and valiant heroes and heroines who risk their very lives so we can remain poised do do whatever we choose to accomplish. Your heart and spirit, Officer Cook, has been fondly remembered as you have been saluted for having the tenacity to tackle whatever challenges were placed on you r shoulders. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. For sure a legacy that remains the cornerstone and very foundation of understanding, commitment and solid character. You stood proud, yet humble to go out and to fulfill your childhood dreams. You instilled in all of us the want and desire to achieve whatever you set out to do. Your mission and life of serving and protecting will never be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 8, 2015
With all this world has to offer us and our families, it is still amazing all the violence that transpires everyday. No matter what part of the world, so we rely heavily on our fiercely resourceful men and women to endeavor to at least curb some of this mayhem. Your were an essential warrior, Officer Cook, in this very area. You made certain people lived much more tranquil lives and were given every opportunity to succeed mightily. Until your last breath did you extract every ounce of effort to make this a reality. No wonder your comrades and friends still cherish your memories. In twenty-five years of a well-lived life and a productive career that was headed for even greater fulfillment, your honor, respect and dignity will always be saluted, for having sustained the valor and grace necessary to tackle the demands of your job. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you will always be here in spirit as well as your everlasting strength of character which continues fortifying your heroic legacy.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 7, 2015
Where you served and protected the public, Officer Cook, could be classified as the epicenter of Dade County. In fact, every venue in this country has an epicenter and it is where you valiantly and honorably discharged your professional duties as do all of our bravest heroes and heroines. Your roles were all performed intensely and with a premeditated purpose of keeping unity, peace and prosperity bonded together as one unit. Six years of faithful and loyal work given to all people and to one of the finest police departments around this country, the Metro-Dade Police Department. Being that all officers must remain fair and possess a central core of integrity and dignity, you were able to stay calm and professional at all times, Officer Cook. No letdowns. No letting up. A courageous and congenial gentleman as both an officer and in your private moments, you will be forever remembered for having the class, decency and the humble distinction of having such an amazing resolve and commitment to fend off the forces of evil. You were our savior and ever faithful public servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 7, 2015
A person who is loyal and devoted to God and all the right causes shall be called a son of God. Since we are all children of God whether or not we are religious or not,. we still have an obligation to carry out our duties honesty and with a sense of purpose that must be done with both dignity and integrity. If you are honest and determined you will succeed in one way shape or another. And that is why, Officer Cook, you were looked upon by your comrades to lead and to give direction. But it takes years of practice and steady preparation to be able to fully comprehend and deal with all the rigors of such a demanding job. One you chose my neighbor, friend and hero with a sense of pride and commitment. You made life and those citizens you watched over matter. You treasured your moments, taking nothing for granted and delivered hope and optimism, peace and unity to our society which needs all of our prayers for safety and serenity. One can marvel at your talents as humble as they were. Humanity has you to thank, Officer Cook, your humility shining like the sun when it counted the most. Now as you rest in peace, let your heroic stature remain as sustained as your legacy of endearment and validated by the pride and excellence you achieved each day.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 6, 2015
We are here today to try and make this world a safer one and to perpetuate God's great name by performing acts of kindness. You were one outstanding police officer, Officer Cook, if only I had the humble opportunity to greet and to meet you even ride along with you as you were protecting and serving Dade County residents with honorable and loyal intentions. A resourceful and faithful person does all they can to prevent evil from happening and on May 16, 1979, this was no different as you went about your daily watch as you normally did. God does keep watch over the simple, over the dignified and those who display integrity in all their mannerisms. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your cherished legacy does rest upon these things, courage, valor, commitment and strength of character which consolidated your entire life and professional career.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 6, 2015
You were the humble epitome of what we call a public servant, Officer Cook. Never too far, always close, you fortified your department in ways we may never truly understand. Because of your boldness, your bravery and honor that allowed you the chance to become a police officer and to serve and protect, maintain and battle what we call a seemingly unending foe, evil. You never turned a "blind eye" from this monster. You were taught the lessons that every child must learn and that is to be kind and considerate to all creatures of God. To people no matter their status or background. You gave everyone fair and excellent treatment and proper respect. Now, thirty-six years later that admiration and loyalty is being given back to you, Officer Cook. you may not be here to physically touch it, but your soul that is being watched over by God feels it. Your unselfish actions on May 16, 1979, helped shape the people of Dade County into who they have become today. The landscape is quite different, but the battles your colleagues fight each day rage on. Too bad that day you gave your life, a young man's rage, anger and hostility boiled over, but you were with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln. I'm sure he has thought about you all these years later as has your comrades that day, Officers Keith DiGenova and Robert Edgerton,m as has Detective Daniel Blocker who finally had to battle Mr. Pearsall and did his job as you did yours in an outstanding and fitting manner. Everything by the book. You will never be forgotten. Playing soccer at your parents home with your great-nephew, Legend Wilkerson, sure brought back lots of memories and being in your parents home where you grew up and become a humble hero inspiring us all as to how to live and lead a life of grace and nobility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your sense of humor and and that smile is sorely missed today and everyday. At least everyday is brightened a bit because of your stellar honesty, dignity and integrity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 5, 2015
No matter how far you may feel you are from God, just by endeavoring one can experience that closeness. No matter how hard our beloved and most esteemed law enforcement professionals labor, they too come close to God and it was with this humane and most humble work ethic, Officer Cook, that you were able to come closer to Our Creator. By being honest and decent, diligent and gallant, it would serve as your steering wheel in and around the venues in Dade County. Your valor and courage now is forever wrapped around in God's palms as He watches over your cherished and resourceful soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A legacy of commitment, unwavering and unselfish as it was then and now forever links your effort and strength of character as one. By visiting your grave, we too can touch the spirit of God who gave you life and the meaning by which to fulfill His edicts. You were a supremely righteous servant. It is fitting to always salute and to remember your heroic stature Officer Cook, one that will live on for generations to come.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 5, 2015
Joy that we experience is a by-product of the Almighty. After all, we have our good moments and those not so good moments. We choose what to make of our lives and careers they we endeavor to achieve. Officer Cook, it was always about the other person, never a bad word uttered by you. Never a complaint, only humble kudos for outstanding service. Police must devote their entire make up to their careers and by making those they protect their number one priority, at least some sort of enhancement can occur. If only you were here today to personally witness those changes that you were a part of. Your sterling character always remains with those loved ones and colleagues left to cherish the wonderful memories of a well-lived life and a career that was destined for more humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your gusto can still be felt swaying in the breezes in and around Dade County. The citizens were never disappointed. You gave your best and that is all we can expect from a valiant servant of God. You were the joy of your parents, the pride you displayed made them and your sister, Nancy, very proud and honored. Your uniform and badge were worn with quality and dignity. No one will forget Badge#1664. Rest assure.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 4, 2015
In police work sometimes compromising is what it takes to make peace. So if this is what it takes to get the job done right than so be it. Before anything is completed, what does have to happen is that the officer must have dignity, integrity and honesty. Before you went out on your patrols in the Dade County community, Officer Cook, you made a checklist of what needed to be done, but you performed more than admirably. Your commitment rested on the cornerstones of pursuing peace, focusing on the unity and welfare. You were a brave and humble young man whose legacy just keeps growing by leaps and bounds. You were a treasured and courageous soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 4, 2015
When someone does well we shake their hand and congratulate them for a job well done. If someone does something we deem improper, we take them aside very politely and correct them in a positive and constructive manner. It's obvious you needed no corrections, maybe once, twice, Officer Cook, we all slip, the plan is to pick yourself up gracefully and continue to carry on. Carry on with honor, dignity and integrity. Something you always did in an expeditious fashion. Police work demands and expects so much from our bravest men and women. It is the decency and decorum that lies within their souls. Yours my neighbor, friend and hero is resting in peace with Our Creator who has you sheltered for safekeeping. Your an angel and were a very loyal and faithful public servant. You'll never be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 3, 2015
When reflecting on a person's life and its accomplishments we focus on the good nature and quality of service that benefited those in need. The supreme sacrifice that you made, Officer Cook, on behalf of all Dade County citizens has and forever will live on in the hearts of all. You were a very dedicated and determined gentleman who saw a niche and pursued very vigorously its challenges which you were able to steer around. Your legacy of heroism will forever be remembered by its very strength of courage, character and commitment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were humble, respected and cherished. Take care Mrs. Cook. That big day will be fast approaching. Good health, peace and lots of spiritual prosperity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 3, 2015
You were enable to serve and to protect our serenity with a graceful and gallant preoccupation as is the history of all honest, decent and dignified men and women of the law enforcement profession. You brought a sense of pride and joy to those who came to admire your serious work ethic. When the time came, Officer Cook, to relax and enjoy life there you could be found at a grill. Women and men who exhibit good work habits sincerely deserve our salutes for what they endure on a daily basis. We can be certain you will be given all the tributes that befit their official positions. You were cherished and caring, courageous and valiant. Integrity and intelligence all helped maintain your humbly implanted self-confidence in your God-given abilities to lead and to patrol the welfare of the public. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 2, 2015
In life taking chances is a part of how one can achieve success. Police officers risk everything, their lives as sacred as any other person. Officer Cook, your existence as a most compassionate human being and consummate public servant was the very driving force behind the security, peace and unity of all Dade County residents. No matter how much data one has gained from their various learning experiences, you can never be sure as to how a dilemma will resolve itself. By being the ever faithful and trustworthy officer, you insured enhancements will last forever. Generations to come can read and learn of such an unwavering courage that you displayed and delivered in pride an din excellence everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. For our sake you were a Godsend and a humbly respected hero forevermore.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 2, 2015
Class with dignity, kindness with passion, humility and a sense of pride devoted to honorable acts of valor and courage, what more can be stated regarding your remarkable life and career, Officer Cook? We take baby steps by crawling, we reach for things of interest that pique our curiosity. You reached for your common sense and logic that dictated your every movement in Dade County my neighbor, friend and hero. Now is the time to give back to a cherished gentleman whose heart and fighting spirit graced the venues where you were known and loved. Your comrades admired and respected your leadership skills and fairness you displayed towards all mankind. Rest in peace. It was your unwavering character, commitment and unbiased gallantry that will be forever remembered.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 1, 2015
Concerned, caring and compassionate is what we should all comport ourselves by. When it comes time to fulfill the needs of the citizens, there you were, Officer Cook, performing a profession you dreamed you would someday become. What a career! Destiny takes us to places we never even dream we would travel to. Dade County has you and the many other brave, honorable and valiant heroes and heroines to thank for your esteemed service. Esteemed service led by dignity, integrity and a sterling resolve. You'll be forever saluted for having the gumption to protect the liberties that we sometime stake for granted, though you took nothing for granted, living each day as a special gift from Our Creator. God protects the dignity and courage of our heroes as their legacies stay alive in the spirits of their loved ones. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 1, 2015
During your time in the Miami-Dade Police Academy you were always either in the field learning or in the classroom gaining, gathering and gleaning more information. One can never learn enough regarding their fields of endeavor. That field, Officer Cook ,was planted with the finest seeds and yielded exciting results. All of your positives were garnered from first a cheery disposition, a calming and soothing voice, compassionate when the occasion called for it. Sternness and fairness were meted out by you, Officer Cook ,when it was necessary. But, first and foremost it began with your quality of commitment, courage and a level head guided by honor, integrity and dignity. What more can we demand from our bravest of heroes? You were devoted and determined to help take a bite out of crime, you did your part in a humbly unwavering fashion. You will never be forgotten, only saluted for having the keen sense of awareness and the vision to see things through. Of course you should have been granted this privilege. Only God has those and many other reasons and their answers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, one day we will met up with you and your father, Charles, who are in heaven assisting those brave souls who are now watching over us.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 31, 2015
People have egos, just don't let them expand like the dough of freshly baked bread. You kept your humbleness and humility centered on the tasks at hand, Officer Cook. The vision, grace and courage you displayed each and everyday only fortified what the residents of Dade County already knew about you. That they were your number one priority on your daily agenda. For it is in the eyes of the righteous women and men who deliver honorable and dignified performances that they shall be remembered one day when the time comes to reflecting back upon their lives and careers. A tall order, but you my neighbor, friend and hero were always up to the challenges at hand. No confusion. No mirages, no smoking guns, you just were cherished and possessed the integrity that is required from all officers to do outstanding work which now is your legacy, glowing in character, valor and the commitment to pride and excellence. Rest in peace among those terrific heroes and heroines now among God's treasured angels. Humanity and honor stand tall as you stood when you served and protected our freedoms, peace and unity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 31, 2015
Life can be lived with gusto. It can be learned with grace and gallantry. Challenges can be faced with humility, honor and dignity. For it is in those dignified souls who protect our common interests that we can face another new day of the sun rising as well as viewing it set. You were a happy man, Officer Cook. You were a terrific officer, so having the right morals and makeup was just part of your success where it begins in one's home while we are still young and a bit rough around the edges. Your parents, your supervisors all realized and completely understood that you were going to perform more than just admirably. Chief Dale Bowlin knew the officer, the person he was getting to properly police his area where he supervised other officers. A man of monumental vision, perseverance and of great humbleness that was exercised in going around and rightfully doing an outstanding job, let it be known you were treasured and cherished, dignified and caring. May 16, 1979, just reinforced what people knew about your pride and excellence to commitment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Legacies are born from humble introductions to life and its pitfalls, you steered clearly and cleanly around them and made your successes matter when you were counted upon the most.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 30, 2015
Reflecting on the entire context of good that happens to you. We go through rough patches in life, there peaks and valleys, up and downs, positives and negatives. We struggle at times to focus on the good and try to eliminate the negative. For police officers who are properly trained how to deal with everything from the mundane, the everyday situations to those dilemmas which need a little more common thought, you were superb in formulating plans of action, Officer Cook. The content of your twenty-five years of life including six as a Metro-Dade Police Department police officer were outstanding and stellar. Why? Because of your calming voice of reason and logic which went together with your dignity, decency and integrity. Honorable people perform good deeds for others which in turn help make this world a safer place to live and to achieve. Accomplishments come from labors of love and much practice, something you always ascribed to do, Officer Cook. Officers who give their lives for a just cause, do so willingly, courageously and without any doubt as to where their priorities lie. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy of strength and commitment represents the very heart of a man of character. A gentleman of intuition. A public servant who served and protected all citizens in Dade County with every ounce of extreme credibility, reliability and a passionate devotion. With three police officers being killed in the line of duty within the last seventy-two hours, I shudder to think how this can happen. Evil can spring up when these men and women least expect it. Their souls and the gaping wounds left by their untimely deaths sadden us, but, yet we keep their loving spirits alive as we salute their valiant efforts to make unity and peace a reality for all mankind. Wickedness cannot hold us hostage, we must fight on with the same fierce determination and dedication that you, Officer Cook and these outstanding individuals exhibited.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 30, 2015
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