Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
Life is full of variety and is planned by God for a reason. We are tested by God as soon as we enter this world. The purpose for the variety is precisely to test us under all circumstances. When we achieve success, what will our reaction be? How will we act when we are faced by obstacles or worries? I can answer in the affirmative that you, Officer Cook, were a Godsend who answered your calls with zest and eagerness to achieve solutions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and your sacrifice will always be for a blessing. You gave your life so others could thrive.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 10, 2012
God surely took one very special person Officer Cook, when he called you to patrol from the heavens above. Open the gates of heaven, open Your bounteous storehouse. help us, rebuke us not, Save us, God of our salvation. I sure hope that one day we will all get to view salvation firsthand. The citizens you served have to believe your patrolling all of God's heavenly possessions with dignity and respect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The way you treated people is how we in turn should treat others.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 8, 2012
The sound of violence shall be heard no more in your land. We can only hope Officer Cook, that because of your special being and the man that you grew up to be, evil is permanently eradicated from the face of this Earth. You stood face to face with such a situation and gave your best and complete effort to take down this monster that reared its ugliness. You will not be forgotten by me. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 8, 2012
Officer Cook, you were Metro-Dade's top officers during your tenure with them. The acronym for stop to act responsibly is the word star. Humbly speaking you approached your duties with a sense of confidence and assurance. The pride with which you served the people will forever be remembered. There was never a moment you disappointed anyone. We should all feel indebted to you for your sacrifice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend, and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 8, 2012
Your devout faith enabled you, Officer Cook, to channel your emotions in a sincere and genuine manner that appealed to the citizens you took an oath to protect. Faith is the best tonic for mankind because faith in the Lord will reward you with courage in time of trouble and an adequate purpose in life. The reason birds fly and we cannot is simply that they have perfect faith. Faith encourages reliance and in times of trouble you were able to rely on your faith and its teachings to maintain an even keel. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and guide as on our journeys through life faithfully and with a real conviction. There were times I'm sure you couldn't please everyone, but for all those times you were able to appreciate your chances to assist others. Officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, come to us once in a lifetime. For this we are thankful and grateful.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 6, 2012
A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble will attain to honor. It is best to remember that for the righteous, the more honor is bestowed upon them, the humbler they become. As a leader of our other officers and as a follower you, Officer Cook, were able to perform your daily tasks at a much higher level then some of your peers. This is not bad, it just go to show that you truly were mature beyond your years. You set the bar high so other potential officers could follow your example of how to conduct themselves while on duty. You demonstrated professionalism at all times and for this my neighbor, friend and hero you'll never be forgotten. Rest in peace along with your father, Charles who taught you and your sister, Nancy, the true meaning of humility and how to earn it from others.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 6, 2012
Each member of the household is expected to have a distinct ole. Parents are accorded positions of honor and respect. They are the ones to exercise authority. Children, secure in the thought that their parents love them, are to be loyal and obedient. Parents instill in their children, faith, morality, truth and honesty and as the family goes so goes society If family values are reinforced, then society will portray civil order and happiness. I can see why my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, you were so well liked and respected for the profession you chose to enter and all the rigors of your position to serve and protect the public interest. Rest in peace and help us keep society running like a well oiled machine.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 6, 2012
Dedication and a renewal of the spirit are two of the themes for both the Chanukah and Christmas holidays. After all, Jesus had His last supper at the Passover- The Seder meal. He died on Friday the Sabbath eve. The lessons as I've reflected in the past serve to teach us that the upbringing both you, Officer Cook, and your sister, Nancy had are valuable tools for us to utilize each and every moment of our lives. Ridiculing and embarrassing someone is not the proper way to treat others. In your profession you had to use tact and be very careful how you spoke to and acted within your department's code of ethics. There is a place and time to be forceful and a time to back down and view whether or not a situation will resolve itself. For all your discipline, devotion and dedication you were commended for your actions. I'll always say you acted properly and your sacrifice is a lesson for all officers around the country to learn how to resolve a domestic dispute until the point in time when deadly force has to be implemented. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and help those in charge lead their officers to peaceful resolutions when problems arise.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 5, 2012
The holiday season is fast approaching and you are missed greatly Officer Cook. If we could take back the evil that reared its ugliness on May 16, 1979, we would. You were a warrior who possessed a fighting spirit and dogged determination to help channel evil into good. The sacrifice you made on our behalf is what makes this land, the home of the brave. They don't make many as fine a true professional as you my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace and as the blue, white, green, and red lights shine brightly, assist us in lighting up the land with only richness and kindness.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 5, 2012
A process produces progress. Because of your unwavering commitment, Officer Cook, officers who joined after your time now are afforded better protection with the side panels. It's a shame back in your day officers did not have them. It bothers me that many officers are shot between those panels. Even some departments only had vests that just protected the front of the body. Of course, even with vests, there are bullets that can penetrate these vests. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and keep what over those brave men and women who keeping fighting evil and waging the good battle to make us safer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 5, 2012
With God's infinite glory were you Officer Cook, created, formed and made to do the job which most ordinary persons would not do. It takes as I've reflected in the past, special people such as you to go out day after day at all times and conditions to preserve, protect and defend our rights as individuals to live our lives as we see fit. When the going gets tough the tough get going. To stay calm when the stress gets to you is remarkable in and of itself. You may not be feeling well some days, and yet you probably reported to work and carried out your duties and thanked God each day you and your lovely wife, Karen, when you came home safely. You were a blessing to all and now God watches over your revered soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were definitely and will forever be one of God's chosen children.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 3, 2012
They are a garland of grace for your head and neck and also it will give to your head a garland of grace, a crown of glory will it bestow on you. The gist of this saying is that Officer Cook, God gave you special talents to pursue your dreams of becoming a police officer. This community of North Miami Beach was fortunate to have a classy gentleman such as yourself residing here and your department really had a uniquely skilled officer serving and protecting the public. They don't make officers like you with these special inane capabilities. The sacrifice you made on May 16, 1979 exhibited the fine manner by which your beloved parents, Charles and Julia Cook raised and instilled quality values in you. You can't take anything but your good deeds with you and as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, God is now guiding you and your father, Charles in eternity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 3, 2012
My eye and heart shall be there forever and My Providence and My attention will be over you at all times. For all your years as a dedicated Metro-Dade Police Officer, Officer Cook, the good Lord watched over you and your comrades as you performed your job. You were an affable person who was well liked by everyone. You possessed a keen eye and your tactical instincts were excellent. Now as you watch over us from heaven, God should hear our cries of sorrow as we offer prays for your dear soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and allow God to have compassion for us.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 3, 2012
You know Officer Cook, how to bring about a redemption? Turn pessimism into optimism. Something you did each day when you got up from sleeping. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and lead us to lighter, gladder, joyful and honorable days that lie ahead.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 30, 2012
Intellect is in vain if it does not lead to emotion and emotion is useless if it does not lead to action. Your life Officer Cook, bore intellect, the emotion and passion you brought to the profession. Religion is of two kinds: deeds and creeds. Two scary words in the English language. They ring true as a bell. Your mission Officer Cook, was to bring a calmness and sanity to the community you knew and loved as you served and protected. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 30, 2012
Sacrifices were meant to improve the heart, a sort of cleansing from impurities. God alone sees the heart of man: we can only judge by outward appearances and because God looks into the heart of man, He sets value on man's will. Surely, a sincere wish to do good is what is pleasing in God's sight. if a man projected the performance of a meritorious action, but was prevented from performing it, it is regarded as if he had performed it. man must have the keen desire to do good. The sacrifice you made my dear neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook made, so others could live is the biggest feat the a person can do. You expended the effort to resolve a potentially violent situation and in doing so gave up your life and time in this world. Your priceless upbringing extended to your very mind, heart and all the pious deeds performed here and now that you are resting in peace, God is judging your cherished soul accordingly. Today, this morning I visited your grave and took a little time to clean around it. For your sacrifice, you deserve a little time. Your devoutness is seen as a good sign post along the avenues of life.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 30, 2012
The family life of a police officer speaks many times as to how that officer will discharge their duties on the streets. Your father, Charles, may he rest in peace was the symbol of strength in your home and your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, may she live and be well was the rock who nurtured both you and your sister, Nancy into the individuals that you grew up and became successes in your endeavors. The morals taught to you served you very well as an officer. The knowledge you acquired and shared with others made them better people for having known you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your faith, morals, knowledge and ideals will forever live on in your family. Once there no matter the outcome it never departs from your special loved ones.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 29, 2012
Let a person be as sturdy as the reed, and not as unbending as the cedar. Words to live by that should be the motto of all police officers. With the morals, ethics and understanding you so possessed, Officer Cook, it's no wonder during your tenure with the Metro-Dade Police department that you were recognized for your outstanding work. You were one to elevate a situation from bad to good because of these inane characteristics inbred in you. Sometimes either a person has what it takes to carry out the assignments, or they don't. Police officers do not always get a second chance once something goes terribly wrong. But, you'll forever be honored and reflected on for doing what had to be done. You attempted your very best to solve a serious problem when time was of the essence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 29, 2012
Mercy, modesty and loving-kindness were traits of you, Officer Cook, that those who knew you personally and professionally will remember you for. A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of. You were a man of many talents and the eloquence of how you pursued your every day passions speaks volumes of your fine and upstanding character. There is a saying that no one takes a beating like a bragger and you sir, my neighbor, friend and hero followed a humble life. One of the chief hindrances to humility is ignorance or lack of knowledge. A police officer needs to be sharp at all times and have a modest disposition which allowed you, Officer Cook, to bring out the best of your abilities. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 29, 2012
Today Officer Cook, we live in an era of military parades and great exhibitions of armed strength. I'm sure when you were a recruit in the Police Academy at Miami- Dade Community College North Campus, you marched with your fellow recruits, as you did with your friend and fellow officer Chief Geoff Jacobs as drummers in the marching band. I want to recant the many pleasant memories you both had of being in high school and the police academy together. When you were presented with your badges, I'll imagine you went to Metro-Dade to work and the Chief went to Opa Locka police Department where he worked on the auto theft squad. The battles in the line of duty that you sometimes had to endure Officer Cook, enabled to you to sharpen your skills in dealing with domestic disputes. The courage and bravery you exhibited on May 16, 1979, reminds each and every officer in the line of duty just how careful they need to be when assessing a situation. You classmate and friend, Geoff Jacobs worked his way up the ranks, he paid his dues to his profession and now serves as Police Chief in Porterdale, Georgia outside of Atlanta. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero as you march to the beat in God's heavenly throne. I'm sure Chief Jacobs and you, Officer Cook, would have made great partners had he stayed in the Metro-Dade Police Department.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 29, 2012
Tomorrow would have been your fifty-ninth birthday. I'm certain your family, friends and colleagues who still remember that fateful day will pause for a moment at 2 pm or whenever to pay you homage for your your heroic actions in Liberty City that saved your fellow officers from death. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You'll always be recognized by me as long as I'm able to.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 29, 2012
To everything there is season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. I'm sure Officer Cook, for all seasons these past thirty-three years you have been watching over us, you helping God guide us through thick and thin, in easy and difficult times. When May 16 comes we pause and reflect on the wonderful life you lived by practice and by doing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 28, 2012
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I know your wife, Karen remarried and hope she is doing as well as can be expected and your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook,as well. I will always treasure that nice letter she sent to me in September of 2010 , five days after turning ninety-five years young. Your family endured the passing of your father, Charles, and after your untimely passing I hope finds the strength to carry on. I'm sure you would want them to continue the pursuits of a happy life as you lived for twenty-five sacred and successful years. Rest in sweet peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 28, 2012
A good intention is added as a good deed. The reward for a good deed is another good deed. The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more. For answering the call on May 16, 1979, you are now being rewarded by God. I hope your department saw fit to award you with the Medal of Valor for your heroic actions. Rest in peace and lead us to the fountain of good deeds, my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 28, 2012
The best we can do to achieve holiness is to make a beginning and to persevere in our efforts. As a devout and Godly person, Officer Cook, you and your lovely wife, Karen exemplified what it means to love and to cherish until separated by death. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten by me or my family and you'll always be remembered as our guardian angel. You so personified professionalism and spirituality. Rest in peace in God's holy shelter along with your beloved father, Charles, cradled together in God's palm for safekeeping.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 28, 2012
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