Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To The Family of Officer Cook:
I hope everyone is well. I visited your son and brother's grave on Monday. I can't stop thinking about him. When I drive by on NE 6th Ave. where you lived and down the block where my family lived, you must have shopped at the old Grand union supermarket, and the Publix on NE 8th Ave. that was managed by Mr. Marion Hess. My family shopped there as well and you where probably there shopping as well. I wish Mrs. Cook I had kept in touch with you all these years. I still will write to you out in San Diego. Say hello to your daughter Nancy. You worshipped at either Visitation Catholic Church where Father Dalton was the pastor. The other two churches were St. Lawrence in NMB where father Holobek was pastor and North Miami at Holy Family where Father Bernard Kirlin was the pastor. I never stop thinking of your son William and the sacrifice he made and I purchased a shirt with his name on it on the Officer Down Memorial Page. Rest in peace Officer Cook, I'm glad I was able stop and meet and talk to your nephew Justin. he did remind me of you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2011

To The Family of Officer Cook:
I just wanted to leave a reflection, since your tragic death torments me to this day. The day you were buried May 19, 1979 just happened to have been my parents last anniversary as my dad passed away April 26, 1980. My mom passed away Thanksgiving night Nov. 27, 2003 and was buried on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, what would have been your 50th birthday. I still drive by your home in North Miami Beach where you grew up. Rest in peace Officer Cook your sacrifice for Dade County citizens will never be forgotten. I hope this reflection finds your mom, sister and family doing well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2011

To The Cook Family:

I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I had visited your son's grave today and when I visit I leave some stones to signify that I visited. I can't stop thinking about him and the sacrifice he made on behalf of Dade County's citizens. I still have your letter Mrs. Cook and I cherish it and the opportunity you took to write me. I hope you are feeling well out in San Diego.I will write another letter and send it to you soon. I still drive by your home on 170th St. in North Miami Beach. Stay well and regards to your daughter Nancy and her family from our family to your family.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 28, 2010

To the Family of Officer Cook:
I do not want to forget Karen Cook. I heard she remarried and she should not be forgotten. You can let her know I have not ever forgotten her husband's life and his sacrifice.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2010

Dear Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Tidwell, Mrs. Wilkerson, Mr. Hyatt and Mr. Miller:
Today I received a call from Mr. Marco Redondo, office manager where your son, brother and uncle William "Bo" is buried. I wrote a letter to the cemetery administrator, Mrs. Skinner in hope that the replica of your beloved son, brother and uncle;s badge would be replaced. Mr. Redondo e-mailed me a replica, hoping it meets with your approval. He said it would take about 4 or 5 weeks to make and it can be placed on Officer Cool's grave by his birthday on November 30th. I always think of him and the sacrifice he made on behalf of Dade Counties citizens and Mrs. Cook I plan on writing to you once before Thanksgiving. Hope you are all well. If it is possible I would like to send a note to Justin, Josh, Gina and Nancy. There is a saying in the book of Psalms: Turn From Evil and Do Good Seek Peace and Pursue It". This epitomizes the essence of what your beloved son, brother and uncle officer William c. Cook or Uncle Bo stood for and the values as well. I would love to offer a few words before the replica is placed down. Sincerely. Rabbi Lewis Davis- Your friend and neighbor

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2010

Dear Mrs. Julia Cook, Mrs. Tidwell, Mrs Wilkerson and Family:
I just wanted to say it was a pleasure to meet your son and grandson Justin. We talked for about 15 minutes and he is a fine young man like your son and brother, and uncle William. He does look a lot like his uncle. I am going to try and write to you Mrs.Cook, even though I should have stayed in touch all these years. I visited your son and brother's grave today and I am working on something relating to your son after the sacrifice he made 31 years ago on behalf of the citizens of Dade County. I think of him often and wished I could have met him. I wished my dad who was a policeman in New York could have met and talked with him. We grew up in the sane NMB neighborhood. Officer Cook , I will never forget you and will remember as Chief Bowlin reflected on your bravery and courage to protect your fellow officers. Rest in peace and Mrs. Cook I will try to write and happy birthday and many more in good health. Rabbi Lewis Davis 9-27-10

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 27, 2010

Dear Uncle Bo,
I was born 7 years after you were killed. On that day mom gave me your name, an honor that I hold very dear to my heart. It is such a shame that you were taken away from me even before I ever had the chance to meet you. From what mom and grandma say, you seemed to be the life of the party and the glue that held our family together. There will always be a void in all our hearts, especially on days like Christmas when the whole family has gathered together. I had the opportunity to work in DC a while back and I took mom to visit the national Police Memorial with your name on it. It is so awesome that our country has honored the sacrifice that you and so many others have made for our safety.
Thank you so much Uncle Bo... I can't wait to meet you some day.
Rest in peace,
Justin

Justin Miller
Nephew

April 19, 2009

My Darling Brother,
Gina found this site and sent it to me. At 60, I am not real computer literate so it surprised me that this existed. There has never been a day of my life that I have not thought of you and I have missed you every moment of every day. I have another child since you've been gone. His name is Justin William; yes I named him after you. And the remarkable thing is that he looks just like you. He even has your personality. You can't be with him 5 minutes until your laughing at something. He doesn't take life real serious, just like you which is a good thing. You see, he was in an accident which left him a paraplegic. It hasn't stopped him though, he is in a Master's program studying International Relations. Mom is still doing well at 93; stuborn as ever and missing you every day like me. We try to keep flowers on your grave and the weeds off. Josh is in California. He has a great profession and acts in Hollywood as well. Gina will be 33 tomorrow and has given me 3 beautiful grandchildren.
For the first time since your death 30 years ago, Karen came by to see us. She is older but still beautiful. It meant so much to me to see her again. I hope that won't be the last time. She finally got married again after all these years as your widow. We both cried some. I told her that so many lives were changed by a single bullet that awful day we lost you.
I carry you in my heart always and can't wait to see you again soon. Be there for me when I cross the veil. You and Dad would be a welcome sight.
As long as I'm alive you will be too. When I was reading the entries at this site it wasn't surprising that after all these years so many people still think of you. You touched so many lives. I was glad to see Lenny Cooperman wrote and he calls his son Billy; how wonderful.
We're going to the Police Memorial this May and I'll be taking Mom. You are honored by so many and loved by so many as well.
I still adore you my little brother. Until I see you again may God keep you in the palm of His hand always.
I miss you!
Sis

Nancy Cook-Tidwell
sister

April 9, 2009

Uncle Bo: It's been almost 30 years since you died, practicaly my entire lifetime. I met Aunt Karen today for the first time since I was a toddler. I really liked her alot. As mom and grandma and Karen sat there talking about you I could see and feel their pain. Your death left a gaping hole in our family and our hearts. I read all of the posts left here and all these years later people still think of you. You must have been as wonderful as everyone tells me. I guess we will never know 'why' until we can ask God in person. You are very greatly missed. Love you!

Gina Wilkerson
Niece

April 9, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty third anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

I hold your family in thought and prayer today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 1, 2009

Your sacrifice to your community officer Cook will never be forgotten. As the son of one of NYCs finest for almost forty years, your senseless killing,makes me sad. I understand you attended Sabal Palm Elementary and JFK Junior High schools. I also attended these and lived with my family in NMB since my dad retired in 1966. I stopped at your grave to visit and picked up the 2 small flags on the ground. Officer Di Genova recruited you, I believe to the force and officer Edgerton was with BSO shortly thereafter.I didn't know officer Lincoln rode with you. Rest in peace and know that your family and colleagues miss you and you're in our prayers. I would love to talk with your friend Mr. Cooperman some day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2008

Rest in piece brother. You will always be remembered. Your death was so tragic. You responded to a call when you didn't have to. A true police officer. Look after your brothers who walk the streets here at home and those of us who walk them in far away places.

Sgt. Brandon Bestard
US ARMY

May 30, 2008

Officer Cook your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 29, 2008

Another aniversary is fast approaching and with it comes the nightmares, the tension, the whys?, and the becauses... However, what never changes each day of the year is the thought of you that day, giving your life, laying on that hot asphalt lifeless, two other guys clinging to their lives by a hair.

So many times I have wondered, what if I had been there? What if it had been me who arrived first? What would the outcome be? Family tells me that, it was G-d's will but, I know that already. Just refuse to admit it!

Your funeral was incredible. Cops and civilians came from all around. The Cathedral was full to capacity, people were standing outside the building listening to the sermon. Just like the day you died, it was a gorgeous Spring day, sunny, not a cloud in the skies, hot.

The Bishop who officiated said something that, to this day, even if I am not Catholic, keeps reminding me of the mysteries of life: He told Mary, that, "Before there could be an Easter Sunday, there must be a Good Friday."

I was sitting next to Jack Stevens, we both cried. Steve came from California to attend your burial and that was the last time I ever saw him. He is a teacher now, I believe.

From our Police Academy BLE Class # 6, we all did good. Only one guy got in trouble later in his career, but he was with Corrections. John Redfearn has since passed away. I had to notify him of your death. He broke down crying like a child, just like I and others did.

Rene Bello and I have breakfast every Friday at a Latin Cafe in Coral Way and our TA's Doud and Kahn have since retired also. Our TS Robert Ingram has also passed away. Would you believe that Ingram was the first one I met the first day of my career and, on the last day of work, at the Airport, I happened to run into him also?

What a coincidence. We talked about our academy class and yes, we talked about you Bill. We both wondered if you would have retired also on that day.

Dan Blocker, our classmate, who killed the man who took you from us went on to become a Sergeant at Arms with the Commision, a nice job which he did great. I am not sure if he has retired by now.

I went on to work Traffic-Homicide and spent my last 9 years with the Department at the Airport, making good overtime and enjoying the view and the job. On November 10, 2000, I retired. Now, I am in private business in Real Estate, Mortgage and Home Inspections.

I visit your grave almost every year on May 16. Someone goes there before I get there and lays some flowers on your grave. Someone also, has taken the badge from your grave and I am trying to get the cemitary to replace it.

If you could come to Miami for a day, you would be so amazed! How much it has changed. Eddies' Dive, the Casabella MOtel, the Turf Motel, they are all gone now and some new buildings are now built there, plan 8 they call it, housing for low income people.

Still some things never change. We see some of the same dispair and the same faces we used to 39 years earlier, now older, seniors, and a new generation of misfits and lost souls is taking over. But this time, there are more opportunities for them to improve to their maximum ability. Let's hope they do.

JMH, is totally new. The ER parking lot, the scene of so many of our battles, is totally changed, non-existent with a new facility now in place. In short Bill, things have changed. I am just so sorry that you couldn't be part of that change.

I will never forget New Years' Eve party we double dated in 74. I got stuck with a bummer you did ok jajaja. I love you brother, will never forget you and will always wish I could have been there to prevent what happened, or to hold your hand and comfort you.

Till we meet again, DUCK

Frank Piloto Jr.,

Frank A Piloto Jr., MDPD Retired
Metro Dade Police Department, Retired

April 3, 2008

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 3, 2007

My friend Billy,

We grew up together in North Miami Beach. Next door neighbors, schoolmates, playmates. We were best friends and even our lives took us in different directions, we always kept up our friendship.

It's hard to believe how much time has past since those days, and since your untimely passing.

For what it's worth I have one child, a wonderful son.

I named him Billy.


Lenny Cooperman

friend

March 26, 2007

Billy,
I still think of you often. You were one of the people I respected while working together at JMH as police service officers. You were quick to help those of us who were new to the job, and in need of seasoned guidance.
I still remember your infectious smile, quit wit, and eagerness to help people.
It's been almost 28 years since your death, and I am close to finishing my law enforcement career. I am grateful every day to be above ground, and I never forget those like you who've paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's so important to get home at the end of the shift.
Rest in peace my friend.
Big Bill

Big Bill
PSO @ Jackson Hospital 1975

March 19, 2007

I think of you often Bill. I only wish things had not gone so wrong that day. Your courage was outstanding as well as your actions to protect your fellow officers.
Rest well my dear friend.

Chief Dale P. Bowlin
Metro-Dade Police Dept. (Retired)

January 27, 2007

Gone but not forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

May 16, 2006

Bill, 27 years have passed, quicker than a blink of the eye. I still recall what happened on this day 27 years ago, just as clear as if it was yesterday. Just wanted you to know that I'm still here and I haven't forgotten. Rest in peace, sir...

Capt. Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, GA. PD

May 16, 2006

Billy, I married a good friend of yours one year and one day after your brutal murder. He remembers you to this day and talks about the good times when you were both growing up. He has never really gotten over your death and thinks of you every time he puts on his uniform.

wife of a leo

August 18, 2005

Bill, As we attended high school and college together, I came to the realization that you were not only one of the nicest people I had ever encountered, but, also years ahead of the crowd in maturity and personal vision. I never dreamed that your path in life would have ended this way 25 years ago. I will admire your bravery forever and rest assured that May 16th will never be forgotten.

Captain Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, Ga. Police Dept.

June 18, 2004

Rest in peace. your bravery will be remembered.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department