[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO OFFICER WILLIAM COLEMAN COOK AND OFFICER ROBERT VARGAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 1997

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a distinct honor to 
join with our community on July 11, 1997 to pay tribute to two of Dade 
County's finest, Officer William Coleman Cook and Officer Robert 
Vargas, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
  When he responded to a domestic disturbance on Wednesday May 16, 
1979, 25-year-old Officer William Coleman Cook was already a 6-year 
veteran of the Metro-Dade Police Department. Officer Cook was shot and 
killed in the process of apprehending a U.S. Army deserter who had shot 
his wife, another woman, and critically wounded two other Metro-Dade 
officers.
  Officer Robert Vargas had just celebrated his 28th birthday on 
February 4, 1997 when he was assigned to a robbery task force as part 
of Dade County's Operation Clean Sweep. On February 7, he responded to 
a call for assistance from fellow officers in pursuit of fleeing 
robbery suspects. While en route to assist his colleagues, Officer 
Vargas collided with two vehicles as he attempted to avoid a wheelchair 
bound individual along the way. His car was struck head-on by another 
vehicle, and he died instantly on the scene.
  Officers William Cook and Robert Vargas represent the best and the 
noblest of our Dade County Police Department. They put their lives on 
the line on behalf of our community and risked their own safety. Their 
ultimate sacrifice truly exemplifies the willingness and readiness with 
which they served and protected us--above and beyond the call of duty.
  The dedication and commitment to duty shown by Officer Cook and 
Officer Vargas is a great legacy they have forever bequeathed to our 
community. We owe a debt of gratitude to them and the loved ones they 
left behind.
  Public servants to the very core, Officers Cook and Vargas truly 
epitomize the genuine bravery and heroism of which the great soldier, 
Gen. Douglas McArthur, spoke when he said, ``They only are fit to 
live--those who are not afraid to die.''

                          ____________________