Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I think the words, Officer Cook, for this last reflection should have read your life and police career were borne from an outstanding upbringing and the morals so necessary to be able to function in our day to day world. Something you ascribed to with your humbleness, honesty and quality of character. You were not an envious person as you had all the right tools and essentials to make proper usage of your God given talents and abilities. It is said the apple does not fall far from the tree, if this is any indication, your success came the correct way, through perseverance, sweat, toil and both the mental and physical stamina demonstrated in the police academy and to those superiors who were the judges of your performances and of your dignity and integrity placed where it needed to be, within the boundaries of Dade County and its residents whom you served, protected and provided the necessary peace, unity and freedom for those to prosper. The pain, the anguish and torment of your loss still tugs at the hearts and minds of those loving family members, colleagues and friends who each witnessed your grace, gallantry, courage and valor in action. Humbly stated your humility and most giving heart and treasured soul still shine brightly today as they did when your heroic action on May 16, 1979, solidified your legacy among the many Dade County police heroes and heroines of the past. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. More people should appreciate all that is given to them. You had the best of everything along with your sister, Nancy to be able to succeed in life, one cut far too short, but a life well spent helping others to endure and to succeed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 10, 2015

I wish we all had that proverbial crystal ball. We don't unfortunately. Police officers as caring, considerate and as cautious as they need to function cannot always predict the outcome of how any event they encounter will resolve itself in the end. No one can take away an honest and dignified officer's level of diligence and concern that you had, Officer Cook, for the residents of Dade County and their well being. Central District where you worked out of sure had a most honorable, dignified and devoutly resolute individual patrolling the streets of an area where you were quite respected and admired by your peers for your faithfulness, decency and humbly humane nature. It was the drive and desire that led you to the beginning of an outstanding career of six loyal and fruitful years, twenty-five years of a well placed life about borne from a terrific upbringing from two wonderfully loving and giving parents. The pride they had as well as your sister and wife when your badge was pinned on your chest was just the genesis. The life of an individual founded on the principles of morals and solid character who went where his dreams and aspirations took him. Your maturity, wisdom and scope of knowledge and leadership skills would have definitely taken you up the police ladder to bigger opportunities. Because of your humbleness, commitment to excellence, swiftness to act, God has taken your shining and most cherished soul up to heaven where you have the awesome task of watching over His golden streets and looking down and helping make certain those who now watch and protect are safe from any harm that God forbid may come their way. God truly watches those who fear and remain loyal to His causes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May 16, 1979, is a day of saluting your bravery, Officer Cook, as well as a day of intellectual introspection. Honoring you for an outstanding job of serving and protecting the quality of life in all mankind. If we could take back all these tragedies we would, God plans our lives and we must be grateful and give Him thanks for you, your life and service to a Dade County community that must not forget your loyalty and valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2015

I wish we all had that proverbial crystal ball. We don't unfortunately. Police officers as caring, considerate and as cautious as they need to function cannot always predict the outcome of how any event they encounter will resolve itself in the end. No one can take away an honest and dignified officer's level of diligence and concern that you had, Officer Cook, for the residents of Dade County and their well being. Central District where you worked out of sure had a most honorable, dignified and devoutly resolute individual patrolling the streets of an area where you were quite respected and admired by your peers for your faithfulness, decency and humbly humane nature. It was the drive and desire that led you to the beginning of an outstanding career of six loyal and fruitful years, twenty-five years of a well placed life about borne from a terrific upbringing from two wonderfully loving and giving parents. The pride they had as well as your sister and wife when your badge was pinned on your chest was just the genesis. The life of an individual founded on the principles of morals and solid character who went where his dreams and aspirations took him. Your maturity, wisdom and scope of knowledge and leadership skills would have definitely taken yo up the police ladder to bigger opportunities. Because of your humbleness, commitment to excellence, swiftness to act, God has taken your shining and most cherished soul up to heaven where you have the awesome task of watching over His golden streets and looking down and helping make certain those who now watch and protect are safe from any harm that God forbid may come their way. God truly watches those who fear and remain loyal to His causes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May 16, 1979, is a day of saluting your bravery, Officer Cook, as well as a day of intellectual introspection. Honoring you for an outstanding job of serving and protecting the quality of life in all mankind. If we could take back all these tragedies we would, God plans our lives and we must be grateful and give Him thanks for you, your life and service to a Dade County community that must not forget your loyalty and valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2015

Police officers just like ordinary hard working people need to be good listeners. Having said that they need to attentively listen and remain impartial in how they go about resolving any and all conflicts and or disagreements that come before them. The rigorous training and classroom and out in the street exercises they go through on a day to day basis help better shape them in a professional atmosphere that assists both the citizens they serve and protect as well as themselves from all the perils they must endure. And because of your fundamentally honest and most dignified nature, Officer Cook, you were to navigate from one place to another securing integrity, decency, peace and unity among all residents of Dade County. In life we must make the most of what God implants within us. You took the baton, the blueprint so to speak and were able to formulate plans of action for each circumstance that was thrust before you. You demonstrated reliance, competency and responsibility. Your heroic and humble actions and the quality of your stellar professional character as shown on May 16, 1979, have and always will remain as the solid foundation by which all officers who have since succeeded you are expected to act. So much is required of any public servant, as brave and courageously valiant as you were my neighbor, friend and hero, let us hope and pray that all police officers, anyone remotely associated with the law enforcement profession acts and conducts their personal and professional lives with the same level of pride but most of all with honesty and loyalty. The uniform, badge and the weapon used to protect both the public and the officer most be utilized in a judicious and proper fashion. Kayos, mayhem and bedlam cannot replace peace, serenity and a calmness that must at all times rule in any community. Rest in peace. Just keep looking down, Officer Cook, I'm sure your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, is praying for the souls of both you and your beloved father, Charles, may he too rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2015

Today Officer Cook, I just wanted to make contact with your niece, Gina Wilkerson. I got hold of her brother-in-law, Nate Wilkerson and asked how your mother was doing. I was told she is doing well at age ninety-nine out in San Diego, California. She is living either with or near her grandson, Josh Hyatt. I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers Mrs. Cook. When September 17, 2015 comes I would love to send you a little something, a card or note. I still have the letter you sent me while I was living in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Your son, Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, to me he will always be Officer Cook, he was a hero and a treasured soul of a gentleman. His legacy and memories of a well lived life and of a brave, courageous and valiant public servant will always be there for those to share and to reflect back. What more can we say about your esteemed and most beloved son? He deserves to be here today sharing in his family's happy occasions with his beloved wife, Karen, his sister, Nancy and of course with his wonderfully loving and faithfully devout mother. His life and career meant the world to all his close friends, comrades and acquaintances. His service of honor, dignity and integrity shall be one and everlasting as is his beautiful soul now with God up in heaven for nearly thirty-six years for eternal safekeeping as he now as they say walks a beat on God's golden streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Mrs. Cook, if you read these reflections of your beloved son, know I care and he will never be forgotten. His commitment and resolve will be fondly and loyally saluted. A man who sacrifices his life needs to be looked up to in the highest of degree of respect and admiration. I still have your letter and the envelope Mrs. Cook. I have it in a drawer for safekeeping.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2015

One thing regarding all police officers is that they must not display partiality or bias. Officers that worked alongside of you, Officer Cook, never had to be concerned regarding this matter. Since your maturity, wisdom and leadership skills were a cut above the rest. But, one must exhibit loyalty, faithfulness, dignity and compassion. Anything remotely opposite to this could possibly lead one down the wrong channel. Since Our Creator steers the compasses of His devoutly trustworthy public servants on paths of righteousness, there were never any complaints from residents whom you served, protected and dedicated your life and career to in seeing peace, unity and liberty come to fruition in their community. A loving person, a much beloved son, brother, husband, uncle and great-uncle, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A shining soul whose brightness will never be extinguished. A hero to be saluted for your gallantry and courage. A legend to be remembered forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2015

Police officers have to be many things, reserved, honorable, courteous and dignified. Bragging and acting above the law for men and women in positions of authority is something that can never be tolerated. You were by nature, Officer Cook, a cool and calm gentleman whose work ethics are the examples for all officers to follow. You were a man of values, a respected and law abiding person who dreamed of becoming a police officer from the time you were a young man. You showed compassion. You were a doer and a man of action. All your good deeds and heroically swift actions on May 16, 1979, has and will forever lead to the continuation of Dade County, its citizens and their enhancement. Your loving and humble nature are all a part of your legacy here in Dade County and throughout the entire police nation. Your character as stellar as it was endures now in your loving family members who continue your celebrated life and career. A smile once in a while and looking up to the big blue skies above are all the reasons we can gratefully acknowledge your wonderful and generous spirit. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2015

Since you were a calm and rational person, Officer Cook, it's no wonder you were able to calm people down. If only that fateful day could you and your colleagues been able to calm down a troubled young man. Peace needs to be a two way street, not a one way with no possible solutions in sight. You'll always be remembered for your personality, honesty, dignity and integrity, all values of your stellar character and legacy which will last for all generations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God continues to keep peace, freedom and unity marching on as we pause and reflect back on your outstandingly humble life and career, all based on your upstanding upbringing. You made us all very proud of your accomplishments.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2015

Keep your focus on growth and making peace between all people. It is this very security and serenity that the citizens have come to rely upon from the many dignified and honorable men and women of the law enforcement profession. Your honesty and calming sense of reason, Officer Cook, was spoken to the point and as plainly as one could communicate to others. We know your wit, knowledge and basic leadership abilities were many of the reasons as to why your career and life turned out the way it did. Sometimes, functioning by ourselves is the method that needs to be employed to bring about a successful resolution to any problems at hand. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2015

Seeing that you were a master motivator, Officer Cook, the positive zeal you had for your professional position should come as no surprise as to why you were indeed a giant of a human being and even more so as a humbly devoted public servant. Metro-Dade Police Department has had its share of excellent officers who worked in its department and were an important member of this close knit family of brave and valiant officers who dare to risk their lives in order to safeguard the public peace, freedom and unity. All assignments require the greatest amount of precision and tact a fact not lost on your many colleagues who knew you Officer Cook and admired your sincere work ethic. Your stellar character has left a legacy that will be felt by all residents, comrades and friends who crossed paths with you personally and professionally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you were a grand man, taken way too young with more goodness left to fulfill. It is being addressed and accentuated by your comrades and treasured family who have missed you very dearly. We can only say what if God gave you more years, you had twenty-five very productive years of fantastic work that has funneled its way down to those valued friends and fellow sisters and brothers of the law enforcement community where you served and protected the honor, dignity and integrity of all citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2015

We the people should be thankful for all that we have and as far as our needs go, we work and toil exceedingly hard to maintain and try to acquire the necessary character traits that will make us better as individuals. If one has food, clothing and shelter, it is stated that one has all that they need. If your upbringing is not one built on honor, dignity and integrity, it then becomes a bit tougher for one to accomplish. You can achieve. You can make a difference. You made this difference in Dade County, Officer Cook. Your vigilance, your diligence and perseverance all combined with your knowledge, wit, wisdom and leadership skills helped tip the scales of justice properly into the hands and feet of every resident whose lives you served and protected. There were no shortcuts in your life and career, Officer Cook, just a pronounced sense of bravery, courage and valor. Those humbly heroic actions of May 16, 1979, were just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. It is and has been the light of your treasured and very cherished soul which has continued to shine down upon us now as it did then. You were a very devout and loyally faithful gentleman and police officer, all the reasons why you were admired, respected and honored forever as your legacy of humility carries on in your loving family members. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your influence marches on in those who have succeeded you. Hopefully, they can carry your torch as poignantly and proficiently as you carried it.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2015

You were a strong person, Officer Cook, with an even special heart. There was nothing weak or diluted with your performance as a police officer. when you needed to be stern, a little tough then you did what your role demanded from you and from any other police officer. When you felt it necessary to be calm, your voice of sound reason could be counted on to bring about the means to a positive solution. That day of May 16, 1979, no one knew, much less thought that your department would heaven forbid lose one of their own. Situations in police work and in the profession happen daily, sometimes once in a while, no one can properly prepare themselves, you do prepare in the police academy and God steers our lives in many different directions for a reason. No rhyme or reason, good and bad occur and we must learn from these events and sadly contemplate how to move on with our futures. Your family members my neighbor, friend and hero have moved on with your treasured soul hovering above and giving them all the same humble and sage advice to be careful be kind, polite, be honorable in all your affairs and most of all maintain the proper level of compassion, consideration, dignity and integrity. It makes life and one's career that much more effective and trustworthy. Rest in peace. Your bravery, coupled with your sincerity has balanced the scales of peace, freedom and security for all Dade County residents. All your humility and humanity is missed today as it has touched the very souls of all who respected and admired you both professionally and personally.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2015

Positive things occur in people's lives when honor, dignity and stellar integrity is optimized to the maximum. A person's negative desires are based on illusions and by that I mean one should not go running to seek honor and a fame. A good name is based upon a man or woman's good deeds that they perform in this world. You surely performed many heroic and humble actions, Officer Cook, that certainly went over and beyond the calls of your official duties. No accident, no illusions, your whole life, all twenty-five years and your six year career at the Metro-Dade Police Department were solidly and squarely centered around the foundations of good character, integrity, wisdom and a humbly stated God given ability to be able to lead other comrades through thick and thin, through the tough moments, as we know and understand that not everything in life just lands at one's door, it must be earned and utilized very wisely to accentuate all that one can from their abilities. You were a very brave, courageous, valiant and outgoing gentleman and as well in your police work. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Hard work pays dividends to those who put forth the effort. You paid the price at the academy and an even bigger one which most of us cannot begin to fathom. You were a peacemaker who enhanced Dade County and its citizens like no other. I hope you family enjoyed a Happy Easter. As I was on my Passover vacation while out walking I thought about you and how you have been missed terribly and what this day would have been with your presence. I know from heaven your spirit is still and forever looking down along with your dad, Charles on what has been transpiring with your family. I'll keep praying for you, Mrs. Cook and hope you had a nice holiday. No smoke or mirrors were needed to see the real Officer William C. Cook, Badge# 1664. Your passion and patrolling perseverance have helped make a huge difference in people's lives today.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2015

Every time I view your picture, Officer Cook, of you in your police uniform smiling with the American flag behind, I think you as a wonderful human being and very special public servant that you were to all of Dade County residents. You faith and loyalty made you a very trusted and most reliable officer who came to the rescue of your colleagues on May 16, 1979 and other times as well. But it was your hope and belief that came to fruition as to why and how people could live and lead more sounder and much safer lives. This is where dignity, honesty and integrity parallel bravery, courageousness and valor. A life dependent on all these factors that led to your successful career. One on the upswing and headed for greatness and even more humility down the line. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I can see why you were a happy and very fortunate gift to this entire world, your department who cherished your grace and resolve and to all of mankind who feels the loss even to this day of such a devoted and outstanding gentleman and friend to all, a leader of other comrades. They can't replace your wit, wisdom or maturity, as this is something not everyone is born with. Heroes and heroines are mourned and revered for their extra special traits which not all people possess. Something intangible.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2015

A police officer's survival depends on several factors. Honesty, dignity, integrity and good fortune with a little of God's divine intervention mixed in. We do what makes us happy for the most part and since you had this calling, Officer Cook, to become a police officer from the time you were a young man, you persevered and pursued whatever avenues it took for you to become an ever faithfully humble and a most respected public servant. It had to have brought a smile to your loving and wonderful parents to have raised both a great son and same for your sister, Nancy. Money and materialistic things were not what the Cook Family was about, rather living in a peaceful home where you had your friends to pal around with and the decency of proper morals and values. You will always be remembered for your heroic actions, your firmness and resolve to properly carry out your professional tasks, your bravery, courage and valor all remain part of your enduring legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You had everything to look forward too and the tragedy of your untimely loss still hurts more than one can imagine.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2015

Since you were a people person, Officer Cook, you were able to turn some bad people into good citizens and you should be commended. Not all people can be rehabilitated, we try our best as do our loyal and brave men and women in the law enforcement to keep the peace and security moving forward. As one of the most resourceful and morally proper officers, it was your role to serve and protect Dade County streets and their residents, which you succeeded in doing for six years of dedicated and determined service. Practice makes perfect, though no one is perfect, only Our Creator is perfect and we who carry His blueprint try to make inroads that help to enhance this society. Your bravery, courage, and valor were all a treasured part of this world and it was all guided by your stellar character and enshrined by your legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2015

One should not allow the virtue of humility to render you submissive to someone who is cruel or unjust. As all police officers have to deal with all persons from all walks of life, we must be considerate of their feelings and try understand where they are coming from. Being the compassionate and ever humble gentleman and stellar police officer, Officer Cook, your integrity, dignity and honesty enabled you to go from point A to point B, from most any territory in Dade County patrolling and serving the common interest of all citizens who deserve to live peacefully among each other and to prosper in whatever endeavors they decide to undertake. You were a very brave and valiant public servant who has been forever remembered for your distinction, class and grace whenever called to act upon a situation. May 16, 1979 is a day we should all be grateful and salute your humility in both your upbringing and in your professional career. Metro-Dade Police Department had one of its finest officials on watch and you are missed very much by your loving family, personally and professionally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2015

I know you never thought of yourself, Officer Cook, as a power hungry person, much less as an officer who was all too powerful. You carried yourself with a sense of pride and dignity. You gave the citizens of Dade County every ounce of your being and you showed other officers the finest examples of honesty, courage and grace. When officers take their jobs more seriously then that is the signal that the citizens know they are in truly good hands. Performance and perseverance do really go hand in hand as does diligence and vigilance. It is those supremely brave, valiant and committed officers who stand out and humbly and humanely carry out their assignments correctly the first time putting themselves in harm's way to enhance the lives of the residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero,police work is not for the power hungry, it is for those devoted to serving, protecting and saving lives.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2015

Do all your good deeds with a smile and a youthful sense of enthusiasm. This was how you comported yourself, in life and during your police career. If all officers could act with a sense of urgency rather than callousness, the world would be better served. Your smile, Officer Cook, your desire to devote your total being to the enhancement of all residents in and around Dade County is how you are going to be best remembered and saluted proudly for your bravery, commitment to serve with excellence and with a renowned sense of honor, dignity and stellar integrity. You gave your beloved parents joy and pleasure, your sister, Nancy, was very proud of her darling younger brother and your beloved wife, Karen, who loved you and adored you very much. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All your actions, Officer Cook, were completed with a fierce measure of desire, devotion, dedication and intense determination. Through your deeds and actions, Officer Cook, your family emulates these in their lives and aspirations.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2015

The lines of clean speech and proper communication must stay open for professional business seven days a week and for twenty-four hours a day. It's very essential for any and all police officers because of the nature of their work and job performance when dealing with the public. You were a master at speaking and in calming people down, Officer Cook, the Central District as does your whole department and the folks you so passionately served owe you a grateful thank you. Thank you for being a vital and a vibrant part of this community for twenty-five years, six of which you served with dedication and distinction. Your humility, honesty, dignity and integrity all went hand in hand when you were out on your patrols. How else shall we the people be one? One man can't get the job done alone, but with a combined team effort, the results then speak for themselves. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your resourcefulness, your renounced manner of professionalism spoke and still does to this day resonates loudly and clear.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2015

Since police officers are often called upon to settle disputes quietly and peacefully, it makes perfect sense to just walk away from any trouble. You were said to be an excellent officer, Officer Cook, especially when dealing with domestic issues. Though we all know that officers are thoroughly trained to handle any and all issues that come their way. No matter the time of day, afternoon or evening hours, they must be on guard and ready to act. It is their dignity, honor and integrity that is always placed on the line as well as their life and the residents whom they must serve and protect in order for serenity, calmness and peace to take hold. Your resolve my neighbor, friend and hero, your valor and bravery may never be questioned, for it was your heroically humane actions on May 16, 1979, that saved at least seven lives, your colleagues and the proud citizens of Dade County who have had their lives enhanced by your outstandingly humble service. Police officers as we know never have any dull moments, yours, Officer Cook, were superbly supreme, we all are very proud of your life and career all of which are now a shining part of your both stellar legacy and character. Both to continually be saluted and honored in dignity for the individual you grew up to become. The goals and aspirations realized, now it's time for us to awake and rise to the occasion as you had done for those of us many times over. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2015

When you have to be cunning, return to total integrity as soon as possible. Police officers often have to deal with special circumstances as this is a part of a job and profession that demands the utmost calm, care, compassion and consideration. By all accounts you were the quintessential police officer, Officer Cook, when it came to bravery, honor, dignity, devotion, etc., you name it you were always available to lend a hand and to pitch in whenever called upon. May 16, 1979 was one of forty-two tragically sad days for the Metro-Dade Police Department, nonetheless we honor your life, career and enthusiastic pursuits in life. Your vigor, your gallantry has allowed people to prosper and aspire to whatever they channel their physical emotions into making this a better world. Heroes and heroines are the brave souls who we have to be grateful for them having taken on a daunting task. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Challenges still encircle us, keep channeling your beautiful light down upon us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2015

People come across other folks from all walks of life. All work different jobs, perform various professions. Police officers come across all types of individuals, some cheerful, some downtrodden. And some with troubles to last a lifetime. Public servants perform dangerous jobs where they risk their lives in the face of perils and pitfalls. They work around the clock, in sunny and hot weather and in cool and misty conditions. It is their very task at hand to keep the peace and unity of those citizens whose lives depend on their awareness and honesty, dignity/ and stellar integrity. Officer Cook, you were just the right person for the challenges that awaited you out on the streets of Dade County. Sadly, officers have to calm people whose emotions become frayed. You stood in there. Your character and boldness, bravery and unwavering commitment shall never be forgotten by Dade County its residents and your department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2015

I heard Karen that you had stopped by your mother-in-law, Mrs. Julia Cook's home sometime in 2009. You and Nancy and Gina were there. I found out through reading Dr. Willbanks book, "Forgotten Heroes" that your late husband, Officer William C. Cook, grew up in North Miami Beach, Florida. This is where I too grew up around the corner on NE 6th Avenue and 179th Drive. Close enough to 630 NE 170th Street where the Cook's lived. I showed your niece, Gina the picture of Officer Cook and started sobbing like a baby. I remembered all too well what happened that day of May 16, 1979, did not know he had a partner that day or that he grew up near my family. My dad, my he too rest in peace was a longtime New York City Police Officer. Officer Cook, you shall be saluted and honored for your valor, distinction and dignity since honor and integrity are the lead in and the necessary traits to a fundamentally proud and successful career. May you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If I had been there in your mother's home that day there probably would not have been enough boxes of Kleenex tissue to go around. One day in September, 2010, I was driving in NMB and saw a yellow car and a wooden board in front with a cross swaying in the breeze. I stopped by to chat and inquired if he was Officer Cook's nephew, Justin Miller he said yes and I asked if I could send a letter to Mrs. Cook. He said sure he would give it to her. Five days later I received a very touching and a most beautiful hand written letter from your ninety-five year-old mother-in-law at our Hallandale Beach home. I still have the envelope and the letter today. How very touching to take the time that she did and send a stranger a letter, she referred to me as her friend and neighbor. I remembered at least one reporter who covered your husband's services and Inspector's Funeral at St. Mary's Cathedral and the visitation that Friday at the Bennett and Ulm Funeral Chapel on NW 7th Avenue and NW 152nd Street. His name was Mr. Steve Dawson from the old station, WCKT TV Channel 7, NBC now known as WSVN Channel 7, Fox TV. Also Karen, May 19, 1979, the day all of Dade County paid their final respects to your late husband, Officer Cook, was my parents last anniversary together, my dad sadly passed, April 26, 1980. My mother was buried on November 30, 2003, Officer Cook would have turned fifty years old that day, she passed that Thanksgiving day Night. Justin looked just like his heroic uncle, your wonderfully humane and boldly caring husband. I'll always remember his life and career, Officer Cook, you were a righteous and pious gentleman and an inspiration to all who serve for a just cause. Evil one day will be completely eradicated.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2015

In life a person's facial expressions can begin to tell a part of how one is feeling. We go through all the emotions. Of joy, of sadness, happiness, prosperity and triumph. Police officers have these same feelings, it's just that they have to hide their feelings at times when they go out on their patrols. The citizens have to be understanding and realize that whatever these brave, courageous and valiant men and women who perform a dangerous and stressful profession do is for our benefit. They work under all conditions as you did for six years humanely and humbling, Officer Cook. You were a down to earth person who spoke the truth and possessed a stellar character all of which was central in how you maintained the dignity, integrity and honor to carry on with your assignments. People knew you, they gravitated to you, it was with your command and tone of voice that struck the right chord with those you served and protected. Your comrades understood your wisdom, maturity and leadership skills all of which were highly documented were the springboards of your success. Your sacrifice on behalf of all Dade County and the entire police nation underscores what it means to both live and in turn lead a life and pursue a career based on sound morals and ethics that are demanded from all public servants who are held accountable. You were reliable and responsible just as your loving wife, Karen, who was a registered nurse responsible for the lives of her patients. The lives of all citizens were a valued and vibrant part of both your lives. Both of you will not be forgotten. Wherever you now reside, Karen, you should know from the bottom of my heart, your late husband, Officer William C. Cook, will always be fondly saluted for his service and devotion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. My family has visited his grave and offers a small prayer for his soul. I go there often and I was the gentleman who wrote the letter to the cemetery asking that they replace the badge that somehow was taken off of his gravestone. I would love to meet you someday if you ever come down to Florida. You should enjoy a blessed life and a Happy Easter along with the entire Cook, Tidwell and Wilkerson Families. From my family to yours as we get ready for the Passover holiday. Be well and take care. To you Gina and your family, good luck on your move wherever that may take you, regards to your husband and your children.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2015