Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

People who rob think they can make off with the loot. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong. What it will forever earn a brave and humbly humane hero are salutes of serenity that accompany his or her valor. You earned your keep, Officer Cook, sheltering Dade County and its people under those tall palm trees of perseverance and serene effort. A quiet and modest man who led comrades by examples of humility, good quality of character and the professional assurance that all would be okay. That peace, dignity and integrity would sprout forth a new dawning. For all future generations, your heroism, Officer Cook, has been received by Our Creator with love and affection for a well lived life, an exemplary career and a passion that drove your destinies far and wide throughout a community that cared and still pays respects to your cherished memories. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Diligence and vigilance follow in the paths and trails of feverish ferocity and tremendous tenacity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2017

We can sleep soundly at night and blissfully dream because of your professional composure, honor, dignity, integrity and valor, Officer Cook, that made up your unwavering character and its unselfish resolve. All that you meant as a Dade County hero to so many comrades, close friends and of course your beloved and very special family, a deep thank you and gratefulness for allowing a man of humble and humane convictions to serve, protect and preserve the esteem of all citizens. Those salutes of honor and homage paid eternally to you, Officer Cook, are deserved and dedicated to your supreme devotion to mankind and to conquering terror. Domestic discord certainly needs quick attention as it has become a problem tha thas grown out of proportion. You calmed. You cared and focused your undying effort into making our lives matter. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Chemistry is the class some of us hated. In public service it is vital to every man and woman's survival. Not just the fittest and most qualified, but to those who truly get the notion. Heroic motion, action speaks louder than words themselves. You can talk. Just commit and fulfill. Every mission has a destiny. Every journey a destination. Your travels, Officer Cook, showed beyond a doubt why you were so valuable and versatile.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2017

When calamity strikes at the epicenter police must be able and ready to launch a counterattack to any violent situations. There is no time to spend pondering only proficiently protecting our dignity and liberties. You were a master thinker. Officer Cook, a communicator and at the same time a compassionate soul of a man. A man filled with open and honest dialogue which was dictated by your integrity, intelligence and the humble maturity beyond your years. Character and class to fill a million rooms, communities, whatever venues are there to serve, you sir, Officer Cook, served with distinction and a humility for having serenity steered by taking trails of tenacity. The quiet and freedom of Dade County and its citizens wisely restored and resourcefulness placed squarely where it would have the greatest affect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Anchored and founded in the guises of values, ethics and the common sense to commitments that will be saluted forevermore.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2017

The stature of any person is how they lived and conducted their private and professional affairs. In Dade County as in all large communities it takes a total team effort of honor, bravery and the due diligence to carry on. This fight over evil and violence seems to be an insurmountable challenge for all highly trained and motivated men and women of resolve. Your way of patrolling and protecting us, Officer Cook, was to display humility, decency and the desire to commit yourself total being to boldness and those convictions that help make unity and peace stand up together and to prosper as one unit. Your outstanding character and morals made a heroic imprint and your missions and journeys won't ever be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All these years and decades later you are still admired, respected and loved by your family, colleagues and friends, those esteemed and valiant folks who battled evil and its unmitigated stubbornness. In your home, Officer Cook, humbleness and honesty conversed righteously and proudly. It made you and Nancy into who you were, a hero and your sister who she is. If you read these reflections Nancy, I would love to speak to you and to your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and hope she is doing well in California. I met your daughter, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson a few years ago in North Miami Beach, FL at your parents' home and of course I sobbed like a baby thinking about your brother. One sacrifice, what a gentleman, a shame our families never met we lived on NE 6th Avenue and 179th Dr. around the corner. My dad, Owen, may he to rest in peace along with my mom, Bernice was a New City policeman for thirty-eight years from 1928 until 1966. We came to Florida in August 1966 after he retired. I miss my folks and your darling younger brother. What a friend he would have been to me. A great inspiration and I do visit his grave. I got the cemetery to replace the badge tragically vandalized from his grave with a patch of Dade County. By the way, I spoke to Karen a few months ago and told her I cared about Officer Cook, her late husband. Always the warrior. Always dedicated and devoted to serving mankind. I've seen your husband, Mr. Cecil Tidwell working at the house, should have introduced myself having been in the home quite a few times and kicked a soccer ball with your grandson, Legend in your parents' backyard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2017

The gravity of the situation demands the greatest and most gallant of efforts. In life we found effort is based upon resolve, faithfulness and the intensity that is the fundamental approach in solving most dilemmas. You stood for justice, character and honesty, Officer Cook. The way to function in a high stress and most challenging position is to stay calm as possible, collect your thoughts and have character and integrity by your side at all times. Dade County and its folks had you attention to detail, your total devotion and dedication to peace and unity. Today, because of your ultimate sacrifice, Officer Cook, you have been saluted for heroically saving lives, planning ahead, commitment to humility coupled with your humble navigation through those pathways of preserve. Decency and class was observed as you now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero of engagement and endearment. These are the boundaries of boldness and bravery with which you passionately pursued in preventing wickedness. Always the gentleman, consummate public servant, noble and humane right from your youth. The truth never was missing. Forever a modest leader of others and now as you patrol overhead please keep watching us, Officer Cook and showering down positive vibrations, it may help put evil on ice for good. No more crime, terror, riots, racial unrest whatever peril lurks may it be derailed forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2017

Don't boast or brag. Even those in top level positions should just go about doing their jobs and let honesty, bravery and integrity speak for itself. You allowed your daily routines, Officer Cook, to spread faith, prosperity and more wisdom than anyone will know in the Dade County community where you continue to be so honored and saluted for commitment to bravery and morals. Comrades can only have soothing words of consolation and comfort, after all you saved many lives on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Precise and deep rooted in resolve and the leadership assignments that made your partners better suited public servants. the peace, unity and liberty we all experience, Officer Cook, can take its genesis from your humility toward our society. You continue to be greatly missed. Never forgotten and always our savior, warrior and hero. One of God's many angelic men and women who now take up eternal shelter in the heavens above where no more harm will come your way, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2017

I'll conclude my thought, Officer Cook, that when I view your portrait I still want to cry. Sob like a baby over your untimely death from this violence that threatens America, her values, morals and ideals. Since you were a charming man of grace, humane actions and the living and breathing example of honesty, dignity and integrity, how than could we forget your heroic life and a career with more left to accomplish. Your fulfillment uplifted the spirits and hearts of all Dade County and its people who now and forever have peace and freedom accompanying them on their journeys. May you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You lived by and with character. You were devoted and loyal to those causes in which you helped to wipe out evil. Our days and nights and their missions are constantly watched over and measured by Our Creator. He alone determines when the tasks are finished. You never gave up, Officer Cook, you kept up the good fight over violence until the end.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2017

Police officers words and actions have consequences and sometimes they may be dire. Lives and careers hang in the balance where boldness, bravery and honor must step in the way of blame. Hopeful resolutions are either raised or dashed. Saving lives, serving with a passion and caring while harnessing hope, peace and goodwill, they all matter. Dade County and its citizens back in your day, Officer Cook, mattered. They mattered dearly, clearly as much as your patrols where your honesty, dignity and integrity fit the picture. A portrait of preserve and perseverance like no other. Proficiency, efficiency and no deficiency. Only deserved salutes of homage paid to a dear and cherished comrade whose heroism was your life and career. A well meaningful life and valiant commitment from you, Officer cook, you proudly and humbly wore the uniform and set the example of how high that professional bar of bravery and ingenuity, wisdom and courage ought to be. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Heroes and heroines give their lives for goodwill and its endearment to forge ahead for all generations to come. Men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, are remembered for exemplifying class and values, this is justice, faithfully, fairly and firmly. No hesitation, reservation or doubt left behind in your missions and their destinies of success. By the way when I view your portrait my neighbor, friend and hero. Your smile forty-three years ago said it masterfully. You were good at domestics where your calming influence within was a valuable resource for other officers to at least try and to emulate. No two men or women are alike. Those common traits must accompany them on their every peaceful journey. Let us pray the Lord watches over them and with your soul, Officer Cook. Life just isn't the same without your humane and noble presence. You battled so we could continue, this monster, evil must be stopped and pretty quickly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2017

Bravery followed justly. Integrity, dignity all humanely followed by humble honor. Officer Cook, if every police officer in Dade County and for that matter our nation was to conduct their professional affairs as you so splendidly did we would never have any problems. The very violence that domestic dispute set off in Dade County on May 16, 1979 was tragic and sinister to say the least. But, we should always have your memory, Officer Ccook, your life of heroic effort and noble character conceived in the front and back of our minds. Our hearts, your family's and esteemed and brave colleagues have treasured your whole mission. It was destiny calling, fruition finished. Sadly all thirty-eight years later you continue to be recognized and so honored for loyalty and unselfish resolve, the sacrifice some of us make for peace and prosperity, dignity and humility to march forward. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If enhancement lives on, so too must your very beloved soul, one of kindness and hope for all humanity. It's spelled and etched on marble here in Miami and in Washington, D.C. Those memorials symbolically and beautifully honor brave and poised professionals of wisdom, vision and noble commitment. Uniforms and badges shining proudly. Service with engaging personalities and smiles that make all angelic heroes' and heroines' light up those skies at night and brighten our most sunniest of days.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2017

Driving around all communities is a lot like navigating around an obstacle course. You need your eyes, that pristine and crystal vision to see and to plan ahead. You require ears to hear and to react. You must have legs and feet to run and to chase down danger. You did everything for Dade County and its residents, Officer Cook, a perpetual and faithful public servant in motion. Bravery, honor and valiant integrity and sure fire dignity delivered humble peace and rest, unity spread out for all to continue their missions and desirable destinies. Character, conviction and most of all humane commitment worn proudly and not be be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Morals, values and principles do set the stages for serenity, security and the enhancement we the people are entitled to. Thanks for your humility, Officer Cook. One truly noble and gallant hero and gentleman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2017

Working at a job you have pursued passionately and morally deserves one that chance to live to see retirement. Police work presents no guarantees, only the goodness by which its brave and honest heroes and heroines face the dangers that still prevail in our society.It's mankind's way of sending us a wake up call. You went to calls, Officer Cook, never knowing the truthfulness of the outcome and yet you were dedicated to leadership, stellar character and the ability to properly utilize your God given integrity and dignity. No everyone possesses these tools of the trade that may not only serve as peacemakers but in turn steer those humane public servants from peril. Always and forever remembered as a hero here in Dade County and for that matter around our nation. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those who act with values and morals have the unique opportunity to make an impact that is forever insightful. No vagueness. No reservations. Just justice carried out promptly, fairly and with the firmness of tenacity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2017

Strong as an ox with the courage of a lion, you now fly high up in the sky on eagles wings, Officer Cook. Those brave moments when your sense of bravery and your heroic actions of honor all worked in unison to save the lives of Dade County citizens. What more class can one execute than patrolling and in distributing the righteous and humble peace that we who live in the United States are entitled to live by. The ferocity and frankness of your desire and determination, Officer Cook, made all the difference just as your character, morals and savvy instincts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We engage one another because of your unwavering quest for serenity. Man's gentle movements in and around the various venues where your vigilance paid dividends to mankind.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2017

If you perceive peace then go and pursue it. Cut off violence and stamp out evil and its pathways of destruction. Its your destiny that called you, Officer Cook. police work was in your blood and coursing through your entire body. Dade County and its folks were your routes of resolve, as you protected their honor, dignity and integrity with the same measure that Our Creator instilled in you. All the character, class, decency and humility helped to make peace and unity find its rightful landing spot. Always the gentleman of goodwill, wisdom and divine instincts, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Missions were your life companions, trustworthy and truth to your word, our forever hero and tenacious warrior.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2017

The road to healing and hope is sometimes jagged, twisting and filled with dangerous turns. All one can do is stay those courses of courage, walk down the paths of persistence and keep goodwill churning forward by simply developing a little tenacity. It surely can take one's life of public service a long way. It would have taken you, Officer Cook, we love to be positive and optimistic to a wonderful life of retirement of which you should have been allowed to witness and the honesty that navigated your passions in life very well and humbly too. Dignity and integrity when displayed on the badge and uniform of such a brave soul, will never be forgotten. Your character and heroism, Officer Cook, now have been saluted as your spirit flies over us keeping us illuminated in those darkest of moments. Dade County, its peace and citizens were more than adequately protected and provided for by your undaunted humility and the loyalty that all faithful men and women must possess. This battle over evil must not be given a free reign nor a license to maim, harm or take lives in a cold and callous fashion. Your knowledge, wisdom, ingenuity and intuitions, Officer Cook, held sway and positive reinforcement that in itself has enhanced our society. And for making the ultimate sacrifice we pay homage to your civility, sanctity and clarity by which you were instrumental in asserting your astuteness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2017

No more pain or suffering. No more hatred or bigotry. It can only be accomplished if the public and the police are united and peaceful in their resolve to gain their freedoms. Our rights and dignities in Dade County were defended loyally and from top to bottom by your honest, brave and unwavering unselfishness, Officer Cook. Violence, evil and its vile brand of terror must be one day permanently obliterated. Society just as police departments have morals and rules which all public servants must live by. Character is one thing, clearly ethics and values matter as do all lives no matter race or background. You were very respected and treasured for your humility and humane heroic actions that helped to avert more trouble that tragic day of May 16, 1979. You now carry angel's wings with which your beautiful soul may fly higher each day watching over those brave and valiant servants who look to pursue peace in a civilized fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a gentleman, Officer Cook, full of love and life, more was left for you to champion. And what a passionate and calming influence in this war over wickedness and its lack of decency and scruples.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2017

I meant to say that on May 16, 1979, when you gave your life for Dade County, Officer Cook, that violence did not displace your character, concern and commitment. United we stand and when harm or tragedy befalls one officer, we all suffer. The pain and anguish your mother, wife, your widow, Karen and your sister Nancy suffered was so overwhelming that unless you are in their shoes you could not imagine that unbearable grief. Like a noose around one's throat. Integrity. Wisdom. Righteousness. Reverence. Dignity. Honor. They all belong with your heroic legacy, Officer Cook, forever until that day comes when your family members reunite with your treasured soul up in heaven. You solved and resolved with gallantry, grace and that ever present and engaging personality and smile. One that carried you superbly through danger on your destinies of safety and peace. Those missions, your pathways of perseverance and determination all made possible by hard work, training, preparation and the attitude to succeed will never be forgotten. Only saluted and deservedly so for motivating and in leading others through this maze of mayhem. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I cry when I think of you, did not know you personally, that letter from your mother to me say it all well, humble, humane a real hero and savior to all humanity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2017

The thoughts of our devoted heroes and heroines departing this world too soon leaves us in pain and sorrow. It will always be why did evil have to take the life of a public servant so full of life and more left to fulfill? God knew your role and He knew where you came from. A home filled with love, honesty, integrity and dignity. You were the darling of your parents' eyes and of Nancy's too. You were that glue that bonded your family members in times of crisis and tragedy. After your father, Charles, passed in November of 1976, you were there as all good children are for your mom. What a woman! Mrs. Cook, your son was Dade County's enhancement, their hero of humbleness, humility and the bravery that stopped kayos before it had a chance to begin. What happened that sad day of May 16, 1979, did not lessen your morals and their fabric, it did not tarnish your tenacity, it surely did displace your character, courage and commitment. The truth is Our Lord needed you in a better place, Officer Cook, a seat reserved for those who honor their folks and faithfully carry out God's divine wisdom. It was certainly passed to you as was the keen vision and intellect, maturity and the message. Now your family carries on with your legacy and those broad foundations which you laid down, literally giving your life for stability, sanctity and civility to further reach down to cornerstones securely fastened. An officer and a leader of all comrades who face this enemy with humble bravery and honorable decency. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If only we would have met and befriended you and your family, Officer Cook. Keep smiling up above and brightening our world with your beloved and cherished soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2017

Today I visited your grave, Officer Cook and placed down those pinwheels. It's a shame they don't move. The swaying breezes remind us of your brave, humble and gentle soul of serenity. It loyally protected Dade County and its residents for six years of faithful and dedicated service of honor and dignity. Thankfully you humanely carried your integrity within your uniform and badge. One that spoke volumes of boldness and commitment to see justice adjudicated fairly and firmly. Your character, decency and devotion will forever be how you will heroically be remembered and saluted for brokering peace, morals and the ideals by which we live by. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Always a blessed Godsend and your community and family's warrior. Evil you faced, Officer Cook, squarely where those who commit vile acts will be caught, convicted and punished. You conducted your affairs and performed your roles in an admirable manner. Only outstanding, you gift to humanity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2017

Being tenacious and astute does not always lead to disaster. But being foolish and unwise though can bring on sure turmoil, even cost a life. The options for all duly sworn public servants is to be humbly honorable, loyal and have your dignity and integrity by your side at all times. It takes a work in progress to produce the required results. Your ethics and morals coupled with your character, Officer Cook, saved lives and removed any questions of doubt among Dade County residents. You'll always be held in high regard for humility and hard fought courage all straight from your heroic heart. It helped to enhance our future, it would have been your future savoring retirement. God had other plans for a noble man of distinction whose destinies drew out your faithful missions of hope and peace for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2017

Vengeance only exacts violence as vile and as ugly as it can get. But, your superior vigilance and diligence, Officer Cook, straightened out the terror that was happening for most of your years with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Calmer heads and cooler hearts must prevail in this heated war over wickedness. A man with your engaging personality, class and honesty kept the quiet and its unity moving forward. Resolve, integrity and dignity all deserve those humane and humble salutes of esteem and humility. To serve humanity with all your might, you must summon up the courage from your heart and maintain the utmost desire, maturity and the visual wisdom to plan things in front of your paths of proficiency. Always etched in our minds and thoughts forever a blessed hero and savior of serenity and character. You cannot succeed unless there is some semblance of character, it leads to fruition which in part navigated your journeys, Officer Cook, of hope and goodwill for all mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2017

I have been meaning to place some pinwheels at your grave, Officer Cook. Tomorrow will be a good day God willing. Times in Dade County were rich with resolve and the humble honor you had while serving and protecting our lives, Officer Cook. If only all officers' dignities and integrity could save them from this great danger, violence and its associated mayhem. You tried calming people and if only that horrible day, May 16, 1979, as Chief Bowlin said if things did not happen as they did. Your character, courage and commitment saved your colleagues and those civilians embroiled in that nasty domestic dispute. Class, decency and desire carried your trips around a community that both admired and respected your authority. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were an outstanding young man with more upside and accomplishment left behind for your family and colleagues to pursue.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2017

Ferocity may not fleet nor may tenacity take a twisted turn off that road of resolve. Certainly honesty and dignity along with stellar integrity are those officer's insurance policies when the time is there to serve and to protect. For all that you accomplished during your life and career, Officer Cook, the question will always come back to why? Why did hatred and violence end your life of happiness and your missions all fairly and faithfully executed with outstanding character and superior morals? God surely has those answers and more locked away for safekeeping. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2017

Days of old with stories to be told. Memories from the heart are just the start. You lived twenty-five years, Officer cook and in those three-hundred months you did more for our fruition and future than some who live a lifetime. Dignity and honor, integrity and intellect never left your side. Dade County and its citizens were your onus and you carried your burdens smartly, wisely and with that enhanced sense of humility and the confidence that all brave souls must have. Surely, goodness and gallantry shadowed you all your days, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero of peace and unity. Delivered humbly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2017

Today, texting and driving don't mix. And neither does drinking and driving. Police requires that special heroic and honorable passion. Well, you had that and much more, Officer Cook. At age twenty-five you had honesty, integrity and dignity, but then again you had this your whole life. You combined forces with other brave and noble comrades to battle these forces of evil. Ferocity and tenacity accentuated your humble accomplishments as a duly bold and loyal public servant to Dade County. Its people were the recipients of resolve and life that enabled them to carry on. So too should your fruitful pursuits been allowed that same opportunity. God takes the best of men and women, dedicated and devoted and reaches out for their souls of safety uplifting them to newer heights. Forevermore, Officer Cook, will you be our hero and humane inspiration. The courage conjured up to face the danger that violence may strike up at any given moment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero of character and of endearment. Morals and values along with ideals transport one's lively pursuits way down those trails where decency and class await them. It was always a friendly hello how are you? A big wide smile, a grin from ear to ear. All that and much more are very dearly missed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2017

Bees buzz. Birds chirp. The waves of the ocean crash against the walls where one can ponder and just think. To understand those miracles just imagine for a moment what devoted and honest public servants must travel to and go through everyday for peace and its freedom to take hold. You took serenity, Officer Cook, shaped it, molded it and created a pleasant environment by which all residents of Dade County could live and thrive more safely. It's when integrity, desire and its stellar dignity pitched in on your patrols where honesty too was summoned. Character is part of that conclusion to a peaceful outcome. May 16, 1979 should have ended better than how things transpired. You, Officer Cook, were a hero and so too were your colleagues that dreadful day when gunfire interrupted an otherwise peaceful day in Liberty City. Buildings and changes galore have occurred since you sacrificed your life and soul on our behalf. We can look back and attempt to realize who you were and one navigated wearing Badge#1664, one of humility on humanity's bequest. Valor and bravery are those safety nets which blanket all loyal and desirous police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Laughing and smiling, you should be doing that now with Karen, your mother and your entire family. Greeting your comrades with a big hug and a friendly greeting. One gracious and gallant man now tucked away in those eternal vaults where vigilance and diligence made all the difference here in a community that keeps alive your memory, Officer Cook. We may feel trapped, you won't allow us to wallow in self-pity. Keep on trudging forward. Keep marching on. Time never stands still. Always happiness, achievements and countless fruition left to pursue. Thank God for your unwavering, unselfish and undaunted heroism. Always positive and most passionate. Others brave and honest souls should strive to emulate your dignity and integrity. It might make a difference in this war over wickedness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2017