Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
Citizens look at officers and their performances with an astonishing feeling. Amazing all the hard work that is being put into action by the many brave souls of humanity through their diligence and devotion. Having put in many hours of arduous training in the classroom and in the field, Officer Cook, it made you the heroic officer that your colleagues and Dade County has come to revere. The good hands, the common sense, the tone of voice, positive tenacity, honorable actions all were centered in the name of securing peace and unifying lives. People matter. Lives count. Timing is of the essence. Never more so than on that fateful day of May 16, 1979, when Liberty City experienced a domestic disturbance between a man and his girlfriend. Badge#1664 and its brave young man showed up, yourself, Officer Cook, with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln. Something had to be done. Resolve and loyalty were placed on your shoulders broadly to protect and serve. Everything done was professionally handled. Your perseverance and prudence won't be forgotten, nor will your character and commitment to see your assignments through. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
The sounds of silence can be deafening at times. Those moments when violence comes and leaves its ugly scars which are hard to heal, it is the process of coping that perhaps we may begin to heal. There must be a cure for this awful affliction that can strike at any moment. Like a tornado, it does not announce its presence. When your patrol car, Officer Cook, drove around Dade County, there was a great big smile. Now the sounds of happiness, faith and hope have truly arrived. Your sense of fairness, dignity and integrity have graced the front, back and side doors of those you served, preserved and protected quite valiantly. In life you can never be assured of some things, when you patrolled, Officer Cook residents were assured they would be safe and you were accountable for that. You remain admired and beloved by your family, friends and colleagues who each shared an important part of your life and career with vim, vigor and vitality. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
The saying goes something like this; the grass is greener on the other side. Dade County is divided into four corners. A Northeast, a northwest, a southeast and a southwest side. With over three-thousand men and women protecting life and property. I only knew your service at the time of your untimely passing to be in Northwest Dade in the Liberty City area. All areas have their elements, their exposures to crime. It was up to your bravery, Officer Cook, to secure peace and justice for all citizens. No matter what it took, your skills and training, you still needed your honor, reverence for your position and the telling dignity and integrity to go out and patrol, to reach and teach one and all. One magnificent job. Outstanding in resolve, character, clarity and in humble esteem. You loved your life and career, it was a crying shame it was taken away from you my neighbor, friend and hero. A gentleman and endeared colleague to all. Mankind's heroic angel. You were a warrior and savior, Officer Cook, no mistaking that fact. Rest in peace among the heroic and humane public servants who served their Lord with a passion and fervor. When timeliness counted, you were there to counsel and console.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
That's the problem in society at times. People want to take, take without giving back. Giving back to our duly swore police officers who risk their lives daily on our behalf. Dade County has seen many officers come through its large venues, they came prepared for a battle royal in wanton violence. They wore their dignity pinned on their badges of pristine uniforms of bravery and courage. Yours, Officer Cook, had all the professional prowess and personification of punctuality and perseverance. Nothing to be take lightly. Never backing away from facing reality in the eyes of those who attempt wickedness. You put peace and sanctity back on the road map to a brighter today and tomorrow if only you were here to witness this amazement. You'll be remembered and cherished for your integrity, dignity and honesty which is symbolic of any officer's creed. The cries of help went out and you were present to save lives of those citizens and of your brave comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's vestibules are being protected by all of His vigilant angels of heroism and of humanity. Humility shines. It sparkles like a diamond. Some officers could use a little more polishing. Better hurry with fervor and a sense of urgency. Crime takes no breaks or vacations.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
God gives and God takes. The Lord blesses us in ways we might not see and yet His shining presence rests among us. His grace rested in your pursuits of peace and happiness, Officer Cook. Something all who ever walk the face of this Earth are very much entitled to. One who walks humbly, eats his bread with salt and rests with humility shall so be honored. You shall so be saluted, Officer Cook, for your saving grace and bravery during your watch over Dade County and its residents. To make unity and peace work as an oiled machine, the chains, its parts and whatever else is needed must function smoothly and with the combined endeavors of its people. Remember, dignity and integrity cannot cross the same paths if they are not aligned properly. With the assist of your esteemed comrades their most respected and beloved colleagues was able to complete his professional mission. Your goal, Officer Cook was deemed finished and thus the cornerstones of enhancement have been laid by a valiant gentleman of commitment, conviction and stellar character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 29, 2016
To believe. To inspire. To nurture. To achieve. We were placed in this world to function with other civilized individuals and to make this a place to thrive and be able to live freely choosing our own pathways in life. You chose to become a police officer, Officer Cook, confident in your abilities to serve and to protect our liberties, nothing to be taken for granted. Life is not a proverbial picnic, if it were our ideals and honor would or may be abandoned. Life should have reason and meaning. Sense behind all actions. Expect reward for doing well. Expect rebuke if you are not acting the way a mature person should act. Evil brings out the worst of those who display malfeasance and commit revolting mayhem. That's why men and ladies of dignity are ready and waiting. Their humility and courage are constantly placed on the line. It is in their dreams, goals and aspirations that we continue fighting for what is right. peace and unity are prime and in Dade County you fought for the goodwill of us all, Officer Cook. Those who served with you, Officer Cook, salute your wisdom, maturity and character all shining like freshly polished diamonds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The effort goes on. The enhancement of your sacrifice blazes newer paths for those who have succeeded you. Knowledge, wisdom and bravery when combined with humility for humanity are their greatest sources. The weaponry to conquer starts with a tone of voice and continues with dignity, decency and a natural born and driven desire to accomplish. Task completed. Your mission of compassion and justice for all fulfilled. Keep watching us, Officer Cook. Badge#1664 was donned proudly and proficiently. So was your uniform worn cleanly, clearly and most succinctly.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Freedom and liberty can only follow themselves down the trails of happiness if those brave enough to conquer can stay a course of honesty and decency. They must stay centered on integrity and intuition to see them though. You saw something, Officer Cook and resoundingly responded to the calls of morals and justice. It is what made you the humble hero here in Dade County where you grew up and continue to be so honored and saluted for gallantry and grit. A man with a plan who stood for peace and safety for each other. The loyal servant God relies upon in those darkest of times and not forgotten. The charismatic gentleman living your life of fulfillment, a mission of security handled with class and introspection. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Fixations and focused. All public servants must have their beings engaged on a target and that aim is to provide prudent, honorable and peaceful surroundings for all citizens one and all. Dade County is a large metropolis and it relies upon the ingenuity, integrity and intelligence from those brave men and women who wage an unwavering fight over violence, so wanton and wild, they have got to get a handle on this callous monster. You came, Officer Cook, conquered and calmed down those who tempers got the best of them. You'll be universally revered for your relentless attack on this wicked wonder. Its pangs spread out looking to ensnare anyone in its clutches. A kind and thoughtful young man and a gentleman of the highest humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A highly regarded hero of unquestionable character, care and conviction. We knew your hands and mind would perform, if only that day Mr. Pearsall's mind was thinking rationally. God only knows. A great life and a solid professional career headed for more fulfillment. The Master of Mercy we bestow our guidance in His loving arms where He holds you now, Officer Cook, for safekeeping.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Screaming and cursing only exacerbate a heated moment. They cloud the brain's thought processes. When people are angry they need moments to get away and chill. Funny, on the Officers Down Memorial Page I thought profanity was forbidden. I have seen it while scanning the various reflections left for officers who gave their lives for the safety of the public. I also though if you were an officer involved in an ongoing investigation you could not reflect. I guess times are different and free speech and its right to compose are there for all to partake of. You never cursed or screamed, Officer Cook, you maintained that fair balance of civility and honesty while calming down people whose emotions may have boiled over. Peace and togetherness must walk that thin line just as vigilance and professionalism. Persistence and preservation must mark the ideals of every brave public servant, otherwise their watch ends without the desired resolve. Effort must match the dedication. Desire, faith and devotion are cherished tools to be utilized wisely and with great knowledge, wisdom and the maturity behind each and every journey of endeavor. You knew your profession well, Officer Cook. Your candor, class and decency spoke eloquently and efficiently. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You'll be admired and saluted for your intuition, ingenuity and matching intelligence. it served Dade County and its residents quite well. A calming and calculated person lives by righteousness and the fairness to fight on in those battles of wickedness. You were a warrior, savior and hero. Your family's and friends, comrades as well. Face to face, you never backed down from doing your utmost to stop violence from gaining the upper hand, Officer Cook. Accountable. Accessible. Reliable. Responsible. Personable. But fair and balanced.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Police officers are given a steady dosage of different things to handle. Some must be accomplished at once and not only that , they must possess a main diet of dignity, honesty and integrity. It is during moments of stress and duress where they must remain calm, focused and composed to get the most out of their professional attire. The uniform and badge worn go to the relevancy of ethics and character. Without these commitments, Officer Cook, you could not function accordingly to rules and regulations within your department. Keeping sane and civil allows the legal process to proceed on as a situation dictates. The shining legacy of your life and career my neighbor, friend and hero rests soundly among those brave souls of comrades who served and motivated others to follow suit and to promote peace and goodwill among mankind.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Admonishment can serve as a great motivator. It can also serve to destroy the fabric by which our society was created for. To be a leader, you must be humble, yet highly honorable and most dignified in your journeys in life and a career you pursue justly, one that is catered to your character and the determination you spend working diligently to become something. Dade County and its citizens had you, Officer Cook, preserving and protecting our rights, liberties and opportunities to do the right thing by seeking counsel when necessary. You were a good leader of other officers because you took direction and used it as a springboard for your humane endeavors. All the people ask is that their law enforcement professionals are decent, loyal and faithful to the causes of quiet and unity among all. Callousness and friction lead to strife and acrimony. Nobody wanted peace and calm more than you, Officer Cook and despite what occurred on May 16, 1979, you remain a cherished hero, a blessed Godsend and a gentleman of morals and principles, the right reasons to don a uniform and badge of perseverance and persistence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul is wedged within the foundations of God's sacred walls of remembrance. You will never be forgotten. Your voice and common sense served you well. You performed in an outstanding fashion coming to the aid of your colleagues and the citizens that day doing as much as you could humanly do.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Our country has a fascination with the social media. twitter, the internet, facebook, my space whatever our eyes can see and our hands can place themselves on. What police officers must place their dignity and bravery on is crime and its powerful affects on the human mind. Your hands and feet, Officer Cook, patrolled with Our Creator's streets and while doing so it warded off evil as much as possible. A noble and valiant officer, your professional manner, Officer Cook, remains treasured. Your integrity, respected by all. You afforded the residents of Dade County the reasons to live by the very ideals of peace and civility. An enhancement as well as your heroic legacy that remains in our thoughts forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When it came to pride, its commitment to conviction and character it was top notch, first class. A decent man and devoted hero to all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
I was reflecting last night, Officer Cook, regarding executives of companies who receive golden parachutes when they retire or when their companies merge and are taken over by other corporations. In Dade County, employes too may take advantage of this by taking their unused sick leave and vacation time not used and to be able to receive compensation when they retire. Back in your day, Officer Cook, I don't know how this was handled. I do know as do your comrades back then that you were astute, loyal and personable. When problems arose while on patrol it was your integrity, honor and dignity that carried you through. Dade County has seen many heroes and heroines grace them, the humility of all its heroes and heroines who gave their lives for enhancement to shine down on them can never be overstated. Your contributions to humanity, Officer Cook, revealed a gentle heart and soul that uplifted the downtrodden, the oppressed and those who were less fortunate. May God grant your soul, beloved to your family, friends and colleagues who have treasured their memories of you. Your grace and bravery, nobleness and its breath may it shine down and illuminate us in our saddest of moments. Our Creator has you my neighbor, friend and hero you in His garden of paradise to walk that sacred beat on His golden streets forevermore. Nothing will ever disturb nor harm your beautiful soul. Its gentleness floats on the wings of kindness and love for all. Respect, resolve and determination were doggedly following you, Officer Cook, in all your pursuits of peace and happiness for all Dade County and its citizens. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
The words we speak help to dig our wells of wisdom and faith. So cherish the moments, the hours and minutes fleeting, one never knows their dates with destiny. Your appointed rounds patrolling Dade County and its residents, Officer Cook, was all in the name of justice and righteousness. It cannot be obtained without the much needed honesty, dignity and integrity. You had that and its humility to humbly fulfill your sacred missions here in this world. Now, as I reflect back on your life, career, let it be known that you were heroic, a solid professional, a gentleman of courage and valor, most can only ponder. This takes years of preservation and a certain pre-occupation in one's daily performance. Yours, Officer Cook, will be cherished and remembered for having sanctity and civility to unlock the keys of peace and prosperity for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 28, 2016
Executives when they retire from large corporations most times receive golden parachutes. Police officers, humane, honorable and humble receive golden wings from God when they lay down their lives in the pursuits of peace and happiness. Life doesn't seem so kind or fair for that matter. You were a supremely loyal and trusted comrade, Officer Cook and Dade County residents reaped God's grace when you looked after them. No matter how police try, this never ending battle over violence still seems to escalate, its repercussions reverberating like no tomorrow. You were our hero whose professional demeanor saved the day on May 16, 1979, a day in Dade County history never to be forgotten. Only to be championed by those brave as you, Officer Cook, who both summon and muster the necessary character to press on. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul keeps rising higher and higher each day. That was your commitment to prosperity and preservation, its level rose and now the bar is set higher and higher. Hopefully the expectations can be felt by all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 27, 2016
While canvassing the streets of Dade County, Officer Cook, as all men and women, brave and humble should do, that is to make certain they have their wits and wisdom on their uniform and badge which represents the courage and commitment that is to be seen at all times. Never more cherished and respected, you stood for the face of law and dignity. Order and integrity navigated with you on your daily patrols. The citizens felt much more at ease and were at peace when you preserved the public interest. The severity of your missions called for drastic measures at times. You knew when to be firm and yet fair and unbiased. The complete and consummate public servant of grace and gallantry. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Legacy means finding yourself heroically dispensing goodwill and faith among all mankind. A great job. A blessed hero and Godsend. Evil will be eradicated all by your sacrifice to provide everlasting enhancements for all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 27, 2016
The vibrations of vitality and the whispers of wisdom and yet, the knock on knowledge is having too much may not be so helpful when in the wrong hands. Police officers while maintaining honor and decorum on the streets still must deal with and be able to cope with vulgar and vile acts of violence perpetrated upon them and those they serve and protect. You maintained dignity while doing your job, Officer Cook. Sanctity and serenity walked peacefully together when you provided Dade County and its residents with quality care and concern. When a young man as compassionate as you, Officer Cook, began your career it was with the loyalty and faith, resolve in hand to safely complete your missions. Thirty-seven years later as your family and colleagues still comprehend the why part of your life ending as it did, make no mistake your humility, humble beginnings have all stood for bravery and courage from within your heart. You'll never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One sure way to anchor one's noble legacy is to perform actions over words that simply supply a much more deeper meaning. God pulls out His vocabulary book and culls the words we speak each day. We are given allotments. So wisely should be our tone of voice and what emanates from our lips. You spoke the truth, Officer Cook. Straight from your heart and very cherished soul.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 27, 2016
The ledger books of legality stay open as long as those who serve do so with honor and humanity shadowing one another. Even when officers make that ultimate sacrifice, God keeps His slates open for all to view. Your conduct and integrity, Officer Cook, are the ramifications of what we expect from duly sworn officers. You went after evil and chased with all your might as a humble hero would do. Citizens everywhere and in Dade County came to know you graciousness and kind disposition. Nothing would keep you down, Officer Cook, a comrade loyal and devoted to all your fellow officers. Keep watching over us with your beloved soul, its torches of tenacity still aglow, the lights will never be extinguished. They will now and for eternity burn brighter than ever as you comforted yourself vigilantly and with valor to remain the foundation of our fondest tomorrows. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
With astuteness and astonishment is it no wonder how some officers stay safe. Why with all the turmoil and violence today in our society, you managed, Officer Cook, to keep dignity and decorum, decency and integrity functioning together very nicely. One can only imagine what things would be like if you were here today toasting and remembering your humble successes. You accomplished and Dade County folks can feel much more at ease. A penchant for pursuing, there can be no doubt you'll not be forgotten. Bravery and honor are waiting at the gates for other loyal officers to open those doors so they may partake of its special qualities. You were quality no questions need asking, Officer Cook. Only why? Why with more admiration and commitment left to fulfill. Character and your devotion took peace and unity down the very same track. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One -hundred percent full effort, loyalty and faithfulness built to make others safer and more accountable.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
The day begins with desire and honesty and when we retire to sleep at night God takes our souls for judgment. If He deems us worthy, when we awake we can start the day refreshed, relaxed and with the passion to persevere. A pious man, Officer Cook, you spearheaded your department and colleagues through the journeys of unknown circumstances. That evil still rears its ugliness and the citizens of Dade County were the recipients of your resolve and bravery. Whatever it took to conquer this menace of society, it was your task to complete as your mission was to accomplish. You did this in an outstanding way, Officer Cook. Never forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The lessons of decency are the legacies by which heroes such as yourself are fondly remembered. What was realized was that you were a class individual treasured and admired by all your family, comrades and friends in and out of your department.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
The possibilities are endless. From the perspectives of vision and valor, officers are placed in a position of trust and this sacred word must not be disturbed. Professionalism and protection is not to be taken lightly nor toyed with. The people speak. Officers listen. You listened, Officer Cook, each day to the words of wisdom spoken by Dade County and you answered calls reliably and with your humane integrity. For we know that honesty and dignity are two of any officer's best policies. A polite and courageous young man on a navigation to restore vitality and peace to a venue that cried out for assistance. You won't be forgotten, Officer Cook and neither will your grace and gentleness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Living each day of your life faithfully and with resolve to champion the cause of righteousness, your unwavering heroism is being heard by all today. God's eyes and ears send out those messages to us loudly and clearly.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
In the clutch, humility and character will trump dishonesty and rudeness. What is always called for from officers is obedience to rules and regulations, as laws must be followed by those who enforce them. You were a follower and a good leader, Officer Cook. You took direction and were able to transfer its ability to other comrades as you fought these terrible battles over violence. Wanton, wicked and cruel, they leave marks that sometimes are difficult at best to remove. You helped take away evil in Dade County, Officer Cook, using your willpower and endless supply of resourcefulness. When danger lurks we look to our finest for service and protection. God takes the very best servants of professionalism and proficiency, He wraps His large arms around their humble souls and directs their patrols around His sacred streets where nothing will ever harm them forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your uniform and badge, Officer Cook, stood for character, conviction and desire over and beyond the calls of duty.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
Checking and securing, the hope of our prayers lies in the skills and bravery of our committed police officers. We prayed while you patrolled, Officer Cook. Your family, your beloved wife, Karen, prayed for you her darling husband while you served the residents of Dade County. They were your dreams and desires growing up. When a brave soul goes out and leaves his family to preserve and to persevere the freedom and peace we are entitled to live by, we say thank you. Your dignity, integrity and maturity were the staples of a well lived life and a well productive professional career. Now as an angel in God's green pastures nestled with other brave warriors who sacrificed for the enhancement of mankind, may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
So many to cherish. Those brave and valiant heroes and heroines of liberty, faith and decency. Their honesty was the personification of their service and preservation. And the citizens of Dade County were mighty happy you served them well, Officer Cook. A man of his word. A gentleman of humbleness. A servant of wisdom and ingenuity. The words of peace and dignity rang like a bell. Those were the days. Decades ago things were far different for public servants than they are today. You were an officer whose knowledge and compassion were among the finest out there. Your heroic legacy remains the class, care and consideration for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Desire, determination and devotion all deserve salutes of courage.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 26, 2016
For a humble hero of admiration and of compassion let us pray that your soul, Officer Cook, continues its ascendance to Our Creator's heavenly kingdom. Dade County was provided the decent and class representation by a most esteemed and beloved public servant. The peace and safety was distributed along with your honorable actions of mercy, integrity and dignity. One can only wonder along with your family has things would be today if you were with us? You will remain treasured and respected for an outstanding life and career of professional perseverance for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a man of character, grace and gallantry, Officer Cook. Class and diligence when it counted the most.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 25, 2016