Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
Repaying a debt. How can one give back to the family of someone they loved and adored? I would imagine one of the things we could do is to go out and act accordingly. Do a favor for a friend, speak nicer to your wife or neighbor. Help those less fortunate than yourself. All of these characteristics were precisely the reasons, Officer Cook, that you achieved success in both your private life and during your professional career as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. Integrity. Dignity. Honesty. They followed along with you while you were watching over us defending our honor, our right to live peacefully.Your compassion and concern was among the best there was. Your humility and commitment was endless. God only knows why He needed you back in heaven patrolling His golden streets. He took you away from all this wanton violence and evil, a force surely to be dealt with someday when there hopefully will be no more wickedness. We preach and practice. We learn, teach and train for all kinds of situations that may confront us. It was your inner strength that drew the masses closer to you. Your calming voice of hope and valor has spoken louder now than ever. Hopefully we can hear and visualize the devoted young man, yourself delivering this powerful message. Police officers do this on a daily basis in their communities. Dade County has fought long and hard, through tooth and nail to decode these stirring words of inspiration. They came from your heart, a heart of humbleness, a heart of reverence, that same respect you gave your parents who loved you and raised both you and your sister, Nancy with the same values of decency and faith. Where you prayed, where you lived and where you worked to battle those seemingly unending battles of violence, they were the castles where most of us challenge ourselves to be better people, to be more giving. You were that kind of individual, devout and vigilant. This provides the proof of your being, its care and passion reaching to newer heights. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One day we all will have a day of telling Our Creator what we accomplished in making this society a better place to both thrive and to live. God takes those heroes and heroines and has them well protected in His heavenly shelter, taking with them three important things: their courage in conviction, their valor that validates their missions in life and their enhanced bravery beyond the scope of any ordinary person who dares to risk their life on behalf of their fellow neighbor. This is their legacy, untarnished and made safe for all eternity. We can only thank you, Officer Cook, for standing in harm's way to save us and to steer our paths of righteousness in a resolute direction.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 19, 2015
We all have goals, at least the majority of folks. While attempting to fulfill those aspirations, you might have to think twice regarding what your priorities will be in achieving them. A means to an end should include diligence, honesty and integrity. Jumping in and getting started without thinking or having a plan of action may prove to be fruitless. At least when you began a project, Officer Cook, while training or whatever you were occupied with, you thought, you communicated based upon facts and sound logic and reasoning. Your dream to become a police officer was realized and from the day you first donned your uniform and had your badge of honor, pride and commitment pinned to your chest, Dade County and its residents recognized a hero among them. A support of consideration, a class and decency that is expected from all public servants who bravely and unselfishly go out to serve and to protect the public interest. You were well respected, well regarded an dwell versed in the basic essentials, Officer Cook, to carry on professionally. You did not just do your job, you performed humbly and with a sense of fervor and purpose. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy endures forever as does your beautiful soul continuing to shine forth its brilliant light to dispel this evil that still permeates in our world. You were a warrior and a very well revered gentleman. Your family, your colleagues and a host of all your personal friends were well cared for, your vivid smile helped brighten the days when the morale may have been a little low.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 19, 2015
You were an intellectually sound and sensitive individual, Officer Cook. We, meaning the people and your comrades had no issues with you going off and wildly doing whatever. Rules and ethics should be a daily part of any officer's routine and yours, Officer Cook, was no different then any of your colleagues. You always had their backs. It was your leadership, keen vision and maturity beyond your twenty-five years that both steered and guided your pathways in life. An honest, dignified and forthright gentleman who remains treasured, cherished and saluted for having the bravery, valor and courage in character, its strength and the boldness to act and react, staying within the department confines of ethics and the standards by which all public servants are measured. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a truly humble man, a humane and decent person who was the eyes and ears of the people whom you served and protected.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 18, 2015
When people are on the same page, they can achieve more than ever. You would be surprised how much you can get done. Officer Cook, you assisted greatly in the peace process of all Dade County citizens and for what you meant as a person and as a cherished police officer, you'll not be forgotten, only saluted and revered for bringing about humble enhancements that have helped to continue the stabilization of a community where you grew up and aspired to reach higher levels of communication with the public. Legacies are founded upon the principles of dignity, honor and integrity. Your heroic life of character, commitment and charm enabled you my neighbor, friend and hero to go out on patrol calmly resolve conflicts that would endanger the liberty of all mankind. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 18, 2015
We don't always get to make some decisions on where we work. But you made a very wise and prudent choice to work here in Dade County, Florida where you grew up and prospered beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Born into a loving and nurturing home, Officer Cook, you succeeded where others may have not. Your dignity and integrity worked wonders when they were called upon. You were loved, admired and respected for performing in an outstanding fashion. You'll always be cherished and treasured for giving back to the residents the unity and freedom they deserve. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A truly humble and humane legacy, spirited by a labor of love and care. Your considerations and concern for all mankind were legendary. You went over and beyond the calls of duty. Your soul keeps lighting up this universe, it will never be extinguished.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 17, 2015
To think all these many years later you have saluted and remembered for having the intellect, the intestinal fortitude and the tenacity to tackle whatever was placed on your professional docket, Officer Cook, speaks volumes. It was however your unwavering courage and honorable actions on May 16, 1979, that saved many lives and changed the way Dade citizens live and thrive together. My family will never forget you my neighbor, friend and hero as our two sons are working and learning in San Francisco and Jerusalem, Israel. Rest in peace. Courage and valor have accomplished your cherished life of achievement and endeavor to those golden streets where you now patrol as one of Our Creator's many heroic guardian angels.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 17, 2015
It must make your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, your big sister, Mrs.Nancy Tidwell and your beloved wife, Karen, who remarried more than six years ago after being your widow for over thirty years mighty proud of your professional accomplishments. Though you left this world much too soon with more to achieve. For what you meant to your department and to your comrades, Officer Cook, you stood tall in enthusiasm, honesty and in dignity. And there are those officers still out on patrol who have not yet mastered the basics of what it represents in an officer to be honest, reliable and ethical when it comes to dealing with people and in resolving a problem that might arise. you were simply and humanely the best and your heroic actions of May 16, 1979, bear this out. Outstanding and courageous, courteous and caring, considerate and calm. When those who bravely police and protect and possess the right ingredients to do their jobs, we say they are to be praised. You are being saluted and praised for serving and for making the ultimate sacrifice, Officer Cook. Your legacy is spot on. Your demeanor and character will never come into question. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Happy one-hundredth birthday Mrs. Cook and many more in good health, peace and prosperity. I wished I did get the chance to meet and to spend time looking back at the lives of your husband, Charles, may he too rest in peace and of course your beloved son, Officer William C. Cook, your "Billy" or "Bill" to his many friends and co-workers. He was raised properly and was the epitome of what an honest person is all about. His smile and congeniality are very much missed today and all these thirty-six years later. He is and will forever be a true heroic Godsend. He was sent here to perform an important mission, nothing can ever takeaway his dignity and diligence. Dade County citizens live and breathe because of his unwavering and unselfish convictions and steadfast commitments to pride and excellence.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 16, 2015
One who is faithful and devote trusts in God and owns up to their responsibilities. One who strays and is wreck loose heaven help that individual. You were an honest and decent person, Officer Cook, so there were never any worries or concerns as to how you would turn out. Quite humbly speaking you were successful, honorable and possessed the much needed integrity to be able to carry out the rigors of your profession. It calls for its officers to behave with proper ethical conduct, act fairly and unbiased, while serving and protecting the unity and peace of the public at large. Dade County residents can surely stand unified because of your humility coupled with your boldness, bravery and commitment, both in strength and in character. You fought the battles against evil that have enhanced the lives of many over time. Now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, let it be known you were one supremely cherished gentleman. God blesses your family in ways that enable them to fulfill what you should have been afforded the opportunity to continue doing. But you are watching and observing from God's golden streets as one of His guardian angels of heroism and valor.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 16, 2015
As we never know when our time of judgment will arrive it is essential to function under the guidelines of honor, dignity and integrity. Your reliability, dependability and durability helped to sustain your missions patrolling the citizens of Dade County in their march toward unity and peace. You provided, Officer Cook, the finest examples of professionalism and exemplary conduct at all times so there was never a reason your supervisors had to worry. You kept people safe and sound and for that you will always remembered for being a hero, humbly speaking when you were relied upon. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 15, 2015
Being prudent and of perseverance usually results in positive outcomes. As one of the best officers during your time, Officer Cook, being efficient and energetic helped to fortify your performance. One can only stop and ponder as to the reasons why you were needed in God's heavenly abode. Integrity and honesty drove all your pursuits in both your life and in your police career. You will remain a cherished and treasured human being who was brave enough to tackle a dilemma you faced many other times. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We respect and salute those courageous souls who risk their lives on behalf of us.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 15, 2015
Valor and vindication are the words that are meant to motivate all public servants to properly conduct their business. Your professional role, Officer Cook ,was to drive and to patrol Dade County streets and make sure they were safe and sound. Thank goodness you were decent and honorable, loyal and faithful, for when our men and women do their jobs correctly, it is with this honesty and integrity that the people may rest a bit easier by day and during the night. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It is your diligence and perseverance that now rests in those officers who have maintained your watch. One of commitment, hope and unity for all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 13, 2015
It is when our esteemed officers travel out into the public eye to serve and to protect the safety of those we cherish the most, as they perform their jobs admirably do we try to display our respect towards them. You did your job, Officer Cook, with a humble pride and self-confidence, it was your honest and dignified leadership that helped keep the morale high among your comrades who have saluted your bravery, valor and courage. As well-liked as you were, it's no wonder you were the highly dependable and reliable officer that Dade County and its citizens came to cherish. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If their is any officer in Dade County wearing badge#1664, let it be known that the integrity and commitment was always front and center. Your abilities, Officer Cook, spoke, now only if we would listen.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 13, 2015
As we now approach The Days of Awe, let us pause and reflect upon the lives of our most devoted and beloved police heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives for our benefit. Your faithful and fruitful life and career, Officer Cook, was the start of something very special. And because of your hope, honesty, bravery and courage can we the people of Dade County begin to see the real enhancements. It was your special and humane compassion, commitment and character that greatly assisted in these important endeavors. It is your legacy of anticipation, of optimism and justice for all that has stayed the course. As you continue to rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, let us hope for a fresh start to a new year filled with good health, peace and spiritual prosperity for all. We should not fear police officers, in fact we should try to go the extra mile to help make their lives and pursuits more accomplished and a little safer. A humble hero. A very treasured and cherished human being never to be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 12, 2015
When the welfare of others is placed in responsible hands, sustaining one's enthusiasm can be challenging. It's challenging for one who may not be fully prepared for what may lie ahead of them. Circumstances may dictate usage of any means to resolve whatever dilemma may be facing that officer. Officer Cook, those who worked with you or under you knew one thing, that honesty and common sense would follow your every move. Understanding the meaning of dignity, integrity and steadfast determination was among the characteristics that helped make you a leader and a molder of your colleagues. After all, these men and women go to battle with you helping to keep the residents together and for them to live peacefully. A man or woman with a positive disposition is more likely to achieve results of a positive nature than someone who is willing to just jump in without formulating a plan of action. As loyal and as admired as you were, Officer Cook, it was your maturity and humbleness that allowed you to succeed as you had the keen vision to sort and process the information you needed to make things happen. You remain cherished and respected then and now and will always be heroically remembered forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those who have succeeded you have to keep a positive outlook and try to act as congenial as you always did. It is the citizens interests first and foremost.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 12, 2015
Every situation that police officers have to deal with come with various degrees of what we want to call successful. Before anything is started it must be done with the epitome of dignity, decency and honor. Before going out to patrol the corridors of Dade County, Officer Cook, you made it your professional business to be honest, classy and have the much needed poise and tenacity to tackle any and all calls assigned to you. May 16, 1979, was a day that started probably like most of your days and we all know officers must show bravery, courage and valor. They are charged with an enormous task of serving and protecting the public interest while keeping people safe, staying safe themselves and staying away from trouble. You were a cut above in all manners of consideration, character and in solid commitment to the calls of duty with humility and pride. All a significant part of your heroic legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You kept your wits about you that day and performed over and beyond the calls of duty most admirably and with a boldness like no other officer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 12, 2015
Everyday we ask Your blessings Lord for allowing these humble and humane public servants to patrol loyally and to achieve a means to an end of innocent bloodshed. You graced Dade County, Officer Cook, with an enormous presence of honesty, integrity and dignity. Hard to comprehend why good people such as yourself had to pay the ultimate price for our lives to continue. Your life paved the trails of devotion, desire and determination, all important factors in keeping us safe and sound. No telling what God would have given you to give back to us if you were here today. Your loving family, friends and comrades have all cherished and remembered you for having the courage and conviction to carry on with your profession and its rigors. They were all accomplished with character and the promise of unity and peace merging as one entity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Only heroic actions and acts of kindness that made our lives more serene. Keep looking down on us. We will pray that God surely watches over your soul and that of your father, Charles' too. God brings His fiercely reliable warriors to heaven to serve as His golden guardian angels. You were a Godsend, Officer Cook, your humility brightens our lives as does that smile we see when we look at your beautiful face.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 11, 2015
We praise You O Lord for giving us the strength and the intellect to face each new day with a smile and to cherish those moments in which we endeavor to do our very best. You did your very best, Officer Cook, better than the rest. The best service. What you delivered daily was the utmost honor, dignity and proper integrity all the while you stayed humble and loyal to your colleagues. Light is sewn for the wise, the wicked shall one day witness this light and the darkness of evil shall be stamped out. All the reasons you are to be fondly saluted, Officer Cook. You made people feel safe and secure. Serious, effective, resourceful, intuitive, outstanding, understanding and sincere. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Better more light shining down here in this world and all because of your stellar humility that was a part of your courage, grace and gallantry.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 11, 2015
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
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