Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
As I mentioned before, one tiny turn from good can cause an officer to slide off the proper path that they must maintain, if they are going to remain honest and genuine in their pursuits of justice. You my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, were able to rule over yourself and always composed yourself with decorum befitting your position. Your beloved parents set rules for you and Nancy to follow and this allowed the two of you to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself in a proper fashion. The Golden Rule in the Cook Household was treat others as you would want them to treat you. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2013
Quite often, the opportunities to be blessed come our way. Whether it is the mail-carrier or a police officer. Each day those who were privileged to have known you, Officer Cook, were justly blessed. And each acknowledgment and look to heaven may open the door to great salvation and the only thing left for us to do is let those blessings in. We look to the heavens above where you my neighbor, friend and hero are watching over us, your treasured family and comrades who help sustain you in your battles against evil. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2013
When a person slips up, makes a mistake, being warned or caught before something worse occurs can be one of God's wake-up calls. Officer Cook, you were there to instruct and to maintain a vigil in keeping law and order with the honor and integrity that the position calls for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2013
A person Officer Cook, has two inclinations, one good, the other bad. Our ultimate challenge is our bad one, we must stand ready and on guard. My neighbor, friend and hero, you met all challenges that were thrown your way and greeted them with the sheer grace, dignity and will-power to ward off attempts to lead you astray. As difficult a time as police officers have each day on their watch, they must lookout for themselves or a partner and be ready to deal with what comes their way. You achieved that well beyond the call of duty and will never be forgotten. Today, in North Miami Beach, FL where you grew up, I spent quite a while conversing with a policewoman named Officer Murretta Wright and we were discussing the community and we spoke about you and she heard of you and I went on to tell her that our families were neighbors who never had the chance to meet one another. Her supervisor, Major Mark Jeter pulled up and we too were conversing and I was telling him about police work and I too mentioned your name and he remembered you as well. I showed Officer Wright your picture from the ODMP Page that I took on my phone, she realized I was sad, I did not start sobbing like a baby in the street, but she said I had a fantastic memory and was relating this in a phone conversation to my wife, Holly. Even thirty-four years ago, officers still think and fondly remember you and the desire you had to become a great police officer, the best Dade County had on their streets. Hopefully, I'll see them again where I help my wife, who has a childcare business and at the annual Police Memorial Night at Tropical Park in Miami, FL where distinguished heroes and heroines such as you, Officer Cook, are fondly given homage for a job well done and for giving of yourself for our security. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2013
Your best friend Officer Cook, was your beloved wife, Karen. She was a real soul mate to you. You both comprehended each other needs so carefully and you both could thank Our Creator for bringing you together in the bonds of holy matrimony. You stood by one another supporting each other through action and in endurance. You were the kind of morally righteous couple who accepted and loved each other unconditionally. We all just wish you were here with her today and your lovely family celebrating the holidays and all of your family's milestone occasions. You are in heaven with God's version of a camcorder recording these events for posterity to be shared when you are greeted one day by them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all. Friends are God's angels sent to keep you safe. Praise God and thank Him for the wonderful gift of friendship. We can say Amen to that Officer Cook. Your friendship with so many individuals you came in contact with and the friends you and Karen had made during your marriage served you both in good stead. You both put your own well-beings ahead of theirs for a common cause. As a police officer, one is always expected to put their life before a citizen's life and now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you have become an extension of God's love and grace for all as you were for them.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
In police work, working with a partner can have great benefits. First, there are two sets of eyes and ears to see and detect any possible trouble. God blesses you together in love and with joy. The times you worked with both Officer DiGenova and Reserve officer Lincoln, Officer Cook and you may have worked with other officers, goes to show us the reason you were the highly successful and well thought of officer in your department. You can learn each other's strengths and weaknesses and work to improve and better sharpen your skills that feed off of each one. It makes for a bit less stressful time and duress. You spent off-times playing tennis with Officer DiGenova. He stills suffers the effects of being severely wounded in the head, the day you gave your life on behalf of Dade County and its citizens. The grace by which you took Reserve Officer Lincoln under your wings and guidance instilled this confidence in all future officers who joined the department so that if they might be paired with another officer, they would know how to react. I'm sure in your day, Officer Cook, you went out in the field with a Field Training Officer, who could impart their wisdom and knowledge so vital to your effort to make the community a safer one. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Reserve Officer Lincoln certainly learned from the best, yourself, Officer William C. Cook, Badge #1664.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
The way you and your sister, Nancy, Officer Cook, were brought up serves as a guiding light and a model for all children raised with the values of life that can be invaluable later on as they grow up. Quality family time and the communication between a parent and child serves as a great facilitator as you get to know and share with one another and it can build genuine family intimacy. Your beloved parents, Charles and Julia Cook, knew how to offer all the comforts of home and to give each of you a rewarding and prosperous life to achieve all your pursuits in happiness and in good health. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Most of all, neither of you disappointed them in any way, shape, or form.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
If police officers do things that embarrass or shame their departments, they then deserve a reprimand or possibly termination. To violate one's Miranda or civil rights is totally and without a doubt unethical and this too needs to be dealt with the offending officer. Officer Cook, you acted always in high character with morals and values befitting the image of not only the officer, but your department. Healthy shame is important to a life of integrity, but shame for no sound reason separates you from God. Stay close to Him and you'll never hang your head again. You'll always be next to God, the soul of one so humble as you, Officer Cook, can only help fortify all others that are next to you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
On your job, Officer Cook, as demanding and tactfully challenging the stress of the day brings, you have to keep your mind focused on the reality of the moment. Bad habits and unhealthy traits can play a significant role in whether or not you can stay away from problems. As I reflected previously, one tiny turn away from the proper channel can lead to a whole assortment of trouble. My neighbor, friend and hero, you were able to navigate the obstacle courses of your community that you took an oath to serve and protect. Officers such as yourself who go over and beyond the calls of duty are usually recognized for their excellent police work and you were no exception. Your humility, bravery, courage and commitment coupled with the dignity, honor and integrity you brought to your department shall never be overlooked. The shining legacy you left behind needs to be polished by all officers who have followed righteously in your pathways. This needs to shine as brightly as a pair of spit-polished shoes you proudly worn as part of your uniform. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
I will praise You with an upright heart as I learn Your righteous laws. I will obey Your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. God can change the self-righteous to the righteous. A humble and repentant heart is one God can use. Officer Cook, God is certainly utilizing your blessed soul right now for His invaluable tasks. That is to keep an ever faithful watch on all officers who wage war with the evil that seems to keep rearing its ugliness in our society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
Blessed be the Lord-day after day He carries us along He's our savior, our God, oh yes! He's God for us, He's God who saves us. Lord God knows all death's ins and outs. God does not allow His people to suffer beyond what they can bear. He provides a way out for those who call on His name. We beseech You, Lord, keep vigilant watch on the soul of your faithful brother and servant, Officer William C. Cook, along with his comrades who were so ever faithful in discharging their duties. Their sacrifices should speed up the process of redemption when we see both them and the Messiah. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2013
God blesses the person who turns away from lying and commits to telling the truth. This is so important not only in life, Officer Cook, but in you profession. Too many officers are caught and end up paying a dear price. One turn, a tiny turn from good can almost definitely result in some kind of consequence. Your track record speaks volumes and is for all of us to be proud of. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
Officer Cook, we indeed could count on you. No matter what was going on in life, you knew God was in control. Your life was not on cruise control. You knew from an early age what you strived to become. The Right and Justice are the roots of Your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits. The fruits of your labor my neighbor, friend and hero will always have a pleasant taste to those who wants to eat from them. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
Bless the Lord who is my immovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle. He is always kind and loving to me; He is my fortress, my tower of strength and safety. my deliverer. There is no situation too great for God. He will equip you, guide you and give you the victory if you turn often to Him in prayer. One thing I wish you could have had back then, Officer Cook, were those side-panels. It took your remarkable sacrifice for them to be patented for future officers to wear to protect them. But, you were well equipped with plenty of knowledge and wisdom blended with common sense. Not all officers today are enveloped with these important characteristics that can deflect or rather, steer them clear of trouble and danger. hard to imagine an inch could cost one their life, kind of like going to the dentist and they start drilling on your tooth. It doesn't take long. But my neighbor, friend and hero, you stood toe to toe with evil and endeavored to stop an awful situation from escalating and for that we are totally indebted to you forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
You have seen it; yes, you have taken note of trouble and grief and placed them under your control. The victim entrusts himself to you. You alone have been the helper of orphans. God hears the call of your heart. He listens and provides what you need at the right time. he never leaves yo to fend for yourself. He'll never leave you again, Officer Cook. He'll be by your side as he was in your life and now that you are in heaven as one of His many treasured true blue angels. The heroes and heroines that He created to serve a great purpose and that was to serve and protect our honor and allow us the liberties to freely do as we want to do, so long as it is fitting and proper. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The accolades you all deserve forevermore should be fitting and pristine.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
What you say goes, God, and stays as permanent as the heavens. You don't need to fret or try to figure out what is ahead. trust God. He will not let you down. We all hope Officer cook, that we are not letting you down for all your accomplishments coupled with your valor, courage and bravery not found in every living being. You were there for us, now it's time we're there for you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
Even in your family's darkest hour, even when the worst fears come true, you can still trust God. His compassion cannot be equaled. No one will care for you as God will. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, your sister, Nancy and your beloved wife Karen, I can't imagine, no one for that matter can imagine the anguish, shock and terrible pain it was for them to lose you. You were their true blue hero. Your mother's long life , Officer Cook, can be attributed to her devoutness, the cross that swayed in the wind on the porch of her home was her symbol of unwavering, faith, unity and loyalty to God. This was both you and Karen living and succeeding brilliantly in your lives as God planned. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
People know in their hearts what is right and wrong. God is ready to show mercy and grace to anyone who wants to turn from wrong to right. He knew Officer Cook, you were just the ideal person to help accomplish that special mission. For six years of selfless dedication and desire you were there to meet that goal and even on the day of your tragic passing you succeeded beyond anyone's expectation. They knew Officer William C. Cook would be there to lend a hand. They knew they could count on your resolve and perseverance. Metro-Dade Police Department knew you were one of the best if not the best. You passed God's supreme test and your unwavering faithfulness will not be overlooked. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
God has a plan for marriage and when that plan is followed, blessings and honor flow freely. When the day came for you and Karen to get married, Officer Cook, I'm sure the two of you knew it was very special chemistry indeed that allowed you to blend your talents and skills into one union. You both exhibited the reverence toward God that would guide you onward in your chosen professional careers. For this we can be thankful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
Your love of the outdoors and photography, Officer Cook, was a wonderful way for you to get refreshed and to learn more about God through His beautiful creation. Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven. Indeed the Lord will give what is good. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
We all need to say yes to life and to the gift of life so bestowed upon you my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. With your charm and bubbly personality, it's no wonder you were that very special and uniquely personable gentleman that people came to know and love. Some individuals need a little prodding, but you did not. You were highly motivated and utilized all of your God-given skills to personify excellence in your profession. Your humility allowed you to stay humble and to accept the plans that God laid out for you and Karen. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
You utilized your savings, Officer Cook, to put yourself through Miami-Dade and its police academy. No wonder the pride in your family swelled the day your badge was pinned on you and you trusted in the Lord to carry you through good and bad situations. Your hope and Karen's as well and your futures were centered around your devoutness to God. It was an everlasting theme in both of your houses. It also stems from an excellent upbringing you both were privileged to have and to cherish. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
Your beauty, elegance and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the House of God for the rest of my life. For all your kindness and professional approaches to your job, Officer Cook, now you can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God knew your dreams and desires even before you were born. He certainly delighted and took pride in helping you to fulfill them in unexpected ways. Though you expected to become a police officer through hard work, both physically and mentally and your generosity to the citizens of Dade County will never be forgotten, with this being said, no one can equal or outdo God's goodness.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
Sometimes in life we face rejection. No one wants to endure this. Even police officers who fail to make the grade. It is a part of life, we move on. God cares about every part of our lives and your life, Officer Cook, was no exception. Though your performance would be deemed exceptional, you gave others the encouragement and enthusiasm to carry on. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Unfortunately, officers who are rejected or terminated from their positions take revenge and harm innocent people and this is not right. If you wear a uniform with a badge and a weapon you are expected to comport yourself not only accordingly, but professionally as well.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2013
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