Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
This world will never be as safe now, Officer Cook. You were one of the many guardians whose honor and dignity drove your passions. The power to pursue justice. The persistence to persevere in a seemingly never ending fight over evil. The universe is run by Our Creator who directs His beloved and humble servants in their daily battles over those who choose to make violence a way of their life. Dade County and in the North Miami Beach community where you grew up, Officer Cook, was the locale where you learned you greatest lessons. Our parents serve as our mentors, directors and those who show us the greatest love and affection. Your parents, Officer Cook, were loyal and faithful to you, so it is easy to see where you got your faithfulness and devotion. Prayer can serve us as a marvelous springboard to whatever dreams and aspirations that we intend to follow after. The messages of our righteous heroes, servants to God and their communities of which you were one of the many, Officer Cook. Unity and peace were delivered by a most thoughtful angelic gentleman of character whose vision, leadership and wisdom were exactly what was called upon to stem the tide of violence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Loyalty and respect were afforded you, Officer Cook, as your labors of love will forever be so saluted and honored. Though the pain persists, we must somehow allow the process of healing to stir its power within those loved ones and colleagues left behind by your tragic death. Driven. Engaging. Astute. Thoughtful. Heroic. It can not be forgotten. It has to be humbly etched in our hearts and minds.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
Police work is a multi faceted profession. It rewards those humble, brave and honorable who continue on with pain staking work. Public servants just try to hold the forts of dignity and integrity down while searching for solutions to the many complex scenarios that may arise while on duty. While steering around the Dade County area, Officer Cook, it was your decency that allowed you to see the big picture of how peace and unity could be tied together as one branch. Comrades have respected your courage and fighting spirit, a special component needed to battle an adversary as large as wanton violence. The terror and torment, the tension that evil causes requires the supreme effort of outstanding persons of conviction, commitment and character. You had those qualities, Officer Cook, it's the kind of loyalty that is seen from most dedicated and deserving heroes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Foundations and cornerstones left by a serene and humane servant unafraid to face wickedness face to face.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
Vintage police work, Officer Cook. A consummate and compassionate job of protecting and serving the public. Dade County and its pathways were paved by your preservation and diligent dignity and an integral sense of integrity. But than of course, you were a caring and humble young man, Officer Cook. Loyalty and faith revolve around the same spheres of humanity where humility and nobility capture the responsibilities carried out by our bravest officers. You will always be cherished and widely respected for your efforts. The quietness and togetherness of Dade County residents was placed properly back into perspective by your heroism, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A well oiled engine functions very well. A well meaning public servant conducts their professional affairs only if the honesty, desire and drive is worn humbly with the highest regard for others within their badges and uniforms.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
To my old classmate, Mrs. Laura Estevill, I meant to say, Officer Cook, God bless you, Lori, your husband and two sons. I remember clearly you saying to me that you wanted to become a law enforcement officer thirty-six years ago. Just be safe and let God guide your paths of righteousness in a world now more violent and tense than ever before. It's Steve Davis. We studied together for an Astronomy final. The professor's name was Dayton. I believe Duke Dayton. Officer Cook ,I actually was very found of her. She married ten years to the month before me. October was when we both got married. In 1986, for the Estevill's. In 1996 for Holly and I. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A heralded man with a wonderfully compassionate soul. You were a very sweet young lady, Lori, never forgot you and my friend, Officer Cook, was a caring and dedicated officer like your friend, Mrs. Porcero's son, Sgt. Terrinoni. Both gentlemen, heroes of humility. Our loss is God sheltering them for eternal safekeeping. They are keeping those who now serve and protect on the straight and narrow paths of unity and peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
A smile to last a while. A job where a sob is a thing of normalcy. We cried our eyes out for you, Officer Cook, what else could your colleagues and Dade County residents do? It was what you meant in quality, integrity, dignity and in honorable actions. Those days seem like they were just yesterday. Truth be said, it was thirty-seven anguishing years ago. Your loving family, humble and loyal comrades in arms bade you a fond goodbye. Everything you could physically and professionally muster went to heaven with your beautiful soul. It has since kept its shining rays of hope, happiness, peace and prosperity affixed on us. It will never be extinguished. Your commitment, pride and character likewise will always be upon us. The cornerstones of the dignified stay enhanced within our community where you have been so saluted and admired for a job well done. Those missions, your tasks during your career so excellently performed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Bravery is a hero's manner of living, it is not just a matter of fact. Peace and freedom could not be spread if not for your unwavering and unselfish diligence to the calls of duty.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
I'm convinced that if you did not become a police officer, Officer Cook, you would have made a wonderfully devoted and dedicated lawyer. Your friend and colleague, Lt. Sergeant Mark Seiden went to school during his time with your department. He delved into auto theft as did your friend and classmate from high school, Chief Geoffrey Jacobs. Mr. Seiden's wife, Lt. Cheryl Seiden was shot and killed in the line of duty, July, 1982. Any profession nowadays, you have to be intelligent, honorable, possess a large foundation of dignity and integrity. Lt. Seiden enjoyed her work, continuing her passion to become a very loyal and trusted police woman. She excelled as you, Officer Cook, in making people more accountable, enabling those residents to live peaceful and productive lives. She was a beacon of hope, faith and goodwill as you both were. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Heroism is the humanely humble character of a person's life and professional endeavors in which their courage, valor and bravery is put to the test each day, each moment, challenging us to persevere as you so solemnly did. Class. Dedication, Enthusiasm. Zeal. By the way, Officer Cook, Lt. Seiden taught at the parochial school at Visitation Catholic Church where you and Karen prayed.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
Today, Officer Cook, parts of South Florida and its three neighboring counties, Metropolitan Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach are experiencing Hurricane Matthew. Back in 1992, Southern Florida went through Hurricane Andrew and in 2005 South Florida experienced Hurricane Wilma. All we can do is prepare and plan accordingly. The men and women of the various law enforcement communities who took affirmations to serve and to protect do so with humility, honor and courage within their hearts. I don't know if you had to patrol during any hurricanes, it will sure test one's own resolve and faithfulness. You won't be forgotten, Officer Cook, it was during times of crises and tensions that you maintained your vigilance, calm and a passionate influence over Dade County and its residents helping unity and peace remain under the same shelter. Now as you are in God's heavenly kingdom patrolling His streets, may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero of yesterday, today and forever. Legacies of sound character, class and decency stay within those foundations of morality and what is called professionalism from all public servants.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
Viciousness takes its toil. Indeed its violence represents what peace ought to signify. Our police officers today need to be trained and schooled as they are in most academies. It's that extra work in the classroom that can make all the difference. Officer Cook, you put your life on the line daily, yet you trusted your humble confidence and your vision and intuition that situations would turn out right. A man needing to center his humility, honor and integrity in the middle of these battles. It can exact its toll. The price one pays for unity and peace to stay alive, its flames never dying out were the direct results of your character, devoutness and pure desire all navigated by your driven and God given determination. You were treasured and remembered for your sense of fairness and ethics displayed at all times. Now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, let it be known your humane actions spurred Dade County and its residents to be free again, living the lives of decency and enhancement that shall live forever. Your good name and its blessings too will last for eternity. God has His finest servants patrolling those golden streets, angels true and through. Their missions accomplished with valor and bravery beyond our wildest expectations. Yet, your absence make our hearts grow fonder, Officer Cook. There was much more left for you to fulfill. God saw the moment in time as He sees this for all His honest and dignified heroes and heroines.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
Ingenuity takes a certain kind of fortitude. Serving and protecting takes the brand of bravery through the guises of honesty, dignity and integrity. No disguises or masks, just an all out fighting vigilance to help keep our streets and citizens safer. Dade County no doubt was in excellent and caring hands when you patrolled, Officer Cook, your bright smile made all the difference. The real meaning of a true hero is one who accepts their tasks willingly and the true professional is the one exemplifies valor and commitment never letting up in this battle over violence and its terror that branches out of control. You were an admired gentleman, Officer Cook. Your mission statement was to preserve life, calm the masses and promote perseverance throughout your community. Well done. You were one of God's heroic angels of grace and courage all from your wonderful heart. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis,
October 6, 2016
You exceeded our expectations, Officer Cook and brought further proof that peace and unity for all Dade County was within reach when you maintained calm and civility. It takes a level headed authority of the most humblest of nature to restore intuition and ingenuity where it rightfully belongs. Salutes and dignified honors are now and forever afforded you, Officer Cook, a man of achievement who set the bar higher for other comrades to follow after. It's truly amazing when one thinks about it, you tackle a very demanding profession, one that does not slumber nor take vacations to properly motivate others by your guiding valor. Those who perpetrate evil don't rest, the righteous and astute may not sleep until the resolve has been recognized and the faith which was lacking is put back into the equation. Now with a model for law and order, with a semblance of servitude, may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The cornerstones of your legacy to humanity remain the foundations by which humility must carry itself within an officers professional wardrobe. Yours, Officer Cook, was stellar in compliance, character and in excellence. All the noble pride and gallantry that's necessary to make our world safe again.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
The sweet embrace in the loving arms of your mother and father, it says all you need to say. The caress of a loved one is the most humane and humble fashion you can give love back to your children. Police officers came from this fabric and take it out on their patrols in their locales in hopes of securing peace and unity. It's not something that can be manufactured overnight or at the snap of your fingertips. You worked very hard, Officer Cook, toiling and laboring for unity and safety. Dade County and its residents paid the dividends, while you paid the ultimate sacrifice for our ideals and aspirations to reach their fruition. Now you have been and continue being saluted for honesty, integrity and dignity. The kind of personal character that enjoins pride and excellence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A healthy legacy for a heart warming hero. Your heroism, Officer Cook, ensured there will be a brighter today and an awesome tomorrow. You were an inspiration to your colleagues, friends and loving family.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
Tender love versus tough love. The tenderness of a parent patting their child on the back exhorting them to do better. Tough love would be I think a way of admonishing your child in an adult way instead of berating them causing shame and humiliation. Thank God your parents, Officer Cook, as wonderful and as loving to both you and Nancy taught you both the proper ways to conduct yourself privately and in public. An honest man with dignity and integrity who strove to do what was right for Dade County and its citizens. You brought effort and resourcefulness to a very demanding career where danger looks its servants as sure and brave in the eyes. Locking horns with evildoers takes heart, cunning and the initiative to complete complete your assigned tasks. You will never be forgotten, Officer Cook ,for the talent to cultivate, motivate and to be able to lead other comrades efficiently through it all. Boldness and commitment blessed by Our Creator to His heroic Godsend, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Encouragement and enhancement straight from your heart of humbleness directed to all parts of humanity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 6, 2016
I have a former classmate from Miami-Dade Community College North Campus. Her name is Mrs. Laura Estevill, she works as a U. S. Probation Officer with the U. S. District Courts and I worry about her safety. Though, I know her character to be impeccable as yours was, Officer Cook. You performed your professional duties with the high regard and the highest level of integrity and dignity. God she bless you Lori if you read any of these reflections. I leave them for you, Officer Cook, with the utmost respect and admiration for a job well done. A supreme servant whose service and protection of Dade County residents will live on for the sake of humanity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We attended that school in 1980. I graduated from there in April, 1981. The mother of Sergeant Alfred Terrinoni, a Coral Gables Police Officer shot and killed in 1980, she knew his mother, Mrs. Anna Porcero, may she rest in peace. I'll never forget the warm and touching letter your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook sent me. Stay well Mrs. Cook. The Estevill's, Miguel, his wife and their sons, Michael and Matthew should live and stay well. I studied for an Astronomy final with her. My mother, Bernice, she should rest in peace met her at the Publix on NE 8th Avenue where your family, Officer Cook went shopping We probably saw you there though we did not know each other. I'm sure dealing with individuals with long rap sheets can be exceedingly dangerous, I know she is faithful and loyal to her superiors and performs as skillfully and as diligently as you, Officer Cook. I did meet Lori there one night back in 1981 while shopping with my mother. It was where shopping was a pleasure.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 5, 2016
The gallant rest easy. The grateful relax solely behind the bravery, morals and honorably heroic actions of our dedicated heroes and heroines. Being one of the many outstanding heroes of class and character, Officer Cook, Dade County has many many strides for a positive benefit. You have been long remembered and saluted for integrity and dignity. The two remain together so long as that officer stays the courses of resolve, faith and determined resourcefulness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It is crystal clear that your actions saved many lives that sad and tragic day of May 16, 1979. No one will forget you, Officer Cook. You performed in an outstanding and supreme manner. One that honors Our Creator's wishes.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 5, 2016
Tensions rise like the newly baked bread you smell coming from a bakery. We as citizens must remain on guard, never once letting down our hope. Never putting down our faith. Our constitutions must be as strong as our inner character. It is within that fervent notion that our bravest and most humblest of women and men will watch over us with God's hands directing their every patrol. And so it was, Officer Cook, for twenty-five years of life so wonderful, so unique, so very special that you served as a police officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Your uniform and badge of integrity and honor, decency and dignity represented the values we share and they were your essence. It was the essential reason your stayed the proper course preserving our liberties that we sometimes take for granted. Never did you take anything for granted. You enjoyed life. You relished the humble opportunity God gave you to serve and yes you did so faithfully and so devoutly. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your legacy of commitment to pride and excellence lives on those cherished to carry on your missions. They were humane and gallant, so graceful and considerate. A person born with manners lives their lives with these creeds. They never go away. God takes them to heaven as they direct other heroes and heroines so valiant who displayed these very same traits of diligence and desire.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 5, 2016
Thinking can be at times frustrating and yet hopeful contemplation can brings about newer attempts at resolve and its resourcefulness that comes from such actions. We must first stabilize our plans whether in writing or thought. A thoughtful individual such as yourself, Officer Cook, had the real goods to deal effectively with the problems that were placed in front of you. Dade County and its residents most of whom are decent like yourself, dignified and hard working expected intensified service and they most assuredly received such wonderful and respectable care back. Your integrity, Officer Cook, was admired far and wide within our country's police communities and their families. Your unwavering faith, hope and optimism led your pursuits of unity and peace in this war over wickedness and wanton terror. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The legacy you left for us to pattern ourselves after is what we come to expect from courageous people who care and place things in their proper perspective.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 5, 2016
The problems confronting our world today require more than simple fixes. The solutions are more vast and complex than we could begin to imagine. It will take a little more than philosophical thought. Even our most highly skilled and talented men and women of wisdom, vision and bravery have to dig deep within their honor, dignity and integrity for those resolutions. Their ideals, dreams, aspirations, motivations lie somewhere within the uniforms they don with character, commitment and the pride to see the job completed with proficiency and prudence. Your professional skills were on the line each day, Officer Cook, saving your best efforts on behalf of Dade County, its residents and those respected and admired partners who served and protected the public interest with you. The scopes of justice and unity run far and wide deep within a vast community. It was a community where you were so honored and yet humbled to serve, laying down your life and career for the enhancements of perseverance and diligence to continue taking shape as they do today. We, the citizens along with your esteemed colleagues wished you were among us to witness these changes for a better society made possible by labor of love and compassion. It was this passion you had, Officer Cook, to be the best at what you wanted to become and to be successful in this war over violence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. So thoughtful and yet as noble and as gallant are they come. Your family's values we imbued so wonderfully within the framework of your vigilant life and a career of six solid years of fruition with more destined for you. Though, God saw your missions here as complete, He took you back to His kingdom for an eternal mission so humble, it fits your personality and its humane grace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 5, 2016
Respecting one's perspective is like free speech. Our Constitution guarantees such. You were a leader, Officer Cook, by your astuteness, intensity and intellect backing your every move. Dade County and its citizens saw a soft spoken gentleman with a spirit to match. If officers perform wisely, integrity and dignity can function rightly. They can solve and resolve issues which can threaten the security and unity of any venue. We listened to justice and fairness guided by reason and the courage of your heart. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Heroes and heroines follow paths of contentment built in them through commitment and character. Your legacy represents a capsule of humility to all mankind.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 4, 2016
No one can cure everything that violates our rights. Though, through the brave and humane efforts of our most beloved and esteemed officers can we march on and search for peace and its answers. There are still more questions than answers which seem to still perplex most. Officers go out and patrol in their communities as you did so well, Officer Cook. It extracted every ounce of your will, honesty and dignity to get things squared away. Now many years after you gave your life, Officer Cook, you remain treasured and beloved. All for the right reasons of resolve, resourcefulness and righteousness. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Morals and stellar valor carried your career and a life exemplified by doing heroic deeds.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 4, 2016
We all face pressure. We face recognition from our peers on how we perform. Police face strutiny at all times. those dedicated and honorable men and women who could face reality are the ones who will succeed. In Dade County you achieved, Officer Cook, a mighty mission accomplished by integrity and dignity. No one takes a beating like a bragger, your demeanor was one of compassion, kindness and a love for serving and protecting citizens in times of tormwent and unrest. You have been remembered and so honored for your contributions to humanity and for what society expects from public servants. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 4, 2016
We delve into desire driven by fierce desire, devotion and a fondness for determination. For what Dade County and its residents were looking for wa sa humbly honest professional, a hero of humility, dignity and stellar integrity. Those lessons were well learned, Officer Cook, as sure as you were out patrolling the peace in Dade, we were sure you would succeed. Your missions were bounded by ethics and courage from your heart. Colleagues have saluted your warrior like mentality, one that never backed away from violence. You only knew one way, Officer Cook, commitment, pride and excellence in your performances of saving lives. The nation and your family are grateful. They carry on as well as you so faithfully did.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 4, 2016
We delve into desire driven by fierce desire, devotion and a fondness for determination. For what Dade County and its residents were looking for wa sa humbly honest professional, a hero of humility, dignity and stellar integrity. Those lessons were well learned, Officer Cook, as sure as you were out patrolling the peace in Dade, we were sure you would succeed. Your missions were bounded by ethics and courage from your heart. Colleagues have saaluted your warrior like mentality, one that never backed away from violence. You only knew one way, Officer Cook, commitment, pride and excellence in your performances of saving lives. The nation and your family are grateful. They carry on as well as you so faithfully did.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 4, 2016
We cherish our lives. You were heroic, Officer Cook, in all your endeavors in life and during your professional career. A man of honesty, integrity and gallantry who pursued peace and unity in Dade County for all shall never be forgotten. When preservation and perseverance called for certain measures you were there, Officer Cook, wearing your uniform and badge of faith, hope and bravery. As you now patrol God's heavenly shelters may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was your character, ideas and convictions that delivered the necessary messages to all mankind.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 4, 2016
To cure what ails our nation we must first draw for an inner strength within our hearts and souls. We must be loyal and faithful to the causes of good and begin sharing and spreading that goodwill. Dade County realized its unity and peace, Officer Cook, by your perspectives of honor, dignity and integrity which accompanied you on your patrols. The mighty rise and quickly they may fall if they don't stay the courses of righteousness. An excellent public servant such as yourself, Officer Cook, gave your life so that evil may be stopped and enhancement shall forever live on. It lives and grows day by day, you made that much of an impact on our society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We salute your legacy of character, leadership and compassion to all that fueled your passions during your professional life and career as well. Your absence makes us stand up and take stock. Today, I visited your grave. Someone left flowers on your stone, thankfully the grounds around your stone are clean and the shrubs and grass was cut. No life shall be forgotten, your mission was as valuable as it gets. It got down to the roots of violence and torment.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 2, 2016
The passage of time has a way of doing different things. To your service and career, Officer Cook, it meant the validation of Dade County and its residents being safe and secure. By being honest and sincere, loyal and faithful we could not complain. You were a hero whose devotion and genuinely friendly manner helped ease the pain of others. Colleagues have saluted your integrity and intelligence, valor and courageous heart. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God protects your legacy within the honorable deeds of your esteemed family members and colleagues who upheld their affirmations as you so loyally did.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 2, 2016