Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
Today, as I was driving to and from Naples, Florida I thought of you and what the world would be like if you were with us, Officer Cook. The honesty, dignity and integrity could be more meaningful if heroes, humble as yourself were here to lead and to give professional pointers to other comrades on how to be morally proper and to maintain ethical behavior when preserving and protecting. Dade County saw the upbeat and decent public servant, so devoted, dedicated and faithful to his craft. It was about respect, courtesy and manners to all mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The heroes and heroines in God's heaven have left a beautiful fragrance of character, bravery and conviction as their legacies. Your commitment brought a newer resolve for all to see. Of course we can't smell that which is in heaven, hopefully the effects trickle down to those who commit themselves wisely and with total determination.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Through all the modern technology available now for people to utilize it seems as if the world has become a more dangerous place filled with pitfalls and perils for one to travel through. During your time, Officer Cook, you did not have all these professional tools to guide you when patrolling Dade County. A radio in your car for dispatches and not much else. Three things you take with you each day were your honor, integrity and dignity. They never left your sight as you were a heroically thoughtful and intelligent man. A police officer, a professional through and through. Courageous and caring. Commitment and consideration while leading other comrades through these challenges that face each public servant. You will be saluted for valor and devotion that hopefully those future officers can take a cue from. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Some of that modern technology has gotten plenty of officers in hot water. The message is clear govern yourself accordingly. Some departments now equip their men and women with body cameras which can record all actions taken in the lines of duty. .Ethics and character are really now front and center.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Through divine intervention it was your professional intervention, Officer Cook, that saved the day on May 16, 1979 for Dade County and its honorable citizens. Your honest, dignified and heroic actions are the things we come to expect from our beloved officers and believe me you were a well respected, admired and most vigilant officer whose mainstay for dedication and tenacity won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy of strength and resolve still revolves around your beloved family as does your wonderful soul as it forever lights up the night skies.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2016
Ever since you gave your life for your community, Officer Cook, if we could step back and ponder a little on what has since transpired, there have been racial tensions, three of the most famous landmarks had planes crash into them killing nearly three-thousand people. From your department, twenty-three other fine brave men and women gave their lives in an effort to foil violence. All of them like yourself were humble. loyal. decent and honest. Actions of courage seem to make our hearts grow fonder. The memories of a wonderful man, a treasured servant who served with class and morals, principles to drive your life and career all with more, so much more left to achieve. God determines our lots in life and He deemed that you patrol His golden streets in heaven to observe the coming and going of those whose character and strength shined as brightly as yours did. No two people, much less police officers are alike, you delivered results and resiliency to a professional position where the stakes are always high and the perils lay out there for one to be very careful and to proceed with caution. You were supreme in your heroic actions and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 29, 2016
God shines His eyes down upon His creatures in both love and in mercy. The eyes and ears of the honorably righteous men and women have His full attention. Furthermore, the integrity and dignity steers those to accomplish that which is deemed proper. Your whole life, Officer Cook, God graced your house, parents and entire family with all the products to be able to maintain humility and success. It was through that humbleness that you kept peace and unity throughout Dade County and for its residents to thrive and to prosper. Achievement at times comes with a price, with compassion, care and consideration did you, Officer Cook, allow us to continue paving the trails of justice and fairness that you laid over forty-three years ago. All done in an outstanding manner of commitment, character and loyalty. It's this modest bravery that is not always found in our heroes and heroines of the law enforcement community. You served admirably and remain admired, cherished and respected for giving nothing less than one-hundred percent endeavor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your sacrifice will be saluted forevermore. You brought pride and resolve to the Metro-Dade Police Department in wearing its badge and uniform in a decent and devoted fashion.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 29, 2016
If only for the good old days when right was right and there can be no wrong in this universe. Only God is perfect in all His ways and yet for what it is worth, you were a very devout and loyal servant, Officer Cook, protecting people with all your might and every last ounce of strength in character, courage, dignity, integrity and honesty. All of this will never be lost or forgotten. Your perseverance and diligence have made the loss of your very brave soul stand forever. That loving and caring soul keeps travelling in God's heavens above keeping us safe and secure as it watches over us like never before. If you are reading these posts, reflections that I have been leaving for your beloved and most heroically courageous son, Officer William Coleman Cook, Mrs. Cook, you should live and be well. You, your husband, Charles and your son will always be in my thoughts and prayers. He won't be forgotten, only beloved and cherished as the gentleman you raised along with his sister, Nancy.Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 28, 2016
Police officers afford us, the citizens the opportunities to be able to live freely and to pursue the pleasures in life that we choose. Of course, they too, the officers have these same pleasures and desires to freely pursue. Yet, it is their humility and humbleness when coupled with their honesty, dignity and integrity that allows them to do their jobs as they are assigned. Your role within Dade County, Officer Cook, was to make the venues as safe as possible for all. Now years later because of your unwavering valor those venue shave become destinies of enhancement and it's been a tragic shame that you could not have witnessed these changes. Fate and faith in Our Lord carried all your missions solidly and with a vigorous resolve. Cherished, beloved, admired and respected, those efforts of yours will continue to be saluted for generations to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 28, 2016
When violence is forever wiped away, then and only then can we declare victory. Visions of yesterday and tomorrow are in large measure to your heroic actions, Officer Cook, not always seen. Better to commit to honesty and conviction by doing something than just talking and not backing up your speech. One good deed leads to another good deed, the very reason we were placed in this world. Your actions my neighbor, friend and hero have brought a little more comfort to the people of Dade County strengthening. Legacies are the character and the dignity of those who uphold ethics, morals and scruples, your humbly sound upbringing. Your parents, sister, your beloved wife and your entire family and colleagues remain proud and have saluted your boldness and bravery of a well lived life and an outstanding career, though there was more left to fulfill, your missions are now in the holiness of Our Creator's sanctuary. Rest in peace. Looking back you wore your uniform justly and very courageously.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 27, 2016
The torment and anguish families experience only strengthens our resolve to do better and to further enhance the honesty and dignity of their heroically humble legacies. Your family, Officer Cook, loved and cherished you, they now carry on your name in integrity, character and commitment. Your service to Dade County and its residents remains the focal point of both your life and the police career you humanely carried out in faithfulness and in loyalty to your esteemed comrades of which you were a very valuable and versatile part of. The pain is there, yet those who knew and admired you still feel the warmth of your treasured soul as it continue sits travels up above in God's firmament. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Heroes and heroines will always be sheltered in God's palms where no harm will ever come your way again.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 27, 2016
Courageously caring. Doggedly determined. Calming and compassionate. The words of love and humility that describe our most beloved and valiant men and women of the law enforcement community. Dade County has seen many officers finely trained, skillfully tooled who have risen through its ranks, those of them who gave their lives and careers in an effort to serve and to protect Dade County and its citizens we salute them as heroes and heroines. As one of the many who chose this profession, Officer Cook, one that is considered highly dangerous and yet has its rewards for outstanding service above and beyond the calls of duty, we say thank you for your role in sheltering peace, brokering bonds between all citizens. You were a devoted officer, Officer Cook, cherished and admired by all colleagues. You remain revered by all and will continue to be honored for your integrity and dignity. If courage, conviction and character alone could bring you back, we would be most appreciative. You are with God resting in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, being sheltered in His wings where your soul rests and keeps lighting up the skies with happiness, peace, hope and optimism.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 26, 2016
There are consequences for consternation and there are achievements for those very dedicated officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, who preserved and protected our liberties in honor, dignity and bravery. It is one thing to make a living, it is another to commit your character and boldness, to place it squarely on the line day after day for enhance to continue its shadows of peace and unity over Dade County. And you were a humble and loyal servant of God who desired to help those in need. You will be forever remembered for the inner strength and leadership capabilities used to calm down those who tensions may have gotten the better of them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 26, 2016
I wish I had the opportunity to have met your parents, Officer Cook. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you raised two children, your daughter, Nancy and her brother, Officer William C. Cook, known to his friends and colleagues as Bill or Billy. They were the shining examples of how a parent wishes for their kids to turn out. Honesty, integrity, dignity all their lives was carried properly by them. They were thoughtful, caring and decent to all people. Officer Cook, for having the strength to police and protect we the people should be grateful. You have been remembered for being faithful, positive and for having the intense desire to lead other officers. Nowadays, leadership and humility seem to get lost in one's train of thought. You comprehended what was necessary to get the task completed and to act according to rules and department standards. Morals and commitment takes time and practice, you worked exceedingly hard to become the top flight officer that served for six years of distinction, all with a calming presence and tone of voice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your family was very devout and a great source of spiritual strength for one to draw upon. You were a faithful and treasured servant and an even humbler gentleman.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 25, 2016
The world today as we experience life's joys, pleasures and the sadness of losing a loved one through the very violence that they took an affirmation to try to control, it leaves one to ponder the reason why? You were fiercely determined, Officer Cook, through your honor, dignity and integrity to help eliminate this very thing. I'm sure you performed your official duties quite well and provided outstanding and loyal service to all Dade County citizens. The people spoke and you will never be forgotten for having the courage, character and boldness to act as you did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 25, 2016
Hugs are certainly better than drugs. The prescription for a more peaceful universe is more friendly communications between all people. It does not matter your background, race or education, Officer Cook, your brown police uniform worn proudly and honorably signaled a new dawn for all citizens. Thank God you were a calm person by nature. Thank goodness for your decency and dignity. Those who carry on your legacy do so with the utmost strength of valor and vigilance. The cherished and treasured will only and forevermore have a special place within our hearts and souls. Your soul, Officer Cook keeps lighting up this world as we keep up your sacrifice that endeavored to destroy this wickedness from our midst. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If only that sad day of May 16, 1979, could peace and common sense conversation, we wish it could have prevailed.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 24, 2016
For the serenity and unity of this God given world, we search for the answers as to why violence and terror occur on almost an everyday occurrence. And that's where you were found, Officer Cook, diligently patrolling the corners of the Dade County community with a sense of pride, honesty and stellar integrity. The civilized people come to rely on their protection from our esteemed public servants. The heroes and heroines, so humble and loyal, respected by all give their beings in order to enhance our futures. You too had a future, Officer Cook, there was more determination left to fulfill, a mission well done. Courage and commitment well rounded. A legacy to be well remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 24, 2016
We had in my area a Rabbi who humbly speaking taught young men and women for over thirty years in North Miami Beach, Florida. Rabbi Goldenberg, of blessed memory had the very same attributes as you did, Officer Cook, he stayed low key and calm, he was honorable and most dignified even as he battled a serious health issue which he passed away last July, 2015 from. He was sixty-seven years young and left behind a wife, twelve children and many grandchildren. He was beloved and cherished, treasured and resourceful. The kids and their parents all adored him. He had a unique style of teaching as you had a distinctive style of patrolling and keeping the peace and unity in the Dade County area. He is buried in the cemetery next door, Mount Sinai Memorial Park in the front section just to the east of the office. It is a shame you and Karen did not get the opportunity to meet a wonderful person. You were that same devoted person who loved his job and relished the chance to assist others through your humanely heroic actions. You and Rabbi Goldenberg were the masters at teaching and reaching out to give instruction. The words of the righteous speak out loudly and most profoundly. At his services there were over four -hundred people to pay their respects. It says a lot regarding your lives and careers. Determination and desire can take one down the long path to success if the endeavor is attempted. God look sand sees the rest. Your souls together have continued lighting up our skies by day and at night. He always had a smile and waved to me as I was walking in the area. He too lived around the corner from me. You are both missed tremendously.He loved shaping and molding people as you, Officer Cook. Two Godsends sent here to deliver a mission of hope, peace, faith and fairness for all.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 23, 2016
Manners and courtesy are all part of any police officer's job descriptions. Not just going out on patrol to preserve and to maintain the peace and decency of any community. For your valuable assistance, Officer Cook, you also delivered honesty, dignity and integrity to a chosen profession where the perils and tasks are great. You desired to become an officer, a humble public servant who brought desired results to the residents of Dade County, those changes have allowed others to become likewise prosperous, it would have been marvelous had you been allowed to witness these enhancements received by your unselfish and unwavering commitment to bravery, determination and extreme resourcefulness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A well mannered man on a mission to fight the wickedness that still plagues our society. Your strength of character shows us precisely why you acted on May 16, 1979 as you did. You were outstanding in saving your colleagues from further harm as well as those civilians who tried to do something to help out. It took leadership and a calming voice. You did your best, Officer cook, now it's up to others to carry on diligently and with wisdom.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 23, 2016
Graceful and gregarious, you were a most admired friend to all, Officer Cook. Your dignity and honor meant all the difference to the residents you protected. But, you were reverent and courageous for coming to a scene in which emotions were boiling over. Your smile has been very much missed. Your devotion missed as well, We know nothing can bring you back physically among us. Officer Cook, your soul of engagement will only shine brightly in God's golden heavens above where you rest in peace my neighbor,friend and hero. That conviction and sense of caring and concern will remain cherished forever. Dade County, its unity and peace will remain the very essence of the challenges s you faced on a daily basis. You did not run from evil, in fact you stood face to face confronting that which is our greatest enemy. Engaging and educating, your leadership skills will always have a profound effect upon others who took over your watch. It is up to them to carry the torch of responsibility with the same sense of urgency and honesty that you possessed.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 22, 2016
Solidarity and the solemness that officers take when they are supposed to serve and to protect with honor, dignity and integrity. You served, Officer Cook, with reverence for your position and a uniform that stood for fairness and bravery. Dade County will always remain accountable as all its heroes and heroines who were relentless in all their pursuits. You will never be forgotten for valiantly sacrificing for the goodness of mankind. A solid effort bounded by good character and morals. You were a most humane and humbly beloved servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A person's word is their bond and must be honored in the proper manner.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 22, 2016
We shall be one. Those poignant words on your gravestone that are meant to stir our emotions in that this world was created for everyone no matter their, race, background or etc. When you were born, Officer Cook, ,it was a pretty special time in the Cook household. A little boy who grew up to become a man, a special humble hero who gave his life in honor, dignity and integrity for all Dade County citizens to live and to prosper in peace, liberty and to be unified as one. One man under God who believed in equality and justice for all. You were brave and valiant for all the important reasons. And you'll never be forgotten. You made this world a better place by your humanity and humane actions. Those salutes of honor just as your beautiful soul continue to illuminate this world forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Courage and conviction leave a legacy that attracts the ears and eyes of other comrades to take notice of. You came to rescue your colleagues and those civilians involved in that awful domestic dispute. all you were doing was your role in an outstanding professional fashion.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 22, 2016
Convenience is when something seems easy to get or to reach. And yet most jobs or professions require much thought,many hours of studying and loads of plain old commonsense. What you had, Officer Cook, was honesty, integrity and dignity. This prevailed throughout your life and police career. Your comrades who worked and battled this wickedness with you have remembered your kindness, passion and total perseverance to get the job done right the first time out. You'll always be cherished, treasured and well respected by all. Today, I stopped and visited your grave, Officer Cook, you were a very devout man. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You worked for everything you ever got and deserved to still be among your family and friends. God's designs are meant fo a purpose as He is the chief architect of this world.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 22, 2016
There is no mystery in how you lived a good life and had a solid career, Officer Cook, one that humbly speaking had more left to fulfill. You did leave behind pleasant and wonderful memories and yet your loss is something not easy to get over. God sees us for who we are and gives us teats and challenges to incorporate into our everyday scheme of things so basic to life. Nothing can happen without a core of honor, integrity and stellar dignity. Police officers function under this umbrella each time they go out to patrol, serve and protect others from danger. You were a well rounded and very admired gentleman in your community and within your ranks. You will always be honored for having valor, courage and morals to act accordingly. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A strength of responsibility and vision to lead others through dark moments. Your loss, Officer Cook, obviously was a very sad time and yet what lights up our world is your beautiful soul which touched the hearts of so many people. The smile and kindness will never be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 20, 2016
Heroes and heroines, ordinary people whose humble and love for their careers distinguishes them from others. Humility, honesty, dignity and integrity separates those who dare, those who care and those who demonstrate the reason and the intelligence to resolve that which requires their supreme efforts. Your consideration, Officer Cook, the personal touch you as one of the bravest and most cherished officers among the many loyal Metro-Dade Police Officers showed us, your family, comrades and friends exactly the man who answered the calls up and beyond what was expected of them. You performed as your superiors knew you would with commitment, character and conviction to leave a loving and glowing legacy of love and respect behind for others to follow. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 20, 2016
Silence is golden. Humility is having the commonsense and abilities to lead other brave colleagues. But it will always be having the integrity, honesty and dignity to see one through the perils and pitfalls in life. You had this keen sense of vision, Officer Cook, to observe the big picture in the community of Dade County. Cherished and admired you remain forever treasured. It was your gallantry that will be saluted. You made mankind that much more complete, as the unity and peace of all may continue forward. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One's modesty and upbringing are how God judges us in the end.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 20, 2016
A commitment to maintaining law and order requires one to have honesty, dignity and integrity. Your life and career, Officer Cook, was upheld by the virtues of these and many other qualities. The citizens of Dade County have come to always recognize its police heroes and heroines. There is just something special regarding a person who works hard and its loyal to their comrades. You all had to face this evil and try to battle it on a daily basis. Resourcefulness and resolve takes reason and training to achieve. Six years of fruition cannot ever take away twenty-five years of courage, conviction, bravery and valor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 20, 2016

