Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979
Reflections for Police Officer William Coleman Cook
Hope and trust in the Almighty is as important as relying on our police officers of solid character to serve and to protect our common interests. We are would like in a perfect world to be able to live free from evil, free from bloodshed, only to live and to proper and thrive in security, unity, peace and good health. As a young man growing up in North Miami Beach, Florida, Officer Cook, you must have experienced many ups, many positive things. Your dreams, goals and career aspirations when one wants to become a police officer at times the pursuits become very lofty, being the level headed individual that you were, you were able to focus on your objectives and handle both the mental and physical rigors that the police academy exposes its recruits to the many faceted areas where you delved in your studies. At least you had many friends who you were able to study with and when you graduated the pride and joy, your beloved parents, sister and wife, Karen all felt were tears of joy and achievement. You made us proud those who knew you and those like myself who read and met some of your family members. I stop and wonder looking up to the blue skies above, thinking about you and what you would be doing in your retirement years. Never will you be forgotten, nor your honesty, courage, valor and charisma. It all went hand in hand driving your humble life and police career. You were a great gentleman my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. Today I was playing tennis at a local park with my wife in North Miami Beach and was thinking of you. Officer Keith DeGenova and yourself played, would love to have hit a few forehands and backhands with you. Just keeping watching over us and protecting us from above.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 15, 2015
Police officers can sometimes tend to get a little too comfortable with themselves, sometimes this can lead to arrogance, instead of humbleness which must be displayed at all times. Good and evil are out there in this society and it is up to our brave men and women in the law enforcement community to weed it out. To seek peace, unity and liberty within its residents and to pursue it. Since no person is perfect, even though some of us strive for perfection, it is still quite important to maintain the proper balance between integrity, dignity and honor and to be idealistic in all your personal and in your career endeavors. This is what you became, Officer Cook, you recognized reality and comprehended what it took to perform your basic assignments efficiently and properly. In the most absolute terms you were that humanely superior police officer driven by your leadership skills, your wit and practical reasoning that you utilized when solving problems, especially domestic affairs where you excelled. People, your friends and your colleagues recognized your strengths of humility and basic diligence and vigilance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Where you rest in peace among your past comrades who laid down their lives as police heroes and heroines. Your names and stellar characters are there for all to look at and to salute your professional accomplishments that have accentuated the enhancement of this world.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 15, 2015
For anyone who knew you personally, Officer Cook, it had to be quite an honor to meet a true hero. By that I mean how you exemplified your daily life and how you pursued and studied and toiled quite long hours, days and months to reach your goal. This was your childhood aspiration and to be able to achieve this means, only you and your family and close friends may realize what it took in dedication, devotion, desire and steadfast determination to accomplish. Police officers are not robots. They too are ordinary people who come from and grew up in a loving home. The environments where they patrol for the security and safety of all residents is one where most of all would not dare travel. The paths of your profession, Officer Cook, took you to new venues and yet your performances were always above and beyond the calls of duty. You treated all people with respect, with dignity and assumed your position with the necessary calming effect and soft voice of logic and reason. A people person this was why you had so many friends in and out of your department who have all saluted your career and life lived by morals, shaped by character and measured by your humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 14, 2015
If you talk about doing something well or good, then act upon it. The righteous person keeps their word. Take the yoke, the onus upon yourself to act and to emulate all that Our Creator expects from each of us. Boasting and bragging don't quite get the job done. Rather, it is those humble and taciturn public servants who act and succeed. You did this as well, Officer Cook, if not better than anyone else. A police officer's motto should be action and by striving to do an act one should remain honorable, dignified and possess an intense measure of integrity. There will never be a question regarding your gumption, grace, grit and gallantry. For certain neither will there be any doubt cast whatsoever regarding your stellar character, bravery and courageousness. It flowed like a fountain. Your time with us my neighbor, friend and hero was accentuated with only loving kindness, care and consideration for all people whom you served and protected with the same amount of respect and admiration.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 14, 2015
Police officers try to make an effort to go out of their way to assist all citizens. What separates the humble public servants from the rest of the ranks are those that answer the calls above and beyond duty when not required, not dispatched. Perfect case in point was on Tuesday, May 16, 1979, while out on your patrol with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, you went to a domestic call, Officer Cook and were in a gun battle with a crazed young man, whose only problem at the time was that he deserted the Army. The Army would have dealt with that issue. It escalated into a full blown domestic dispute in which it took five police officers to coerce the man to surrender. Tragically and unfortunately he didn't, shots were fired and three police officers were wounded. My neighbor, friend and hero, your bravery, your resolve, your valor and your courage that day were outstanding and quite remarkable. You acquitted yourself in an outstanding manner saving your colleagues and those civilians who were involved. All in all, you made your family proud, your comrades respected your gallantry and your congeniality. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You gave your life, Officer Cook, for the sanctity and serenity of all Dade County residents in order for them to live and to persevere in a peaceful, unified and free fashion.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2015
Trust in God helps relieve the fear, better yet it helps lessen the fear of negativity. Since you were a devout man of faith and reason, Officer Cook, you allowed all the lessons you were taught by your parents, sister and other close friends to sink in. You took your cues from your instructors and veteran comrades and in this way it offered you the chance to better prepare yourself for the rigors of your job. There was never a doubt or even a suspicion as to how you would ultimately turn out. The honesty you exhibited, the dignity you displayed, the integrity you incorporated all led you to become one of Dade County's best police officers. The positives of your young life and a career that was six years old, you were considered a veteran police officer when put together all magnified the fine and upstanding character of an engaging gentleman who led by example and in turn you utilized these tools to lead others through thick and thin. Still a life cut way too short by this violence that we all pray will one day be eradicated. Mankind deserves this and to be able to live and thrive in freedom, unity and peace for the world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The power of your loving spirit, the good deeds that you performed while here, Officer Cook, are being perpetuated by your loving family.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2015
Trust in God helps relieve the fear, better yet it helps lessen the fear of negativity. Since you were a devout man of faith and reason, Officer Cook, you allowed all the lessons you were taught by your parents, sister and other close friends to sink in. You took your cues from your instructors and veteran comrades an din this way it offered you the chance to better prepare yourself for the rigors of your job. There was never a doubt or even a suspicion as to how you would ultimately turn out. The honesty you exhibited, the dignity you displayed, the integrity you incorporated all led you to become one of Dade County's best police officers. The positives of your young life and a career that was six years old, you were considered a veteran police officer when put together all magnified the fine and upstanding character of an engaging gentleman who led by example and in turn you utilized these tools to lead others through thick and thin. Still a life cut way too short by this violence that we all pray will one day be eradicated. Mankind deserves this and to be able to live and thrive in freedom, unity and peace for the world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The power of your loving spirit, the good deeds that you performed while here, Officer Cook, are being perpetuated by your loving family.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2015
One thing all police officers attempt to do is to try and build up the morale of their comrades who wage war against evil. They try to make peace. They try to reason with people. You did your part, Officer Cook, exceedingly well. You treated all people, those you served and protected for six years with care and compassion. You were the champion of dignity, fortified with integrity and honor, combined with a special kind of bravery, courage and valor, all backed up by leadership, wisdom and maturity that not too many have. You will forever be remembered for your swiftness to act and the heroic public servant who will live on in the hearts of your family, comrades and many others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 13, 2015
It may be improper to coerce others to act stringently, but all police officers, I repeat all police officers have an obligation to try and keep the peace and unity in a community where they patrol and serve. You did your part, Officer Cook, in this endeavor. It was your cunning skills which carried you to your achievements. But, there was much more to fulfill. I guess the good Lord needed you up in heaven. As elevated a life that you lived and for the boldness, bravery, courage and sincerely humble valor that you always displayed, you will forever be remembered for your intensity, your honesty, commitment, dignity and integrity which mean so very much to your family, friends and colleagues who grew on the job with you as you were one of the most admired and respected police officers in your department during you career at the Metro-Dade Police Department. Your humble character, outstanding performance and stellar legacy as our hero of all the people stands as the cornerstone and very foundation of both your life and a career that was augmented only with good deeds and heroic actions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2015
For the officers who are fortunate to survive the perils of their profession, we thank them. For those men and women so brave to commit themselves to serving and to protecting our dignity, we salute them and marvel at their humble feats of human devotion and self-sacrifice. We marvel at your accomplishments, Officer Cook, everyday you attended the Miami-Dade Police Academy with your friends and colleagues. As a civilian, I can't imagine, maybe i could imagine all the physical and mental work that goes into making one supremely humane and loyal police officer. Most of us probably could not even being to wonder or to ponder the comprehension necessary to carry out the dangers, perils and risks of a highly demanding and stressful job. Most people go to work, clock in and being an eight, nine or ten hour day. Police work is not an eight hour position, it is a very special and uniquely skilled profession that requires its bravest and most valiant women and men to distinguish themselves in honor, integrity and dignity. While our officers confront terror, evil, whatever they are assigned to handle at that particular moment they must achieve a means to a completely satisfying conclusion which in turn enhances the goodwill, liberty, unity and peace of a community where they patrol. Sometimes going undercover is the method used to bring about a peaceful end to a problem. Don't know if you ever went undercover, Officer Cook, but whatever you did, whatever you achieved it was done with extreme and careful care, kindness, consideration and much respect. I just wished that on May 16, 1979, that troubled young man who took your life for no reason and nearly ended your comrades lives had thought before he acted. Haste makes waste. My neighbor, friend and hero, you had so much more to offer this society. So many plans, yet you touched the hearts and minds of all who knew you and admired your work ethic and very stellar character which now is a part of your humbly glowing legacy as a Dade County police hero. Rest in peace. Keep shining good thoughts down on all of us including your loving and cherished family members. All who serve, we remember them. When we lose them, sadly, we remember them. They are always going to be a special part of us, like a little spark plug that helps us start our motors. Your motor, Officer Cook, never wavered it roared and Dade County can rest a little easier because of your commitment to excellence pride and devotion. Your determination and dedication was second to none, it was always the citizens who were your number one priority. Compassionate with a renowned sense of passion. All this factored into why you able to offer leadership to other colleagues. Knowledge. Wisdom. Maturity way beyond your twenty-five years. God bless you. What a terrific gentleman and inspirational human being!
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2015
Police officers, lawyers and doctors to name a few professions need to act and think sensibly. Not rush to judgment making rash and unfounded decisions that are not fully grounded in reason and logic. The important issues of a police officer's daily life can of course be wide ranging and can have an everlasting effect upon those they serve and endeavor to protect. Everything you did, Officer Cook, was solely based on those priorities of all men and women. We the people have to feel a sigh of relief when we see our beloved men and women patrolling our streets keeping peace intact and wickedness from eroding at the core of all hard working people. People just try their best to be happy, healthy and honorable. The pride you showed from wearing your uniform, Officer Cook, was just the tip of things. You see when we send officers who are brave, courteous, kind and respectful out to battle evil, we send their entire being. The framework of their heart and mind must mesh together as one, just as the freedom, unity and peace must bond together as one common fabric. It's an element that is necessary for society's survival. your goal and obligation, my neighbor, friend and hero was to make it happen. For twenty-five years, six as a Metro-Dade Police Officer it did in a loving and first class manner. All the accommodations were handed out for your excellent work. Sadly though you are missed terribly. God does shelter His brave heroes and heroines where their exploits are for all to remember them for. Their love and admiration continues, it never wanes. Their stellar character ascend to a higher level than ever before. They watch over us and their lights from their souls shine brighter now than ever. Rest in peace. It's never easy to lose a loved one, at least the families can take solace and pride from their feats and unselfish devotion and dedication to their official duties.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2015
I know from the bottom of my heart, Officer Cook, that you poured your entire being and beloved and treasured soul into your professional police duties never letting up or giving one inch until you resolved or solved what needed resolving. Until that conclusion was reached you gave one-hundred full effort through dignity, bravery, valor and honor in serving and in protecting all Dade County citizens. We, the ordinary people place these sacred trusts in those who dare to risk their life for a common cause and that cause is the special will of the people who deserve to live and to prosper in goodwill, peace and unity. It can be and has been quite difficult to get a full handle on these most urgent and pressing matters. For six years though, you made your dreams and goals a reality through your stellar character and unselfish commitment to excellence, pride and duty. Those that are privileged, we think how fortunate. Exactly, my neighbor, friend and hero, indeed your very loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cook gave both you and your darling sister, Nancy, all the proper tools in life to achieve. Rest in peace. Your boldness to act as you always did and without a doubt acted outstandingly on May 16, 1979, serves as a remainder that no matter what is happening there are cherished souls who seem to dig deep down to resolve issues before they get worse. Think about this five minutes before your watch was going to end, it was your humility that took you to a scene that you had gone to many other times. And you were good at domestics, Officer Cook. You were sensational at a lot of things, loyal, devout and faithful, all characteristics why Karen married you. The same loyalty and faith she had for you and her patients. Two and two, you were the epitome of a very lovely and charming couple. The residents of Dade County will always salute you, Officer Cook and remember you for your God ingrained integrity.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2015
Each day we awaken most of us want to accomplish something positive to make our world nicer. Most of us want to see a society free from innocent bloodshed, war and strife. Words such as: peace, goodwill, unity and freedom shall one day replace these other negative words. It is up to our bravest men and women of the law enforcement profession to go out on patrol and attempt to keep this chain unbroken. This is a bond that must never be usurped. You went out daily, Officer Cook, the utilizing the highest degree of caution and care. Only positive optimism flowed from your beloved soul. You gave up, rather you laid down your life and career for Dade County citizens to continue and upward climb. Sometimes that mountain may seem unreachable, but if one just takes the time and gives a little endeavor, you would be amazed at the results. It is after all not a race to see who finished first, it takes a communal effort and that same effort and exertion from our valiant and courageous men and women bold enough to risk their lives despite the perils and risks that may lie ahead. You were a humanely decent public servant whose talents allowed you the chance, the opportunity to dig deep down to assist anyone in need. You performed supremely well and will never be forgotten for your sincerity and honesty which took your integrity and dignity to an even higher level. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 10, 2015
The rainbow symbolizes peace and unity. Many colors, many different personalities all from different backgrounds and it is up to police officers to work and to patrol in various venues serving and protecting the dignity and honor of the citizens. Police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, possessed these and so many more humble traits. But, what drove you to succeed was the goal of every officer and department to have unity, reason and harmony within its ranks. Somewhere today over the rainbow your spirit, Officer Cook, continues to spread the warm rays of the sunlight throughout those areas where you served. And indeed you served Dade County, its residents and your department very well. Your valor, courage and bravery was all a large part of your upbringing and career which will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The harmony we have today rests because of your unwavering and unselfish devotion to the causes of duty and the boldness you exhibited on May 16, 1979. Commit yourself to excellence, stay calm and optimistic and hope can spring eternal. Keep looking over us Officer Cook for a job well done by an outstanding and humble public servant.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 10, 2015
Diligence and vigilance go hand in hand in most jobs, but in the law enforcement profession they must fit like a glove. A devoted and dignified police officer possesses all the necessary requirements that are essential to them being able to go out and patrol the streets where they endeavor to keep the residents safe and secure. A vigilant officers has the much needed resources to validate their vision of how they want things to turn out. You were by loyalty, hard work and much study, Officer Cook, this very special officer. Your valor, grace, bravery and courage were what made you a successful officer and one that would have carried over to any chosen field of employment that you would have pursued. You patrolled and pursued evil on that awful day of May 16, 1979, when you laid your life and career down for all Dade County citizens to remain at peace, unified and with their goodwill solidly intact. We can never forget your outstanding commitment to excel in stressful moments, nor the swiftness you exhibited that very day saving seven lives, those civilians and your most trusted and devoted colleagues. Striving for peace, driven by passion, protecting with compassion, all the while with your calming sense and voice of logic, reason and intelligence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If all officers followed your methodologies, Officer Cook, this world would indeed by better served and a better place to function. You were simply the best and were a very faithful and humble public servant while exposing yourself to all the dangers and perils associated with your profession. Six years of driven dynamics while showing the greatest respect for all people.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 9, 2015
There is a poignant lesson to be learned in how easy it is for one to get sidetracked in the pursuit of their goals. Police officers attempt to build bridges in their communities through dedication, perseverance and honor. This is one of their many main goals. Your devotion to your profession, Officer Cook, never got you in trouble, no Internal Affairs issues, nothing but a slate of dignity, loyalty, integrity, grit and gallantry. Your boldness to act as you did not just on May 16, 1979, but all through your life and career, I'll always say cut way too short by this epidemic called wanton violence perpetrated against law enforcement. You were a good man, a loving son, brother, husband, uncle and great-uncle. Your were the epitome of what God expects from His loving creatures. No nonsense, no callousness, merely humbleness with an everlasting bravery, courage and valor all surroundings your loving soul, stellar character and most beloved legacy. You left us way too soon, at least their are loving family members and colleagues who can go out in society and try to emulate your resounding determination. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Parenthood would have been great as I said, you and Karen would have made wonderful parents.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 9, 2015
Obviously when dealing with people both the officer and the civilian have certain rights. Officers perform their assigned duties governed by a code of ethics and regulations. Citizens when they are being taken by police into custody have what we call Miranda Rights. And when those rights have been violated it can possibly spell legal obstacles ahead for that particular officer. No one wants to be verbally assaulted or embarrassed that is for sure and the officer generally knows what is expected of them. For such a dangerous job that our courageously brave men and women perform they realize how they must perform. You performed your role exceedingly well, Officer Cook, showing the greatest care, concern and consideration. Words that the young man who took your life would have benefited from. You sought harmony, cooperation and dignity for all, while maintaining your honor, integrity and leadership role placed on your shoulders. Your humility and humbleness helped you to better concentrate upon the goodwill of your community where you served and protected with the proper and uniquely humane diligence and vigilance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your lifetime priority was in making people more accountable and hopefully optimistic about who they were and how they would achieve their chosen goals. Only calm and sincere kindness flowed from your lips, Officer Cook. Your colleagues and friends have never forgotten both the serious side and the caring passionate side of a truly compassionate and heroic human being. A Godsend and a blessing for sure to be always remembered in a fondly loving fashion.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 8, 2015
Police officers are supposed to assist all people, no matter who they are, no matter where they come from. Circumstances dictate situations and no matter what area or venue they patrol in, their position requires the utmost respect given to everyone. They in turn are expected to govern themselves accordingly with honor, dignity and an enhanced sense of integrity. No officer is bigger or better than another. Those officers who have a certain rank, such as a sergeant, corporal, lieutenant or major still have a responsibility to carry out their assignments with all of the above. Seeing how devout and dedicated you were to your profession, Officer Cook, it is no wonder other officers enjoyed the humbleness to share and to work along side of a determined public servant who only had the best intentions in mind to serve and to protect the rights, liberties, peace and unity of all Dade County residents right there in plain sight of your comrades who recognized your valor, courage and bravery. Your commitment to exceed what was expected of you stands today as it did on May 16, 1979, as your legacy, which shines as brightly as your beloved and treasured soul. Thank God for supremely honest men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, of stellar character uplifting and elevating at the same time you placed your life and career on the line to save lives and fortify the rights of all people. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 8, 2015
The friends you acquire, the company you keep can have an everlasting impact and effect on how you turnout. Police officers are sisters and brothers bounded together from around the country and the world in honor, dignity and integrity. Their love of people, their willingness to perform a dangerous profession right there shows us a glimpse into their character which must be stellar and above reproach. Your friends, Officer Cook, Karen's friends all came from somewhat a similar area in that your chosen professions of endeavor placed you both in somewhat challenging dilemmas. Your habits, ethics and actions as both a nurse and a police officer must be dignified, trustworthy and without a shadow of doubt for the patient, for the people that you served and protected. Care, patience and consideration must be amplified in order to get a desirable resolution. In treating an illness you must first take a patient's history. In investigating if possible you must be acutely aware of one's surroundings. Once again, you duties, Officer Cook, were focused on an optimistic ending where in which all parties were satisfied with the outcome. You were a naturally friendly person with a smile so congenial, at least those who partnered with you from time to time knew you would support them and come to their defense. You displayed this many times during your watch and on May 16, 1979, it was no different even when you were not required to answer that call, you went boldly and most bravely to a scene you had gone to many other times. God needed you more and He took His brave and humble warrior up to heaven to help Him patrol those sacred golden streets where no harm will ever come your way. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All your wonderfully loyal friends and acquaintances still salute your grace and gallantry this day and forevermore.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 7, 2015
A worrier destroys their life. If one learns to live in the present, then they will free themselves from much needless misery and concern. There is a natural tendency to find good in the eyes of others. Nothing wrong with this thought process. Needing the approval from our fellowman should be a strong motivating factor for us to do the will of God. Instead of asking the question what will my neighbor think? Ask better yet what will the Almighty think? After all we are born on this earth to do good deeds and to enhance the landscape of this world in peace, unity, liberty and honor. That is precisely why, Officer Cook, you were one of God's many humble, dignified and courageous public servants. Your devoutness was tested as is the character and respect that police officers work so hard to earn. It is not something just handed to you like a glass of water. Respect and admiration must first be earned, you earned yours from the time you were growing up in North Miami Beach, Florida until the of your last ounce of energy you expended fighting the brave battle over evil. We will never know exactly what Mr. Pearsall was thinking the day of May 16, 1979 when he took your life and nearly those lives of your comrades. We do know your boldness to act swiftly, your undaunted and unselfish commitment to excellence will never cast a shadow of a doubt who you were as a person, even more so how you humbly distinguished yourself as an outstanding and valiant police officer. Dade County residents can very grateful for your heroism to be perpetually saluted. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'm sure your mother, Mrs. Cook and your beloved wife, Karen said their prayers and prayed that you should finish your shift and return home safely. We all pray for our loved to come home. My mother also prayed for my dad, Owen Davis, may he rest in peace to come home safe and sound. He did this for nearly forty years as a New York City police officer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 7, 2015
Your future was bright, Officer Cook, six years of stellar character, six years of professionalism, all in all twenty-five all too short years of a rich life, one borne from a very decent and outstanding upbringing. Yes, it was very traumatic to lose you at such a young age with so much more left to fulfill. Your comrades are trying their utmost to pick up where you left off. Your loving and much beloved family members are trying to act and accomplish in their lives as you accentuated with grace, common sense, honor and integrity. It was always for the moment and your unwavering and unselfish acts of heroism and boldness which has offered Dade County citizens the right, the chance to live their lives in peace, liberty and unity. And when men and women of faith distinguish themselves on this very dangerous career path we must remember them, celebrate their lives, salute their efforts and never forget their acts of righteousness. Yours, Officer Cook, will be saluted forever. One inch cost you your life and career, it is said if you give someone something like one inch they will take a mile, something to that affect. Your life and dignity surely meant the world to this world, it means more nearly thirty-six years later, God surely remembers the simple, the wise and the brave as you were one of His many unique and talented unsung heroes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. That inch has now brought many officers who are wounded in the line of duty a second chance. Sometimes we don't get a do over or second chance. Never take things for granted. I know you did not Officer Cook. You made people laugh and smile, in today's times that can be an arduous task, a tall order to achieve. You also were serious when the moment called for such measures. Something not to be sneezed at nor overlooked.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 6, 2015
In order to grow, in order to learn and to achieve we must first accept criticism lovingly and humbly. People think and comprehend differently, a fact we must accept. It takes a bigger person to accept their mistakes, correct them and move on. We have faults and these are correctable and onward and upward we go to humbly making this a better place to excel. You excelled, Officer Cook, because of your humility to go and patrol our streets with dignity, integrity, courage and valor. Your professional commitment was your bond and for this you are to be commended. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It surely takes a man of great insight to admit when they falter, you did not, repeat did not falter, your concentration never waned, it was squarely on your precisely difficult tasks at hand.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 6, 2015
Badge #1664 which your wore proudly and honestly for six years, Officer Cook, was the sign that you were a much beloved and respected member of your department. Your self-discipline, your resolve to accomplish was always at an optimal ceiling. Never less than a one-hundred percent total effort. Your comrades admired you, they cherished the time and opportunities to work along side of you, for we see it strengthened their resolve and character knowing who you were and what it took to tackle the demands of a mentally and physically taxing and challenging position. Some give all, some give a little, you my neighbor, friend and hero gave the ultimate in order to keep the bonds of peace, unity and goodwill connected properly and flowing one way. Upstream and looking to accentuate the positive. God takes His heroes and heroines and keeps them safe and sound. He distributes some of their bravery, courage and valor back down here on earth to those who carry on your watch. There is no time for games. The plan is simple, to lookout for evil and try to root it out before it threatens to tear apart our freedoms and prosperity. All things that you humbly excelled in doing for a just cause. Rest in peace. Officers who lay their lives down is serious just as the officer who strays from the proper path and the special mission of which they were handpicked to do, to serve and to protect. The chain cannot be broken, the bonds must stay firm, the concentration can't be lacking, focus must stay affixed.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 5, 2015
Police officers work hard enough to keep the channels of goodwill, peace and unity flowing freely in their communities. Guilt or innocence is not decided by police officers, that is up to the various courts of law to distinguish between guilty and innocent especially when one is judged by their peers. Since you were an upbeat and positive individual, Officer Cook, you never let anything hinder your judgment, cloud your thinking, stand in the way of you honorably and professionally performing your basic public service duties. If officers allow things to enter into their work ethics, somehow things can and sometimes will go terribly wrong. Getting sidetracked is not what police officers need when they go out on the streets to patrol and to safeguard the citizens. You were the kind of person who took to heart the feelings of people and you made certain they were treated in a careful and cautious manner. Your wisdom, Officer Cook, your maturity beyond your years was the basis for a solid career. That was the path you worked quite hard to achieve. The violence that took your young life is what our society has to deal with this day and to attempt to eradicate it once and for all. Your humble achievements are duly remembered as is your legacy and stellar character which is expected from all duly sworn officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 5, 2015
God created a world full of many different things to behold. He also created the resources and public servants who have gone out and risked their entire beings for our benefits and freedoms. Knowledge of what we possess is the true wealth. What makes a person happy today instead of thirty years earlier? A person can be overcome by materialistic ideals, does that make one happy? You were born, Officer Cook, in a happy and healthy home. Your parents gave both you and your sister, Nancy, all the right tools to become achievers. Police work is tough, arduous, grueling and mentally and physically taxing. At the end of the day you feel drained. Your lovely wife, Karen, sacrificed as you sacrificed in order for we the people to lead healthy and thriving lives. Your work ethic serves as our inspiration to lead a life and to perform a career as a police officer with the most positive zeal that you firmly maintained for six years of boldness, swiftness to act and solid professional commitment to pride, excellence and honor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your bravery, courage and valor sparked other officers to emulate your patterns of productivity, of which nothing will be forgotten. You were a gem of a person and as a police officer. Metro-Dade has the best in you, Officer Cook, your memory should be for a blessing!
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 4, 2015
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