Police Officer William Coleman Cook, Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida

Police Officer William Coleman Cook

Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979

William Coleman Cook

Officer William Cook was shot and killed after he and other officers responded a shots fired call at 2:11 pm, just four minutes before he was to return to the station to end his shift. Officer Cook and other members of his squad were only one block away and responded to the scene, although they were not dispatched.

When they arrived at the scene one of the officers jumped into the suspect's car and attempted to disarm him but was shot in the head. The officer fell out of the car as Officer Cook returned fire, striking the suspect.

Thinking the suspect was dead, the other officers immediately went to the aid of the wounded officer. The suspect suddenly rose and opened fire, striking Officer Cook in the side, in-between the panels of his vest, and the third officer in the chest. As the suspect exited his vehicle a detective arrived on the scene and immediately exchanged shots with him, fatally wounding the suspect.

Officer Cook had been with the agency for six years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and sister.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 6 years
Badge 1664

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

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Finality means closure, at least to some it means exactly that. Your ferocity and feverish work habits, Officer Cook, made you a better person and a more savvy public servant. Where Dade County needed your gentle touches it received more than your fine and upstanding character, commitment to pride and excellence and the right scopes of integrity, honesty and the desire that dignity implants in a loyal and faithful hero of grace and nobility. You can be sure your ledger has stayed open, Officer Cook, for us to get a glimpse of what a real man does when turmoil faces him. Our Lord directs His brush and took your patrols to spots that had to have serenity and sanctity replace the bedlam and wickedness. Never forgotten and always treasured for reliability and relevance, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 21, 2018