Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Changes in life require the utmost caution, for one never really knows how green those pastures from afar are. Police officers have to be ready, willing and able to adapt to newer enhancements that may help make their careers a bit easier to accomplish that for which they undertook a solemn oath to both serve and to protect. You would be amazed a all the changes that have taken place in Dade County since your sacrifice, Officer Cook. It;s a crying shame you could not personally witness these enhancements, but you'll always be a part of them through your beloved soul. It will always stay illuminated. A legacy of heroism, quality in character, bravery and unwavering commitment to pride and excellence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You remain cherished, admired and well thought of in all police circles and within all professional walks of life. You chose a career and performed both in an outstanding and most humble fashion.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2015

To make a mistake and to forgive is divine. Lately as sad as the very violence that took your life, Officer Cook, the city of Chicago is going through protests. Why? Because one of their officers shot a young man sixteen times, though the officer has been charged with first degree murder. We, the great residents of Dade County are indeed thankful for a superior officer like you and for displaying incredible resiliency, resolve and honesty. Your dignity and integrity along with your stellar courage, commitment and character won't ever be overlooked. You remain cherished, faithful and loyal up and over what was called for on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As I leave for my Sunday morning constitutional around North Miami Beach, your community where you grew up and thrived I'll think about your positive accomplishments that have continued enriching mankind. A sacrifice made and all the salutes of valor to stay everlasting. If that officer is acquitted of those serious charges, heaven help the people and the police department of the Windy City. There will be more than a harsh wind blowing outside not just by Lake Michigan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2015

Put down the limits. Pick up the hope. As a tireless and hard working police hero, Officer Cook, you ably demonstrated to the multitudes of other skilled, talented and brave men and women in law enforcement just what it takes to get the job done and to save lives. We can surely thrive by the grace of God and your humbly compassionate strength of character, boldness and devout commitment. As we look to our futures, we should not ever forget the past and those valiant men and women such as yourself who have paid the ultimate price, making the sacrifice for enhancement and enlightenment to march on just as time marches on so may we remember you efficiency and solid proficiency. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The world is a bit sadder by not having your sixty-two years of maturity, engaging personality and a bright smile so wide, it just brings me to tears when I look at your picture taken more than forty year sago behind our American flag, Old Glory. Glory be for your efforts and heroism. This all goes back to how your wonderfully loving parents raised both you and your sister, Nancy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2015

Most people are courteous and decent. Most try to make this world a better place to live and to prosper. Any and all police officers worth their mettle endeavor to do the same. The idea is to perform your jobs right from the get go with decency, dignity and honesty. The popular saying you can't have your cake and eat it too, to any sworn officer one must make quick decisions, be held accountable, stay fair and unbiased, all things you did quite well, Officer Cook. But, still within various departments you have officers flying off the handle and going astray. Last week in one our local newspapers an article was written regarding a lieutenant from the South Miami Police Department. Despite awards he received for his good work there were still too many skeletons in the closet. Too many red flags. I may have never known you, but from those family members I met and from the article in Forgotten Heroes, you were a very good police officer. Competent and confidant. Considerate and courageous. Class and desire. Honor and dignity. It's a lot on any officer's plate for even a regular person to digest and maybe even to comprehend, but if you perform a demanding and arduous assignment then it must be done and completed in a first class manner. The strength of both your commitment to both excellence and pride must be achieved and the enhancement of the unification and peace process must remain intact. You will be cherished, respected and admired for all your outstanding heroic efforts on May 16, 1979. Surely a humble legacy of hope and faith that can be happily passed down to future generations of your family members and those future brave and honorable officers whose must perform properly and with perseverance. They honor your watch. They salute your gallantry. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. They even said this South Miami officer would make a good chief one day.Better have him converse with your classmate and friend, Chief Geoffrey Jacobs. He will remind him of what is expected. He put forty years in police work and was honest and dignified.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2015

As the holiday season now begins with Thanksgiving and culminates with New Years Day, let us focus on those who inspired us through their dignity, honesty and stellar integrity. You are the inspiration to all, Officer Cook and through your heroism and courage may we have these opportunities to take a few moments from our daily routines and pray for you and to those whose composure helps obtain and provide the much needed freedom, unity and peace. After all prosperity cannot and will not thrive if the commitment to character, valor and motivation is not met. They work one on one as you did for six years, Officer Cook, bending and not breaking keeping cool and calm under the duress of a stressful profession, one that you freely and without regret chose to pursue quite passionately. You are never far from my mind nor those hearts and minds of your beloved family members and colleagues who will humbly cherish and treasure those wonderful memories of a decent, loyal and caring public servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God understands and eternally protects those brave legacies, those heroes and heroines who were and stay so endearing to us. We can sit, eat and laugh, yet at the same time be very mindful of your special soul which travels in heaven touching the souls of those who like you paid the ultimate price. Sadly another officer in Colorado Springs joined that Eternal Honor Roll with his angelic wings ready to walk a beat on those golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2015

Police officers look to humbly and ethically capitalize on any opening to gain a positive advantage in both resolving and in solving crimes. They endeavor to take more than a bite out of crime. What your role was, Officer Cook, involved more sophistication and details than we could ever imagine. The calming concern, the voice of logic and reason preceded your every move. Nothing left undone. We just imagine what if God allowed you to be here today. We can think and dream about what more you would have accomplished. Sacrifice brings change, not the right change your family and comrades would have ever even imagined. You graced those residents of Dade County venues with superior dignity, honesty and genuine integrity. Your legacy and its special character and commitment to pride and excellence won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I hope and pray those who have taken your watch from here on will act accordingly as you did and honor Our Creator with the proper conduct police work demands.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

Remember the courage. Witness the valor. Behold the brave. Honor the humble. Salute the sacrifice. All the things we do to bring to light the many talented and treasured officers such as yourself, Officer Cook. You made people proud. Most of all you made your family a part of your career and through your loving parents did you receive the much needed honesty, integrity and dignity. You took care of your mother after your dad passed. Always the consummate and concerned son. Mrs. Cook, your very special and cherished son for all his value to Dade County is now one of God's guardian angels. He patrols his beat in heaven as his esteemed soul brightens those darkest moments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Legacies educate, engage and enhance our every direction. Your son took direction so well he was able to lead his fellow colleagues with humility, maturity and gallantry through any and all adversity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

My wife Holly wonders how I could reflect everyday about you, Officer Cook and your life. Today being Friday, I visit a few Independent and Assisted Living Residences to speak with senior citizens, some of them, probably many back in your time, you watched and protected. But then your service to all Dade County covered a rather large area. Character and honesty also cover a large area. They are your springboards which start the day of your birth and last as long as you walk on this Earth. When you sacrificed your life and career for the total enhancement of Dade County you took with you a blueprint of what you would be doing each day. After roll call when your supervisor said hit the streets and be careful, for each and every officer out there protecting themselves and the public becomes a very real responsibility that you took to heart and quite seriously too. All these years later you have been fondly remembered for being valiant and dignified for having the bravery to tackle any and everything. We will not forget you. You were a marvelous man and much more than that, a loyal gentleman. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The writing on your legacy is literally etched upon your family, colleagues and so many friends who knew you and what you stood for. Consideration and kindness in abundance.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

I thank God for everyday that I have a chance to improve this world. Seeing that you were a very devout and resourceful individual and a caring and concerned police officer, Officer Cook, to those who knew you it is no wonder why you were successful. You stay focused, positive and optimistic that things would work out. Honor, dignity and integrity all work in the grand scheme of things if one just takes the initiative to make them work. Police work calls for many split second decisions that may mean an officer needs to use their firearm to protect themselves and then there is no telling how that particular situation will pan out. You were destined for greatness. God keeps those and many other reasons hidden within His heavenly shelter where you now walk a beat patrolling His golden streets. At least your courage, commitment and strength of resolve went with you. Your humbly heroic legacy keeps guarding those who have taken over your watch. Let us offer a prayer they stay safe and grounded upon the foundations and principles as you possessed, morals and proper professional conduct. It is all in the genes. Those Cook genes are really something to marvel at. Class, decency and determination personified. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. So much more. You were cherished and will be saluted and honored for your actions to save lives of your comrades and civilians on May 16, 1979.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

A hero is one who lives honorably and with dignity. A champion is one who pursues the causes that represent a healthy atmosphere in society. Officer Cook, your stellar personality and character epitomized the values all persons should strive to live by. When integrity and devotion cross together the results of success are felt in a mighty manner. When police officers function in unison, their departments take notice. And so it is the a man of virtuous courage, a paragon of virtue should be honored and celebrated as a great servant. God expects His people to perform humbly, stay focused and speak in a reasonable tone of logic and calm. All the needs of the Dade County citizens were met and fortified by the personification of your engaging style of fairness which in turn delivered peace and unity to all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All that can be asked of our heroes is that they act competently and with a sense of urgency when dealing with any issues that come about through their demanding professional position. Champions charge head on in the face of calamity they don't runaway and hide. They show up when called or not and endeavor to quell disputes and just keep serenity and safety among mankind so they can carry on and enhance what you, Officer Cook achieved during your watch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 26, 2015

A day of awakening, a day of renewal, when we are born this is the very genesis of our tests to see if we are worthy of continuing. Everyone who shall live is judged. Police officers, doctors, lawyers anyone who puts forth the effort to make this society a better on to live in. You made this world, Officer Cook and society a better place to exist because you cared, because you were honest. The legacy you left behind was one of commitment to goodwill, to submitting yourself to God's will. A hero never gives up. They do not run nor turn their backs when evil approaches. You remain treasured and respected for enhancing all Dade County and its residents. You are a man of character and valor. Gallantry and grace, humility personified. Integrity and resolve etched on those granite walls at Miami's Tropical Park for all to witness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those that rest at night or by day can thank you, Officer Cook, for your righteous ways, your powerful perseverance.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 26, 2015

As we gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, let us pause to reflect back on the lives of those humble heroes who have given their lives in honor, bravery, courage and in character. Character, a word that says it. What does spell it out is your character, courage and commitment. I'm grateful to have received the warm and most sincerest of letters from your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and to have met your niece, Gina Wilkerson and her children. You will always be saluted and remembered as an honorable man, a dignified gentleman and a hero whose legacy reflects the noblest of actions. Integrity takes us places we have never been to. God's shelter has so much honor and dignity, we who stay prosperous, who live in content can cherish a man who served his Creator literally with all his heart and soul, you, Officer Cook, a most loyal and devout servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 26, 2015

Running into resolve and honor can be a bit daunting for some of us. It is also apparent it can be mind boggling for police officers as well. You would not believe all the violence and shooting these day involving young people and the police. Some departments employ body cameras so officers are taped performing their jobs. If they measure in honesty, dignity and integrity the public finds out. After buying side panels because of your sacrifice, Officer Cook, it should not have taken your life and career. Dade County and your department should have taken the steps to purchase these. You were an honorable man. A man of valor, courage and distinction where destiny took to keep the peace and unity tied together. You will be revered, respected and saluted for saturating us with your smiling presence and friendly persuasion. All it would have taken on May 16, 1979, was for Mr. Pearsall to quietly surrender, that sadly did not occur. No matter you are our hero, your family's beloved and darling hero whose death was not in vain. Your actions and the badge you worn on your uniform were donned properly for everyone to witness true humility from a most faithful and resourceful servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The Cook name stands for dignity, humbleness, love and commitment. A life and career lived par excellence. Admired and saluted for giving your all out efforts. Dade County can be truly grateful.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 25, 2015

Police officers deliver distinction through honor, integrity and dignity on a daily basis. Anything less and those citizens of which they serve and protect, their lives would be put in great peril. Police work while difficult and dangerous has its moments where those humbly able bodied men and women brave and loyal are rewarded for all their professional achievements. You were awarded for your accomplishments, Officer Cook, but better yet it was your cunning boldness, commitment to pride, excellence in character and heroism that you will never be forgotten. A good man's deeds, a gentleman's righteous valor shall never be overlooked, for we know as does your colleagues and family members that you were a gallant and most treasured individual who took nothing for granted. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Take each day as it comes and try to be cheerful, positive and upbeat and considerate. God judges us from day one of our lives until we pass and then we can reap what we have sown on this Earth.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 25, 2015

Police officers cannot ever succumb to the traps of temptation nor fear. Although being cautious is certainly more advantageous than running away from evil. As brave and as valiant as you were, Officer Cook, with your calming influence and most humbly dignified disposition you were able to accomplish your assigned professional tasks all in stride. Honesty, care and consideration as well as being poised surely helped you patrol and to maintain the much needed peace, freedom and unity in and around the Dade County community. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your much needed character, commitment and comraderie is missed today and each day. It is in those many brave and responsible public servants in whom we now place our loyalty and trust. Your legacy stands for the most decent and desirable upbringing any person can have. Only truer words came from your lips. From a faithful and devout man who served His Creator in righteousness and in acts of kindness and love.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 24, 2015

While sitting on a bench today at a park while the sun was shining, I was thinking of you, Officer Cook. Boy, you certainly are missed. I was also thinking of your esteemed colleague, Officer Frank Piloto, Jr. who worked with you during your time on the force. To short a period. There was much more left to fulfill and to achieve. You were simply put a very honest, hard working gentleman, treasured and cherished by both your comrades and those Dade County residents you protected and served. When integrity, dignity and honesty collide the proper way, the direction of all brave and courageous men and women then go down that straight and narrow path. To be skilled and talented takes a lot of effort that you put in, God knows those that give the endeavor. Your commitment to do good and do it in an outstanding manner is the thing all of God's creatures are made of. You were there. No quit in you. It was just one-hundred percent full blast everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The respect and admiration you garnered would be beyond any words spoken. You spoke with a calming voice of reason and passion. Your compassion carried your professional performances.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 24, 2015

It is in our darkest days and in our darkest hours that we rely on our sworn police officers to deliver honorable and quality service and protection. Metro-Dade Police Department as all other police departments do utilize and observe those brave and dignified men and women who risk their lives for our safety and serenity. Officer Cook, you were one terrifically humble and loyal servant who steered your way around Dade County venues guaranteeing resolve and integrity through and through. You'll never be forgotten with a good name in strength of character, commitment and in courtesy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy of heroic dimensions will be passed down among your loving family members and those colleagues who went toe to toe with you daily to battle this monster we brand as wickedness. Violence has no place in society. Your spot, Officer Cook, has been kept alive in God's heavenly abode along with your shining soul. At least those dark moments become a little brighter because of what you sacrificed to enhance the futures of all mankind.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 24, 2015

When we hear the sounds of thunder and the strips of lightning, we know Our Creator is fast at work. We know He has His angelic guardian angels like yourself, Officer Cook, fast at work helping to patrol His golden streets. The beat you now occupy my neighbor, friend and hero is maintained by you and your fellow comrades whose bravery, honesty and decency always carries itself within the ranks of Gods Eternal Heroic Honor Roll. A list we pray never increases anymore for we know the importance of those talented and dignified officers who have succeeded you in your watch. We know the type of ethical character that is demanded from them. They try to navigate Dade County as you so excellently did and stay away from anything that gives the impression of improper professional conduct. Rest in peace. One legacy passed down to others as the torch of passion and compassion handed over to those who wait their turns at accomplishing acts of endearment and enhancement. Stay the course. Commit yourself to be bold and yet humble. You can only imagine how well you will do.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 23, 2015

Construction of good principles begins when one is first able to speak. Proper speech and communication all starts in one's home and is taught and exemplified by one's loving parents. For you, Officer Cook, good manners, courtesy and discipline took shape in California and in North Miami Beach, Florida. Having attended Sabal Palm Elementary School at a time when children were well behaved and there was not any bullying I can see where you acquired your wisdom, honor and the future leadership skills that would become very invaluable while patrolling, preserving and protecting Dade County and its residents. Your humbly driven desire, devotion, dedication and sincere determination to perform in an outstanding fashion is what navigated your success.And I'll always say if Our Lord gave you more years to continue your fulfillment of what was best in the total enhancement and education of all individuals. Your remain a hero through and through with a legacy that glistens as brightly as does your soul from the heavens above at night. A man of commitment, poise and honest and dignified motivation you were out there making sure we were safe and sound and were not going to be fearful of this epidemic we call violence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, we sleep soundly because of your unselfish and unwavering actions of bravery, courage and valor that won't ever be forgotten. Treasured and talented. Cherished, caring and most considerate with a calming passion to resolve those dilemmas that needed solving. It is your humility personified and your wonderful and loving mother and father who raised two wonderfully gifted children.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 23, 2015

Resolve and reliance as compared to revenge and violence when dealing with any individual must be utilized to its fullest. That was why you were a very successful officer, Officer Cook, the most violent of disputes could be resolved just be using a calming tone of voice, rationale all while staying honorable and dignified. Since your passion was for caring for all people, exhibiting consideration and concern for all mankind, it's a shame some of today's men and women do not own up to this motto. The majority do. It's up to all departments to weed out those that don't uphold their solemn affirmations. Character requires commitments. Decorum results when one carries on in a dignified and desirable manner. The residents of Dade County witnessed true heroism, true humbleness through bravery and fortitude on a daily basis. You were one of the best, the most loyal and faithful of public servants in Dade County history among around one-hundred and forty other women and men who paid the ultimate price for peace and serenity to prosper among the masses. We salute and honor your trust and accountability. Your congenial personality is always going to be highly thought of as will your legacy of optimism, hope and professional achievement within your ranks. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 22, 2015

Energetic and efficient, words all law enforcement personnel try to live by. It is their creed and part of their proper code of ethical professional behavior. But, then most people believe that no matter what line of endeavor one chooses, you should try and measure up to this way because there is a good probability you will go along way. Having ascribed to this way, Officer Cook, this made you one of your department's finest and most reliable officers. As always one must stay honest, be dignified and stay within the framework of stellar integrity. No matter the time or situation one faces you must stay the course. For your boldness, bravery and astuteness you'll never be forgotten. God looks at His heroes and heroines, He knows their roles when they are called home sadly, even though their sacrifices have led to enhancements and to peace and unity for all citizens. The Honor Roll for eternity, for safekeeping where you now patrol God's golden streets, Officer Cook, no harm can ever come your way again. Your commitment, class and decency have been and are still continuing to be rewarded for your heroically righteous ways of life and your cherished career of which you were outstanding in leadership and in performance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 22, 2015

As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday we are grateful for good health, peace and prosperity. Especially, we should be thankful for the many brave and courageous heroes and heroines of the various law enforcement communities who have sacrificed their lives so we can continue our lives living in peace and in unity. I'm sure before your family commences their holiday meal, Officer Cook, they will offer a prayer with you and your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace. You were a humble man who enjoyed and relished serving as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. You gave something not too many would give, your life and career to secure the necessary unity and freedom for our citizens. Your integrity, dignity and honesty shall cast no doubt as to your unwavering commitment to pride and excellence, trustworthiness and resourcefulness to travel above and beyond the calls of duty. Everyday people should wake up and be thankful for a truly trusted and extremely loyal Godsend like yourself. They don't come along too often. But, My 16, 1979, you were there to answer a call and your versatility and reliability shined through. Officers need to be accountable, driven, determined and dedicated to all causes of educating, enlightening and in enhancing the masses of which you performed in an outstanding and brave manner. Never forgotten. I wish your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, the Tidwell and Wilkerson families a very happy holiday and a blessed year of good health, peace, prosperity and all the blessings of goodness. May they shine down upon you. Regards to your children whom I was humbled to meet, Alexis, Skyler and Legend. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Character and grace, gallantry and leadership stay firmly entrenched within your family. A lesson for us all to learn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 21, 2015

That is what police officers do, they are supposed to treat everyone with respect, young and old, the rich and the poor. You treated all citizens with respect, Officer Cook. You were very much admired and revered for your dedication and loyalty, bravery and unwavering commitment to serving and in protecting our basic needs and rights. Dade County continues to salute your honor, dignity and integrity. Whenever I walk or drive by where an officer was killed or they have something that memorializes them I stop and reflect. When I drive by NE 191st Street by the Visitation Catholic Church where you and Karen worshiped I look at those stained glass windows, one of which she donated to honor your memory. You will remain a pillar of strength for which your family can look to for hope, faith and your watchful eyes from God's heaven above where you now serve as our hero and guardian angel. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Legacies and courage in character all help enhance that which you and your comrades and family represented, humility and faithfulness. All who came upon you either personally or professionally were treated and assisted with much love and admiration.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 21, 2015

Moments to share. Thoughts of how to care. Daring to be courageous and bold when honor and dignity count the most. All we can do is look to our heroes and heroines of law enforcement to provide the right lessons. You were known, Officer Cook, as Bill to your friends and comrades, built in leadership with logic and calmness prevailing. The Dade County community salutes your life, your value and valiant mannerisms. Surely a legacy built upon decency and class that can never be tarnished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2015

A pillar of the community, a rock of strength, a humble legend of enduring character, everything and more that is and what you were about, Officer Cook. Principles, morals and honesty can take any person as far as they desire to travel. Dade County and in its various venues your dignity and integrity shined through. You remain a hero who will forever be cherished an dwell thought of. Remember the good times, the proudest moments and of your life there were many. You heroically saved many lives on May 16, 1979 and won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2015