Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
The Lord's chief desire is to reveal Himself to you and in order for Him to do that, He gives you abundant grace. The Lord gives you the experience of enjoying His presence. He touches you and His touch is so delightful that, more than ever, you are drawn inwardly to Him. Officer Cook, you were drawn along with Karen closer to God and God drew up your plans of being a police officer ever since you were a young man. God stores His plans for us away for safekeeping and one day He will take those plans and reveal them to us. But for now we try to figure out why God needed such a wonderfully kind and articulate young man, Officer William C. Cook, to be with Him on His daily patrols. Warm and sensitive, loving and caring. A great loss for us all. That's for sure! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 7, 2013
Those who draw near to God, One step through doubt that is dim, God will advance a mile, in blazing light to them. God has and will forever keep your cherished soul lit up for us to see and imagine what it would feel like if you were here today among your loving family and friends. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a magnet, drawing all close to you, a kindred spirit kind of feeling.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 7, 2013
Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar...ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days and fill our eyes with light. As long as you with us Officer Cook, you filled our lives completely with all the good things necessary in making our country great. Your police work was a number one. We need more transfusions of joy to make up for what we are lacking in your absence from this modern day world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 7, 2013
Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in You...Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. You were the gleaming apple of your parents eyes, Officer Cook and now you and your beloved father, Charles are being kept eternally alive in God's shelter nestled in the palms of His hands. Every time we eat something such as a beautiful red apple, this can remind us of yourself. I'm sure you enjoyed an apple or two from time to time. To behold the glory of our Lord is something to cherish forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No pun intended, but you always looked to take a bite out of crime and you so achieved this.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 7, 2013
But me He caught-reached all the way from sky to sea; he pulled me out of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning. They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me. He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved-surprised to be loved!. It's not a coincidence Officer Cook, or irony that you were much loved and well-liked by your family members, colleagues, friends, neighbors, whomever you came in contact with. Because of your sacrifice, we're left with a gaping hole, a huge void which can never be filled or replaced. We just have to pick ourselves up by the seat of our pants or fannies and keep trudging along. This is what you would want for us. We can always say a little prayer for God to keep watch over your treasured soul and allow it to rest in peace, my neighbor, friend and hero. America is a beautiful land from sea to shining sea and it's even more attractive because of your value in contributing to society, by serving our best interests with that brilliant smile radiating far and wide.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 7, 2013
Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all day long...Let your servants see what your best at-the ways you rule and bless your children. And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work we do! We can surely certify all the work you accomplished, Officer Cook, was done with honor, dignity, loyalty and respect for all those you served with and by your affirmation, defended and protected. God certainly now has taken one of His best up to heaven to patrol His streets as you so assuredly did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 7, 2013
The reason we can dare to risk loving others is that God has for His sake loved us. Think of it! We are loved eternally, totally, individually, unreservedly! Nothing can take God's love away. Nothing can take away our positive and loving thoughts of you, Officer Cook. Your stellar legacy will shine forever brightly through God's warming rays of the sun. We will carry on and try to soak in all the positive emotions that you my neighbor, friend and hero brought to this earth. A true genuine leader who embellished the principles that make us a great land to live and yet have the freedoms to pursue our passions.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
To know Him is to love Him and to know Him better is to love Him more.... As we go on to know Him better we shall find it a source of unspeakable joy that God is just what He is. The mysteries of life and the miracles that God performs for us daily are indeed difficult at times to fathom. Officer Cook, you were so spiritual, along with Karen, that you could work through troubles at work and still maintain a high level of humility and honor so necessary to perform your duties. Not many of us can say that and put into practice those actual words. Sometimes the English language can cause a person to trip so to speak over their tongue, but your unwavering compassion and calmness helped you valiantly pursue the proper the ideals of which your position entails. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
If you are seeking after God, you may be sure of this: God is seeking you much more. He is the Lover and you are His beloved. He has promised Himself to you. If we seek out God, we will find Him, sooner or later as you did each day, Officer Cook. We look for friendships to make daily and we look where we least expect them to be. Seek and you shall find. One day, my neighbor, friend and hero, we'll be able to find you and get reacquainted and then enjoy great conversations that you and your beloved father, Charles are having. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
I know those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find Me. You sought out God, Officer Cook and He steered all your missions even farther than most of us can travel. All of your life pursuits were being driven by none other than God, as are all of our missions and undertakings. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
Life is what we are alive to. It is not length, but breadth.. Be alive to.. goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God and eternal hope. The twenty-five years of your life, Officer Cook, were well spent accomplishing so many good things. The scent of your pious ways permeates all around us. You gave us hope to keep living and fulfilling Our Creator's will as you and Karen so passionately fulfilled. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
Look deep within yourself and recognize what brings life and grace into your heart. It is this that can be shared with those around you. You are loved by God. This is an inspiration to love. We all love you Officer Cook, even those persons who did not personally know you such as myself, but feel compelled to leave these reflections to honor your bravery and courage and intestinal fortitude. There aren't many like you, who set the bar high so we can reach the pinnacle of success as you so amazingly achieved. We have to strive and appear to put forth the effort as you did daily. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You ascended God's ladder leaving enormous memories for us to share.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
Service is the rent we each pay for living. It is not something to do in your spare time; it is the very purpose of life. Since we are all in this world as you were Officer Cook, it's crucial to use the time we have allotted in a most common and critical manner. We take chances and risks, just not as law enforcement personnel do each day. You were one of around twenty-thousand officers, Officer Cook who gave their lives to protect God's creatures. Your service must be remembered solemnly and with the proper respect the position demands. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. God gave us the reality of your very well lived life, Officer Cook. What you provided to the citizens you served and what you sacrificed for their behalf can never be taken away. We can take from your life and apply the lessons you taught others how to be smart and use the God given ability to invoke common sense when dealing with potential problems that might crop up from time to time. We all miss you very dearly and you'll be forever close to our beings for always. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a very self-motivated individual who took instruction from others and used it to formulate a positive action on duty.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. then God's love is not living in that person. My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring. This is the way we know that we belong to the way of truth. I'll say Amen to this Officer Cook. You vividly personified these passionate words that you and Karen lived your lives by. Banter is one thing, action speaks louder than words. Your actions on May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, spoke volumes of the quality police officer, not to mention the kind soul of a gentleman you were to so many. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
So this is my prayer; that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. you need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life God will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making you attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. Our prayers and hopes for you Officer Cook, are for your soul, my neighbor, friend and hero to rest in peace. Help us to replenish our energies in a constructive way as you so candidly performed your job in this world.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 6, 2013
Gratitude is the homage of the heart, rendered to God for His goodness. We pay homage to you, Officer Cook, for your sacrifice and pray one day we can all meet you again and have wonderful discourses on the morals and ethics of what it takes to become a truly devoted police officer as you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The county, state and whole country owes officers like you a terrific debt of thanks for a job well done with the ingredients that are central to maintaining law and order. For giving up your life so we can exist in harmony is truly almost impossible to conjure up what that really signifies.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
Hear me as I pray, O Lord. be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming." God was coming to your rescue Officer Cook, He held your hand as you rescued your fellow officers from certain death, you saved two civilians from certain death and then He called you and brought you up to heaven to assist your fellow officers who laid down their lives as you did in watching the streets from above. Talk about hearing our prayers as we did gasp in anxiety hoping you would pull through and as the Auxiliary Bishop probably stated in his homily or eulogy for you, His servant William Coleman Cook is now part of God's eternal police department charged with an even greater duty: watching down on this earth as your comrades try to cope in battling evil which now seems to have reared its ugly head in society. You were the ever so faithful servant who answered every call without fear, perhaps a little and was brave up until the end, giving every last ounce of sweat and toil you could muster. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, as you sleep soundly in God's green pastures.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
The reflective life is a life that is attentive....receptive and responsive to what God is doing in us and around us. It's a life that asks God to reach into our heart, allowing Him to touch us there. You pierced our hearts with your very special love and uniqueness, Officer Cook. We too need this side of our beings to be shown at all times, it's the only way to be able to reach out and touch others as you so valiantly did up until your final watch on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We pause and reflect on the meaning of our lives and to cherish each and every moment as you showed us how.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
Fantastic changes can be made in feelings with an honest heart-to-heart talk. For in the presence of melted hearts wrongs are forgiven and hurt hearts healed. Your passing Officer Cook, left us all with broken hearts and hopefully your loving soul will allow us a time of consolation and salvation which is truly necessary if we are going to mend our ways and be able to carry on as you so honorably did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and I hope you can forgive any wrongs which I may have done to you. Hopefully, I did not do any out of line and just want to leave these notes for God's name in your honor and memory. I'm sorry we never had the chance to ever meet each other. But, meeting some of your relatives is somewhat consoling. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, will always be in my prayers and heart as will Mrs. Nancy Tidwell, your loving sister and your wife, Karen
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
Love is the response of the heart to the overwhelming goodness of God, so come in simply and speak to Him in unvarnished honesty. You may be so awestruck and full of love at His presence that words do not come. This is all right. It's all right to be sad and cry when remembering your life Officer Cook. For what you did to serve us, at least we can take a little time out to think about the wonderful human being you were raised by your parents to carry on and your legacy is there for us to share with your loved ones and friends. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. There will forever be an outpouring of love for Officer William C. Cook. You were a true professional through and through.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
Life begins each morning... Each morning is the open door to a new world-new vistas, new aims, new endeavors. Each new day for you, Officer Cook, was the dawning of daily accomplishments. As you went over and beyond what was expected, you lived life for the moment with Karen and your achievements made you both better people. Nurses and police officers do have at least one thing in common and that is to gain the trust that is essential in performing your jobs or tasks at hand. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Your great love Officer Cook, for us is manifested in all of your family's milestones and successes of which you would be very proud. God's is showering you and your father, Charles with all the love He has and is watching over the two of you as you rest in peace, my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart...freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live... And you will make a new start, listening obediently to God, keeping all His commandments...Love God, your God. walk in His ways. Keep His commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live, live exuberantly, blessed by God... Love God, your God, listening obediently to Him, finally embracing Him. Oh yes, He is life itself. You mastered walking in His ways Officer Cook, you and Karen and you modeled yourselves after Him and what He expects of us as he created us in His image. The seven Noahhide laws are for everyone regardless of religion. We are expected at all times to accord everyone with respect and dignity they deserve. You did this and and we are all in this world together trying to make it a better place as you did for all human kind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
Give us, Lord: a pure heart that we may see Thee, a humble heart that we may hear Thee, a heart of love that we may serve Thee, a heart of faith that we may live Thee. The axiom of your life, Officer Cook was implanted in these words which people utilize to assist them in their daily lives. Regardless of one's title or position, it's very important to embellish upon these words if one is to reach a pinnacle of success, which you achieved, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Pureness and goodness shall follow me all the days of my life. The scent of these words resonated like a flower in full blossom.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 5, 2013
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