Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Relationships are important. So are people who humbly speaking perform dangerous jobs in which they place their lives in peril for our freedoms, safety and security. You were one of these people, Officer Cook, who needed no fanfare, no elaborate announcement. Whenever you went out on patrol, the residents of all Dade County knew you and they respected at least most of them did, your authority. You made many friends from your department and outside of the department just because of who you were. A competent, caring and courageous young man whose whole life and career was centered solely on serving and protecting with everlasting dignity, integrity and honor. The pride you had when you first put on your police uniform, one could only imagine what if you were able to take it off and retire when your colleague retired, Officer Frank Piloto, who retired November 10, 2000. That would have been twenty-seven years with the department. Now my neighbor, friend and hero as you rest in peace nearly thirty-six years later all the what ifs, should and could of a life and career that was just getting started, though you were a six year veteran of the department. You will be fondly remembered and saluted for your unselfish sacrifice to bring peace and salvation to an area starving for it. You paid the dearest of prices and those who lived in North Miami Beach, Florida and still live here as my family still does, you would be well regarded. You dared. You cared. You shared. You were committed. Your acted as all police officers should in times of trouble and duress.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2015

There are times when we act out of fear, panic or desperation. Maybe we are a bit bewildered, maybe we are grateful and humbled for having the many dignified and bravely courageous men and women in the law enforcement community serving and together protecting our common interests. Each lifetime is the pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle. For some there are more to put together than others. There are those who find the puzzle quite hard to assemble. Some are born with a nearly completed puzzle. And so it goes. Souls travelling this way and that way trying to piece together the myriad of parts. In reality, no one has all the puzzle parts, it's God who has placed the pieces together and now it's time for us to act in an orderly fashion to piece together these parts in honor and with clarity, dignity and an abundance of integrity. We carry our puzzles, their pieces, others take with them our parts. We display ourselves to God who has created us each according to the image He sees fit. Some was your life and police career, Officer Cook, no square pegs in any round hole. The pieces and all their parts fir quite nicely and very neatly. Your whole life was well balanced and properly maintained in order for you to maximize all of your God-given talents. Bravery, sheer courage and a valor all validated what we who knew you, knew you to be that truly inspirational young man. A true humble hero who dedicated his whole life and career to fighting the negative forces of evil. When we now forever take a look back at that awfully tragic day of May 16, 1979, it was and always will be a date of proper reflection, fondly remembering your commitment to serve all residents of Dade County in truth, justice and in an unshaken voice of calmness with the passion needed to raise the level of compassion you had for all who respected, admired and proudly salute your sacrifice from the bottom of their hearts. Your soul, your memory will always be implanted within your loving family members, esteemed comrades who knew and realized all of your wisdom, insight and maturity that was beyond your years. The scope as your friends would say placed you ahead of the crowd in both humanity and in humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Figuring out how to piece together God's puzzles can sometimes be a rather complex task. But, a chore, a serious challenge we must face if we are going to survive and thrive in an ever changing world in liberty, unity and peace. The decency and decorum you displayed, Officer Cook, certainly bears out your devotion, desire, determination and an exceeding immeasurable amount of dedication to duty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2015

When angels, God's guardian angels, police officers are sent into the streets to do battle against evil, they are changed into winds and when they spread the word of God, the proviso of peace and unity into their chosen communities, they are like ministers of defense, for it is with their unwavering faith and loyalty, supported by their wisdom, knowledge, bravery and valor that the citizens can live and thrive properly. Officer Cook, you were one of the many heroes and heroines chosen for a special mission, to go and serve as a very dedicated servant of Our Creator. What is it like to stand into the wind? Pretty much like talking to anyone. What is it like to humbly and with a confidence in your voice and reflection be able to stand in the face of evil, saving your comrades from impending death and those civilians who trusted and respected you that you gave your life on their behalf? We'll never know quite what was in the mind of that troubled young man. We do know however, your courageousness, your resolve and resourcefulness never wavered, never lacked in any detail that the profession of police work demands from any of its brave men and women. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2015

Investigation. A very interesting and sometimes a most profoundly perplexing word. All people, police, lawyers, doctors, etc. look to this word to give them sound, sage and revealing advice. You always looked to others, Officer Cook, for advice, for wisdom and knowledge, though you possessed a seemingly unending reservoir of intelligence and maturity beyond all your twenty-five years. You delivered professional style and grace. You handled your assignments always with the most highest concentration of urgency and decency. The desire, dedication, devotion and determination was never at all lacking. So it is with the fondest of memories that we so salute your sacrifice on behalf of all Dade County citizens in which you exhibited the level of bravery, courage and valor that is expected from all public servants who wear the Metro-Dade Police Department uniform with humility, humbleness and pride. Anytime you went out on the streets to patrol people could be guaranteed they would be receiving fair and just treatment. No craziness, only business in a loyal and truthful manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All your investigations were centered on dignity for all, keeping intact the basic integrity and honor together as one resource.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 18, 2015

Evaluation. A very important word in any endeavor we choose to pursue. All facets of life and of the chosen careers er aspire to achieve require a fair dose of self-evaluation. Police work which has its risks and is perceived as a dangerous profession falls under this scope. One must be careful, trusting at times when bravely, courageously and valiantly pursuing the peace and tranquility of the community where they patrol its venues. Officer Cook, for all you were worth as a treasured family member, a resourceful police officer, a loyal brother to Nancy, a beloved husband to Karen, you certainly help maintain the very dignity, honor and integrity of all Dade County residents. The decorum placed upon your shoulders over forty years ago has indeed stood the tests of time. Loyalty and sanctity followed you wherever you traveled and your trips were ones build within the foundations and cornerstones of only changing the good fortunes of all mankind forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were the legitimate and consummate professional whose resolve assisted those people realize their desires, dreams, aspirations and goals. You were a very goal oriented individual. Though, you had much more left to fulfill in this society and you continue to be missed terribly by everyone. You were the pride and joy of your beloved parents. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, I will always keep you all in my thoughts, hearts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 18, 2015

An angel can be describes as a messenger. Therefore all police officers could be viewed as messengers. They are not cherubic creatures, only creatures sent to us and their communities to serve and to protect the public interest. They perform many missions borne out of love for the profession, of which yours, Officer Cook, bubbled over from your golden heart. You brave and most courageous and heroic effort on May 16, 1979, not only enhanced forever the landscape in all of Dade County, it accelerated all dialogues of peace and grace, relieving the tensions and turmoil that threatened to tear apart the citizens. You made good on your affirmation to serve and protect and now God has you up in His heavenly shelter watching over you as you patrol those sacred golden streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Indeed, human beings have that chance, that opportunity to fulfill their dreams and aspirations because of your donning of a uniform and badge with so much honor, pride and humility. You were really more than just a messenger, you were a truly nice gentleman and an even greater hero. We just have to take a closer look at your life and police career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2015

The higher one's awareness goes the more things increase in importance. It becomes harder and harder to imagine their presence as merely chance. Until from the highest rungs, everything is seen. Everything is understood. Everything is in its place. Even this moment of heightened awareness is intended to be just now. There is no struggle or anxiety in any of this. Only looking with our eyes, hearing with our ears and speaking with our lips. There is only avoiding or awareness. With your outstanding and uplifting life and career, Officer Cook, there was never any fence straddling. Only from the depths of your heart and beloved soul came pure and straight forward honesty, dignity and integrity. It was all integrated within the four corners of all Dade County residents whom you served and protected their freedoms, liberties and unity with the humblest of bravery, valor, courage and boldness in commitment and a reverence in devoutness, loyalty and faithfulness. All of these and many more never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Everything you accomplished was with the utmost resourcefulness and sincerity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2015

A rising to one's destiny takes on many responsibilities as do the moral obligations one has to back up the words of honesty, dignity and integrity. Words are meaningless and empty unless backed up with the very core of decency, decorum and many more words just to name a few. We live in a free society where we have freedoms, unity and what we call peace. But, sometimes the quietness can be shattered and disturbed by an unending stream of tension, turmoil and kayos. You were there for six years serving the good residents of Dade County, Officer Cook, you were loved, respected, cherished, revered and admired, we can now witness why someone of you class was deemed an excellent police officer. Sadly, a great man, any even humbler gentleman, literally was taken from among us way too soon. Your bravery, grace, courage and valor have always stayed with you as have your heroically humane actions of May 16 1979. Always remembered and highly thought of. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your destiny of becoming a Metro-Dade Police Officer was a forgone conclusion as to the level of your professional performance. Your work ethic was second to none, your leadership, intelligence and maturity was the fighting spirit that all men and women who don a uniform and wear a badge should carry with them on duty. Very reliable and dependable were the characteristics that highlighted your watch. These words won't be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2015

And so words, actions, feelings, lives and history have come from something and are destined to go to something. Coming forth from a shared seed of the past. Setting out for a common fulfillment in the future. Each movement has a definite purpose. God plans, we look to aim high and achieve our goals and aspirations. Every action we fulfill and accomplish has real meaning. God's plans, our destinies are something we share with others. You shared so much with others, Officer Cook and you had a lot more to impart to this world in maturity, wit and in wisdom. Your heroic actions can be imparted on all officers, it's your honesty, dignity and integrity that has to be earned as does the respect from other colleagues. Your bravery, courage and valor only begin to tell the story of your humble life and successful police career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was your actions, Officer Cook, that had the most profoundest effects and your actions did speak louder than words. Dade County is hopefully listening to the golden words you spoke more than forty years ago. They are living proof that the world does have honest men and women serving and protecting the peace, unity and liberty of all citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2015

We say God's plan will come to be. Freedom, in the spirit of the way we utilize the word, is only an excuse to insist on moral culpability which is only an excuse to pretend that the social good we accomplish is from fear of punishment-instead of saying that we do everything we do because we want to. Like saying we have no alternatives. Yet we are free to be aware of the significance of each moment and those thoughts and actions that we collaborate to achieve. To comprehend our destiny or to runaway from our onuses. To fear heaven is to search for the holy intention that might be realized by our every action or discerned everywhere around us. Because of those many courageous and decent police officers serving and protecting our best interests do we get to live in peace and a gentle serenity. Officer Cook, the professional career you chose to achieve came about through the genesis of hard work, astute study and if you will a completely and carefully worded plan of what you needed to do to get this far in life. We are free to run and hide, but God is everywhere He knows our innermost secrets and tries to assist us in every way, shape and form to help us reach our goals and to maximize our achievements. We can not ever forget nor forgo those events which transpired that led to your untimely passing from our midst. You were an inspiration, through your cerebral spirit, your congeniality, your dedication and know how to transfer what you gained through experience to other men and women within your ranks. Always a step ahead in the scales of maturity and delivering unwavering and resourceful justice to all. Commitments are more than just words, they are the very symbols of how we raised by our loving parents and used to convey honorable effort in order for one to get the most out of their beings. You did this very skillfully, Officer Cook, your work file bears this out. You were dignified and had a high caliber of integrity and sincerity whenever out on the streets patrolling. When a life is lost no matter that person's age or whatever they performed, it is a loss for society. When a police officer knows danger lurks, they are aware and yet try to act as one who wears a badge should. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2015

Life is inescapably filled with meaning. That is because everything is prearranged. We have certain freedoms, liberties, unities and peace brought about through the hands and feet of our devoted police officers. We can be who we are or pretend to be someone else. I would safely state that it is better just to be modest, humble, honest and down to earth. This is meaning and each of us possesses a certain meaning as to how we carry on with our lives and careers that we choose to strive for. The labor, the toil, the sweat and the rigorous training and hands on learning are all the right tools to get the job done properly the first time. Being part of a constellation of parts that is itself part of an even greater scheme. The plans we set in motion are central parts of the truth, a convenience we perpetuate as we ponder the consequences of our basic actions. Nothing is completely separated. God Our Creator is completely involved in all facets of our living, breathing and surviving. Paradoxes, schemes, ambiguities, whatever these words cannot find the uniform of our brave and courageous men and women of the law enforcement field. They never hung around your stationhouse, department or your personal attire, Officer Cook, that was in large part because of your integrity and dignity, perseverance and diligence all directed by Our God who you were very devoted to as you were to all Dade County residents. For six all too brief years you worked feverishly and frantically to restore sanctity and decorum, decency and goodwill to all mankind and for this you'll never be forgotten. You will always be respected and cherished for your heroic actions on May 16, 1979, everyday before that and for the life of humility which you channeled into your everyday effort as a decent and honorable man and public servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Now in God's grand scheme of creating this universe, we have seen and read about those unsung heroes and heroines like yourself who risked their lives in an unwavering and unselfish manner to further shape and enhance the entire futures of their communities where they went out on patrol to battle the calamities of evil. A job well done! A hero taken before his time with so much more to offer in pride and honor. Your uniform and badge tell just a humble part of your story, Officer Cook. I'm proud to have read about you and to have met some of your devoted and loving family members. All people have meaning. Some just move up the rungs a little faster than others. It's not a race, we are in this altogether.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2015

You do not have to go anywhere to raise yourself. Just be true to yourself and not be like anybody else. The gates where you travel to uplift yourself are already opened and awaiting your arrival. You are who you are. Your there. Gates are all over. There is no person who does not have their hour and not a thing that does not have its place. You uplifted the lives of all people, Officer Cook, enriching and enhancing those colleagues so humbly honored to work alongside you. You were the quintessential go to police officer in times of crisis. Back in your day in the 1970's, Dade County and its various venues were experiencing tension and turmoil, you were there for them in grace, valor, bravery and dignity, with the courage to serve and protect all residents allowing the opportunities to live in a healthy and stable environment which in turn offered them this chance at freedom, unity and peace. They have not nor will not ever forget your heroic actions on May 16, 1979 and on May 19, 1979, when they gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral in Miami, FL for your Inspector's Funeral, just a few miles from where you laid your young life down for their safety and security. Your whole life and professional career was founded upon the principles of honesty, decency and comported yourself with the utmost proper decorum. No one ever had worries or concerns as to how you would achieve and maintain your humility as one of God's publicly devout and loyal servants. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your respect and humane accomplishments are now among yourself and God's humble guardian angels. All giving of themselves in the name of equality and justice for all. Courage, considerate and caring. All with the same professional persona. Their badges worn with honor served as their identification.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 14, 2015

Fragrance is one of the most mysterious wonders of them all. It can be subtle. Unavoidable. It awakens one's senses. It can be unavoidable. One cannot help breathing this into their lungs. Kind of like a tree blossoming. Its leaves change color in their season and then many more blossom and grow into something much more brighter and livelier. The pleasure of all people who knew you, Officer Cook, they knew who you were, your true identity. They knew to be loyal and faithful. Honest and sincere regarding their well-being. Dignified and and a staunch police officer of integrity and intellect so much so that you were able to lead other men and women officers. It is said that the entrances to holiness are everywhere. You left an indelible impression upon Dade County and its citizens that will always be shared and remembered as your legacy as their true police hero. Your wit, wisdom and maturity beyond your twenty-five years is the scent that will never lack charm nor fragrance. Each moment your magnificent soul continues its ascent to the heavens above where you now patrol God's golden streets. Even at the unlikely times and through unlikely places, there is no place on earth without God's Divine Presence. From the moment of your birth until your last watch this stayed on your person, this was your focus, to serve and protect, defend and rid the world from wickedness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You succeeded mightily and carried yourself with the utmost class and respect for your profession.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 14, 2015

If spiritual awareness is being then what do you have once you've reached this holiness? If inhabiting this world consists of doing, what then shall be said of being? One makes holy the action with the spirit and embody the spirit with the deed. Sort of like for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For all your good actions, Officer Cook, there is surely an eternal reward that one cannot place a value over. Your resolve, your resounding resourcefulness, your courage and convictions assisted in bringing the necessary changes in Dade County and how it has been enhanced since your unselfish sacrifice to restore and keep the freedom, unity and peace within all residents who live and prosper. For having been our humbly heroic champion of goodwill my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, may we all salute your God given talents and bravery, valor and dignity which was bestowed in large part because of your excellent upbringing by your two wonderfully eloquent and devoted parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cook. Your son, as darling and determined as he was should rest in peace. His pride, your pride and joy now occupies an important place in God's heavens where he patrols those golden streets like no other. His comrades here who have taken over his watch have some mighty big shoes to fill. They of course cannot ever be filled. The hallow ground where you rest Officer Cook, is to be remembered and cherished solely for how you comported yourself accordingly, only with the highest regard and morals for all people no matter who or what they looked like. You were among the many Dade County heroes and heroines who helped shape the face of how our future would turn out.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2015

Even if one is not a mathematical wiz, one can accomplish so much. It is strictly up to that individual. And to what length as to how they make it occur. You were by nature, Officer Cook, a devoted person, genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Your honesty and sincerity took you down the pathway of justice, liberty, peace and unity for all citizens of Dade County. Through light and darkness, good and bad, poverty and despair. But, in the end even on your last watch on May 16, 1979, there you were voluntarily answering a domestic call and with humbleness, boldness, commitment and resolve you were engaged in a terrible gun battle, yet you saved three civilians and your comrades that day from certain harm and most likely being killed. Oh, the why and the how, we will never know. We most assuredly know you are a loving and a most dedicated public servant whose life and police career with founded with the highest standards of decency, dignity, honor and bravery that has stood and will always stand as the foundation and cornerstone of your heroic legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One inch cost you your very treasured life, Officer Cook, nothing will ever take away all that you achieved in your twenty-five years of life. You were a very devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and great-uncle and with a crystal clear clarity, you had more, so much more left to fulfill. Only God knows why! There was never any quit or backing down from Officer William C. Cook. So much joy you delivered to everyone.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2015

It is intended for us to bring joy and good spirit to the world. Being devout and faithful is just part of something that should be incorporated in our lives. Religion was created to worship as we please since we have basic freedoms because of your unselfish and unwavering commitment to excellence through honesty, dignity and a central core of integrity, Officer Cook. A piece of paper has two sides. You possessed many sides all of which were humble, admired and respected for your professional capacities and capabilities. Every police officer's goal is to resolve all problems placed at their feet. Struggle is a part of life, you may fall, but it is the one who can rise humbly to the occasion is the one is rewarded. You were a great influence to all people and to your colleagues who have held you in the highest esteem for coming to the rescue of your comrades on May 16, 1979, as well as those three civilians who are forever grateful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Having a great partner in your beloved wife, Karen to share and care about all of life's experiences. Ups and downs are an everyday part of life's equation, even if one is not mathematical wiz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2015

Some days we wonder into something in life that is a mystery. I amazes us. We ponder and think about what we can accomplish at that moment that is special and will help us carry on in society. Our mothers and fathers raise us to be good children, good and responsible human beings. Your parents, Officer Cook, raised you and Nancy to be become exactly that and so much more. You humble presence graced this green earth for twenty-five years, so much so that you endeavored, became a man who worked and received that which you had put forth in determination and dedication. It takes this and a whole lot more, honor, integrity and dignity to make a real difference in this land. You achieved where others may not have. You provided leadership, strength, hope and optimism to all Dade County through your courage, valor and bravery, as of which have now become your legacy as our hero. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One day those hidden mysteries of life eternal will finally be unlocked. God's watches over your soul and that of those women and men who fought the battles against evil protecting you from any harm ever coming your way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2015

In some families not every child grows up and becomes a success. It's not an overnight process, as it may take many years of tears, toil and loads of effort. The carefully balanced scale needs a little off here and there in order to become once again properly balanced and in sync. In your family, Officer Cook, you and your sister, Nancy were raised with proper values and scruples so channeling those energies into a bright and brilliant police career all be it a dangerous and yet a challenging one, there is no mystery as to why you were so accomplished. The question to fathom is why you were taken so young and with more to offer this world? Only Our Creator knows that answer. You were a very brave and dignified police officer and a gentleman in your quietly personal moments. You held your head up with class and humility and that is all we can ever expect from our devoted and determined public servants who bravely serve and protect our interests. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All the tears shed for you, Officer Cook, will one day turn to those of joy as those who loved you will reunite with you and your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2015

And a child grows up and becomes a young man or young woman. The wisdom God instills in us can never ever be taken for granted. Since we are all God's wonderful children, it is up to us to make some sort of impression and to carry on with dignity and grace. God doesn't expect perfection, just a little bit of endeavor each day. Exactly, what you gave each day, Officer Cook, you displayed quite humbly your true class, your vision of hope and promise to all Dade County citizens. Honor can be taught, it is up to the one being instructed to carry on like a human being should comport themselves. Mysteries are mysteries. Fallacies, fiction and fantasies are what they are. Police officers need to go out on the streets where they try to serve and to protect under the proper codes of ethical conduct, yet act as bravely, valiantly and as courageously as possible. You maintained this decency and decorum not just for six years of loyal and dedicated service, yet carried it with you for twenty-five proud and humble years. The true hero in you my neighbor, friend and hero will never be lost. The lamp you lit over forty years ago when you started out as a Public Safety Officer at Jackson Memorial Hospital continued its brightness well into your career at the Metro-Dade Police Department. Those who served along side of you have never forgotten your boldness and commitment to thwart evil. The examples you set are there today for all to see as your legacy among all Dade County police heroes and heroines. Tropical Park in Miami, Florida is an excellent venue to begin remembering your keen wisdom, foresight and unselfish and unwavering maturity and intellect. Rest in peace. The bricks and the marble walls only begin to tell your story of outstanding professionalism through and through. As your beloved friend, Chief Geoffrey Jacobs said about you, Officer Cook, you were mature beyond your years. It would have been a humble pleasure to have met you and your wonderful family. I did meet some of them and for that I can be extremely thankful.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2015

Since failure is the polar opposite of success it is important to bear this in mind when our brave men and women go out and expose themselves to the most dangerous levels of any kind of evil. Thus this insures our survival and opportunities to continue to blossom. These courageous people, since they too have rights and families to return home to after their assigned shifts, it is up not only to their departments to try and offer them the tools of their chosen careers to achieve, but for us those ordinary people, we call the citizens to care, cooperate and be considerate of all elements that they drive right through while on their patrols. Officer Cook, you were that courageous and dignified young man, a gentleman whose humane nature and humble beginnings brought forth new hopes and dreams for all to aspire to become. To dream big. To have lofty goals to try to reach. Nothing stopped, nor kept you from succeeding. Tragically, wanton violence stopped what would have been a very prosperous and prominent career built by morals and the inane ability to see the big picture. Your valor, your unwavering integrity all are the cornerstones, the foundations that you laid and the sacred torch you lit never to be extinguished as you championed the liberties and rights of all men, women and children. Young or old, you were there. A young man from California traveling with his sister and parents to the great State of Florida about to make it happen. It takes time. It's not an overnight maturation, a knee jerk reaction. Hard working, wisdom, knowledge and careful planning were the correct ingredients that enabled you, Officer Cook, to get from point A to point B. Failure can never be trapped in an officer's mind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2015

Tradition versus transition. Sometimes words can get lost in the translation of what point a person strives to get across. The Metro-Dade Police Department is known as one of the largest police departments in the Southeast Region. And as such it functions under the proper guises of exceptionally trained men and women who go out in their community to serve and to protect the common interest of the residents. Their honor, dignity and integrity is being put to the ultimate test as are those of all fine police officers. I use the word fine, sadly you get a few bad apples that have to be taken off the streets and turn in their weapons and badges. Your loyalty, your commitment to serve proudly and to ultimately steer people clear of evil, Officer Cook, has been how you have been remembered. When our loved ones lay down their lives for our prosperity, we must not forget them. A tough transition to say the least, but, one made a bit easier all because of your bravery, courage and valor. A huge loss to your family, department and friends from all around the nation. The dates when your watch ended, Officer Cook, is not just some chronological number, it's a date that is destined to be revered by all and for you to be humbly saluted for having the intestinal fortitude to act accordingly even during stress moments. We are all proud of your endeavor and its accomplishments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Parting is most difficult to do as are the necessary transitions that must be afforded to other officers who took the same oath as you, Officer Cook, to go out with honesty and perform their professional responsibilities. All anniversaries of our lost brothers and sisters are meant to be marked by solemn reflections on how they lived their lives and careers as both heroes and heroines.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2015

One day we all hope and pray to God that the goal of all police officers is the complete eradication of wickedness from the face of this society. You were a very instrumental and integral servant in this endeavor, Officer Cook. Contempt breeds contempt. Success breeds success. Who can argue with this opinion? Police officers always seem to have plenty on their professional scales to weigh and to balance. It's a very fine line to bear and not to cross indignantly. Police constantly need the citizens and their hands to help them in this never ending battle over evil. You acquitted yourself, Officer Cook, with a high degree of charm, honor and valor. A legacy built on the foundations of excellence and diligence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We rest peacefully by day and night because of your never ending humble bravery, courage and convictions to see liberty, unity and peace reach their peaks. A very concerned, caring, compassionate and optimistically humane human being. All of this flowed from your body, you left everything on Dade County streets for those of us to witness true heroic actions that saved seven lives and countless others. Well done!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 9, 2015

Unity is our strength. Success our goal. On my travels on Friday to lead services at the various Independent and Assisted Living residences in Broward County, Florida, I pass a sign on a building that reads, "God wants us to do what is right not what is left." Interesting if one ponders those rather profound words. A decent and honest person of course would strive to do what is right. One lacking in wisdom may stray and veer to the left not knowing what is in front of them. But, you were the epitome of courage and bravery, Officer Cook, who looked in all directions in Dade County where you toiled and sweated in wanting to make the residents lives more safe and sound. Your commitment to your department brought pride and honor to all officers who ever donned a uniform and carried their badges of honor with humbleness, honor, distinction, dignity and integrity that has been everlasting. The keen vision you maintained helped you to become the faithfully achieving officer then and the hero whose actions that awful day of May 16, 1979, stand out as part of your legacy and in the history of all police heroes and heroines who have laid down their lives to better enhance i their communities of which they served and protected with both grace and valor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. What is left for us is too not go astray too much to the right or to the left. Your compass from the heavens above should provide us this assuredly most necessary assistance. Your professional pursuits needless to say were exceptional, top notch and always one-hundred percent top class. History will bears this statement out. As always, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Mrs. Cook. If you knew me or were told about me by your grandson, Justin Miller, your son, his uncle will always be held in the highest regards. Your " Billy," Officer William C. Cook has and will always have a special, very special place in my heart and prayers. Your son had more left to fulfill. God made sure, very certain that he would achieve and not falter during his twenty-five years on this Earth. You see He protects the simple, the humble and those whose work is loyal and honorable. you raised good children along with your husband, Charles, may his soul rest in peace. God surely has two of His most devout public servants up there guarding those golden streets. when violence takes a person's life, an officer or whomever, it is up to us channel their passions and energies into a positive light, a proper frame of mind with humility and zeal as the pillows and cornerstones supporting their life and career agendas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 9, 2015

A time for loving and a time for hating. How can you have both? This is just the way the world functions. All the monumental moments, all the experiences, all the joyful times of pleasure, sadly, we still have moments of grief. More than just fleeting seconds. It can take years to overcome the misery of losing a beloved family member. Exactly when a police officer gives their life in the line of duty further enhancing the serenity of their given communities where they were selected to serve and to protect. Sometimes, Officer Cook, we don't get the opportunity to offer a fitting goodbye. The logic of our modern society demands that whenever an experience offers two sides, only one can be good, the other not so good. You received my neighbor, friend and hero an Inspector's Funeral, fond and emotionally noted goodbye with honor, dignity and the same integrity that was the epicenter of your amazing and humble life and police career. You were admired and loved by so many citizens, officers from our locales and the many friends who shed many tears over your untimely loss. A loss felt as much today, this very moment as was felt nearly thirty-six years ago. So hard to believe time has seemingly flown by that fast. Like batting an eyelash. The bad can be removed, Officer Cook, by perpetuating your memory with the same care and consideration in which you afforded all people. The task may appear impossible, but with a little perseverance and persuasion hope and reality can come together as one in a positive and in a constructive fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your loss, your sacrifice on our behalf can never undermine all the good work you performed valiantly and gracefully on our behalf. We are forever indebted to you, Officer Cook. You never turned a blind eye on anything. May 16, 1979, bears this component of your life and career in which your boldness and resolve came front and center. There was no running or turning the other cheek. You stood in there face to face to confront a problem that seems to continually plague us. Just a loving and concerned human being whose humanity shall be one and endure for eternity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2015

The world exists. There is no question about this fact. The question that burns in the bellies is whether we as God's chosen children can do anything, make an attempt to make this place a safer venue to live in and to prosper. No matter what your chosen line of work or professional endeavor may become we strive to complete out tasks in a timely manner. It is up to us to do it honestly, with integrity and dignity, as there are standards of moral conduct that must be adhered to. Officer Cook, as you pursued peace, liberty and freedom for all people in Dade County we are reminded of the perils, dangers and risks that are associated with police work. A tall task for someone as respected and as humble as yourself. The grace, valor and commitment was always there. The swiftness to act heroic in the very face of adversity is exactly what sets our brave and courageous heroines and heroes apart from the ordinary hard working citizen. In the Cook household that proverbial apple of advancement and class along with the unbridled and unwavering responsibility did not fall far from the tree. The seeds you planted, Officer Cook have sprouted and are awaiting to be nurtured by all your future comrades who now have succeeded you in watching, serving and protecting the good residents of Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Dedication, determination, devotion and desire starts during one's upbringing and what a person makes as their lot in life and in their career carries over to what their legacy will eventually become. Your soul as cherished and as treasured as it was and continues to be helps keep the light on in this world making it a bit easier to distinguish between good and evil. The blessings of those who have known you, Officer Cook, will surely pay dividends later on in their lives and during their professional careers. It will never be repetitious to say you will forever be missed. You gave your all in this battle, war on crime and its wickedness that still rears its ugliness. Certainly that light assists your colleagues in finding the bad guys, the bad apples and taking them off the streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2015