Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We look at what appears to be our shadows, a reflection of our very self. But, what is really is is our true personas. There are those who can handle a "full plate" of work or whatever tasks are required to get the job done right the first time. You were one of the many humble and likable public servants, Officer Cook, who could do as we say handle a full load of various assignments. The empty feeling we suffer by your tragic loss cannot ever be replaced. There is a time for pain, anguish, grief and heartbreak and as the many months and years come and go, a slow healing process starts to take shape. It's roots embedded deep within us. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, you live and be well at age ninety-none, God bless you. The pain, the suffering, losing both your beloved husband, Charles and then two and a half years later, your darling beloved son, Metro-Dade Police Officer, William C. Cook. Your "Billy." A shame I never got to know all of you. To the people of North Miami Beach, Florida where he and his big sister, Nancy grew up, there will always be a sort of emptiness. You don't see too many humble heroes living among other people. I only wish Mrs. Cook that I could have been there that tragic day of May 16, 1979, to help your son in some way. When I first heard about his passing, I cried and all these years later I never forgot about him. I checked out this book entitled, "Forgotten Heroes" and his story I've read about. I saw he attended Sabal Palm Elementary School where my sister, Michele and I both attended and your living in North Miami Beach. I visited your home, could have rented it , missed you by two weeks, I got hold of this book around September, 2008 which would have given me two years to find where you resided. Though, I narrowed down where, found your home, met Justin and he gave you my letter. I'll always be grateful for you having taken the time to write back to a total stranger. My family was living in Hallandale Beach, Florida in a home at the time. I visited your home and met Gina, Trevor and their kids, your three great-grand children. I cried when I showed her her uncle's picture on my phone. Now you can understand why I feel this way when something happens to a police officer. My father, Owen, may he rest in peace was a New York City Police Officer for almost forty years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I still have your "Billy's picture" from the book I read and wow forty years later of him smiling in his uniform, one would honorably and truly proudly behind Our American flag. God bless you Mrs. Cook and your entire family. If you read this Nancy, I do hope Gina and Trevor and their family are fine and enjoyed my little gift to them. Legend will remember I played soccer in your backyard with him. Say hello to Alexis, who is in college now and her sister, Skyler. They will remember me I'm sure. I will always have some emptiness, as I walk by your old block, I salute your son for his heroics in life and in his career. A humble Godsend and a hero to be saluted for eternity. Humanity will forever be indebted for his acts of bravery, passion and valor. Everything your family accomplishes, Officer Cook, is a direct reflection of all the wonderfulness that you represented and imparted by your wisdom, intellect and maturity to others.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2015

That is the only courage: to drop the known and travel into the unknown. These are some of the many mysteries of life and in life itself. And it is not something to accomplish just one time, but over and over. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect and yet only Our Creator makes no miscues. Police officers are not perfect. They are not push button robots. They are not computers. Back in your day, Officer Cook, the myriad of modern technology was not yet born. If you only had some of today's technological advancements, who knows what some of the outcomes would be? Courage begins with fear, some apprehension. You performed your position maintaining fine quality, courtesy and respect for all those you bravely, courageously and valiantly served. No qualms whatsoever. Dade County can truly and proudly look back on one of its most loyally and dedicated public servants and humbly salute your achievements. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Only excellent feats and determination to do the right thing for all citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2015

So what is beauty? Is not beauty something that takes place when "you" are not; "you" with all your problems, with our insecurities and anxiety as to whether you are loved or not? When "you" with all these psychological complexities are not, then that state is beauty. Beauty it is said is in the eyes of the beholder. It was in your tripod and camera, Officer Cook, whether you were home or out in nature. The most surreal photographs was taken with your camera and watched by your eyes. What captured our interest was your decency and honor, as it was Dade County and the Metro-Dade Police Department's Roll of Honor to have you as one of its most distinguished heroes and legends to cherish and forever salute for your devoutness, loyalty and persistence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A beautiful soul has gone to heaven to take his place where your comrades who made the same ultimate sacrifice as you did rest securely in God's palms. Nothing will ever harm, hurt or bother you ever again. We should all be bothered, troubled when someone so young lays down their life for our pursuits of happiness to continue. Police officers need to act as psychologists at times to bring peace and unity to the forefront.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2015

The great swan on the wing; the flight of the alone to the alone. As a child I'm sure, Officer Cook, you enjoyed your playtime with your friends and neighbors. We tend to get lost or to divert our minds in the thick of it. Nothing wrong with this. You reveled in doing the things other kids did. And since your beloved parents knew you and Nancy, your big sister were on top of your homework assignments, a little leeway would be fine. As a finely trained and knowledgeable police officer there was probably a little space to try some other resorts to solving any problems that would come up. Your wisdom, understanding level and maturity beyond your years all drove you down the proper path. Your bravery, courageousness and valiant efforts on May 16, 1979, are going to be the benchmarks of how well you performed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today we find ourselves alone in thought thinking and marveling how well you lived life, learned all life's lessons and loved being around people making them feel at ease. We can remain peaceful precisely because of your unselfish actions aimed at riding Dade County of wickedness. As your soul continues its flights above, at least your engaging sense of humor has settled within all those who knew and admired you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2015

In holy accord do we listen to God's messages coming from the ground. The taciturn and humbleness from where life begins and when our lives are complete, our missions here in this world are finalized then do we go back to the dust from where we once came from. All embraces, all legacies and their lore go back forevermore in the earth, this holy ground where our remains are placed for safekeeping for God to bless and to watch over them. You maintained dignity your whole life, Officer Cook. You achieved where others may not have. You accommodated where it was necessary for the survival of mankind. You fought the battles of evil with grace and courage. You placed hope and trust back in the yards of the ordinary citizen. Because of your faithfulness and unwavering gestures of decency can we realize hope, peace and prosperity. All of our deepest thoughts and inspirations can be solemnly kept all because of your profound sense of diligence and vital vigilance all carried out with candor and consistency. One important thing vital to a police officer's safety and to the security of the residents. Dreams start from the bottom of the ladder, as one climbs each rung, things begin to take shape. The drops of rain which fall on the ground where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero are vital in that they nourish the hallowed ground in which you were laid to rest for having sacrificed your young life and career for us to treasure and cherish all the excellence you placed within the areas of Dade County and its people who have not forgotten you. You carried a blueprint and it spelled out a precise plan for how you would achieve a means to a peaceful resolution of any problems that would crop up. You carried the baton humbly. You lit the torch gently and with a hands on care, compassion, consideration and concern for everyone. It maybe dark where you rest eternally, but we all know your soul has kept our world safely illuminated and that flame stills burns warmly and as brightly today than it ever has.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2015

Sometimes in life things get so small it can be a bit difficult to see them. Look at space travel, a rocket goes up in space, it's launched and becomes so small as it travels from light into darkness. Here on this planet we call earth, we feel the touch of grief at the loss of a beloved family member. The wounds go deep, the physical and mental anguish unbearable at times. Then, as we try to make any sense at the loss of our loved one, hope comes and the adjustment period for healing starts to come around. We remember the life and times, the careers of our family member who gave something important back to our society. Our recollections, our memories get foggy and we may forget all that they meant to us. You meant the world to your family, colleagues and close friends, Officer Cook. They will always look back to a happy childhood, a terrific upbringing and a career built and engineered on precision, excellent morals honor and integrity. Police officers undertake a special mission to serve and to protect our vital interests and this needs to be accomplished with bravery, courage in their convictions and a boldness and a swiftness to their commitments. There can be no doubt that on May 16, 1979, this was all handled professionally in a manner that represented goodwill and translated into a very valiant effort to steer peace, unity and freedom to the residents of Dade County who admired and respected your quality of patrol around them. The legacy you left humbly behind for all to cherish is the message of hope and optimism which springs eternal. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your uniqueness, Officer Cook, represented the small steps we have to take in order to begin the enhancement and fortification of a community that during your time was reaching out for help in times of tension and turmoil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2015

Yes you were in candor and in consistency, Officer Cook, with never any hints of residual complacency. That does not belong in anything one's goes about to achieve. In police work, it can be a sure sign of trouble and I'm sure there's not one department nationwide condoning this sort of rogue behavior from any of its brave and valiant men and women. Kindness, not ruthlessness, care and concern have to be added in to an officer's daily role of supporting its protection to those citizens of which they serve. We can show remorse. Police officers understand and do try to comprehend their actions. One something goes down, like a discharge of gunfire, it's difficult to take something back and I'm quite sure you always put the citizens and their concerns at the top of your priority list. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You're now at the top of God's list of guardian and cherished angels whose boldness and courage did make a distinct difference in all of Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2015

The Lord in His in all His ways forms the various bodies of water for us to refresh ourselves and to be able to swim in them. The waves come crashing off of the rocks. We praise these and all of the various matters created for our benefit. Our eyes behold the wonderful capacity that God indeed possesses. Your grace is unbreakable. Your divine providence built for us to utilize at just the precise moment where intervention is surely needed. We sit and wonder. God ponders and plans our every movement from up above. From birth until our passing, high above in order for us to reach out to Him. The moon at night has the ability to make us calm and happy. You made us quiet and peaceful, Officer Cook and it was all directed by Our Creator who planned your pathways in life. A life lived quite well, instrumentally by faith from your parents. A devoutness and a desire to serve God and to do His will. As one of His truly outstanding and brave public servants, you gave Dade County residents back their liberties, peace and unity. All smiles and a sense of humor that could not be matched and all sorely missed this day and forevermore. The wings you now wear in heaven my neighbor, friend and hero now take you wherever God needs you patrolling His venue. Rest in peace. You performed beyond admirably. You went out where not too many would dare to go and you achieved in a matter of mutual trust and respect among all. All those courageous souls up in God's golden castle watching over us with assurances that no harm will ever come to you again and hopefully none to us. A remarkable reflection of humility and success.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2015

May the four corners of our universe converge upon us. O Lord we praise the fruits of Your labor as you watch and bless our works on behalf of ourselves and of our families. We take the sun, the moon and the stars that twinkle at night glowing for all to gaze at. How marvelous are Your deeds? You work as a finely trained police officer was measured by all things that are needed in all officers. Devotion, desire, dedication and determination. Honesty, dignity and integrity. How did you act toward the citizens? Were you a faithful and loyal resource to your comrades in times of trouble and distress? We can state emphatically yes you were. The consummate considerate and caring professional who will always be well regarded and thought in the most humblest of moments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2015

As the world gathers to pray for peace, let us resolve to be one nation unified. We watch our breathing, may we relax our bodies and minds and remain at peace. Let us smile and laugh and realize why we are the source of God's good graces. Allow us to shine compassion down towards our neighbors and may our suffering be lessened and a speedy healing find its way to our aching bodies. The air we take in to our lungs, the food and drink we utilize as a fuel of nourishment that allows us the chance to endeavor, may it be granted in good favor. Our humility, may it too shine down and never leave our sides forevermore. Nothing escaped you, Officer Cook, tragically your rights were taken, the very same that you and your colleagues stay the course day to day to serve and protect. Nothing is just given to us, nor shall it be taken for granted. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 22, 2015

As we all live our lives, when it is the time for god to take us, may He do so graciously. When we have reached the center and are ready to be laid to our final resting place, may our tears and sorrows be rejoined with a smile and Your eternal healing process. We stop and ponder. We explore and excavate. We ask why? It is Our Creator who has those and the many other answers to the mysteries of life and what is asked from all God's creatures? We are born and when we have accomplished what is deemed proper and righteous, then does God begin to judge and make decisions regarding our longevity. We reach out to taste, to smell, to touch, to see and to hear all part of these miracles and delights of life so enriching. The grace, the valor, the dignity and the beauty all wrapped around our little fingers of our hands to grasp and to hold firmly near our bodies. Our freedoms of speech, of peace and of unity do we rely upon our bravest and most courageous men and women of law enforcement to serve us, protect us and to enhance our welfare. You were part of the many brothers and sisters, Officer Cook, who made sure by your solemn affirmation that all would be in order. You laid the foundations precisely by your honor, integrity and faithfulness, nothing can ever tarnish nor demean all that you represented in Dade County and to its people. Nearly thirty-six years later you are being saluted for taking a stance in the heat of the moment when evil was being brandished in an abnormal fashion. You stood toe to toe, face to face and gave your life to allow our hopes, dreams, aspirations and inspirations to continue. This is your legacy. I know it will only continue its growth as does your soul that steadily goes up that ladder to God's golden streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 22, 2015

We can all converse with stellar clarity that your unselfish, unwavering acts of heroism, Officer Cook, are to this very day the ramifications of determination and intellectual dedication to persevere on our behalf. The result of these courageous deeds to safeguard a community in which you channeled your entire effort is surely being reverberated around the nation where your comrades continue doing the work, your goodwill that is the very repercussion of the components built into our society in which we champion, liberty, peace and unity for all mankind. Your loyal influence does carry much weight in and about an area of Dade County where it needed the most patrolling. You were decorated with humility to see your activities through and though it was an all too brief six years of excellent and a most resounding performance, your endeavor brought much hope, optimism and an imbued sense of relief and dignity. I think the residents would nod in agreement and would share in these thoughts in remembering your courage and acquaintance with all. Your smile, your impact left a mark that can never be erased nor tarnished. God has brought to His kingdom one truly unsung hero who wore the Metro-Dade Police Uniform with pride, poise and passion. You enjoyed turning your energies into emotions of free spirit and free speech for all and now your very spirit floats high above like a beam of light. That very beacon of hope shines eternal. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. For all the letters of our alphabet, there can never be one negative opinion of your uplifting, unwavering and terrifically understanding and compassionate character. A necessity for police officers and just about any other jobs that people perform on a daily basis, whether risk or danger hovers over them as it most certainly does in the law enforcement profession. A job well done!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2015

We now pray and perform Your will O Lord. For it in our best interests to act with the proper reverence and dignity that we know is right in order to achieve. We bow in awe as we take leave to go out and bring home a living to support our families. Faith and resolve can take a person a long way provided they act within the scope of what is deemed moral and ethical. And this is why you were very humbly successful, Officer Cook. But, it all takes its genesis in the home. Kind of like a baby taking its first steps as they learn to walk. Your efforts, Officer Cook, brought forth assurances that the citizens of Dade County were being served and protected by one of the best. Resourcefulness on your part left no ramifications of anything terrible occurring to anyone. The reverberations of optimism have continued spinning like a top in a most constructive nature. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2015

We say good evening and thank you God for allowing us to have fun. We're happy You've created all beings, plants, the stars, the sun and the moon. The trees survive the seasonal changes. The rain and snow falls, the leaves change their color. But we know God is around us at all times directing our every movement toward endeavor. God lives in us, we clap hands and praise Your great and awesome name. Every time we either open or close our eyes we are grateful. We love our dear friends and colleagues from our chosen fields of work. You loved your friends, Officer Cook, they admired and revered you. You were one of the most respected officers during your watch. This was accentuated on mutual trust and loyalty. Your faithfulness, your pleasantness, your integrity and dignity when consolidated with your honesty, bravery, valor and courage offered you the opportunity to patrol a venue, Dade County and give the residents the best choices and chances at being unified, at peace with one another and free from tension and turmoil. Outstanding work along with your humbly and humanely stellar character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sun continues to shine, the moon stays aglow because of your most swift and heroic actions of May 16, 1979.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2015

May You Our Protector and Savior lead us from day to night and from night back to day. The sun goes down, the night and stars appear in the heavens above. Our families relax and then go to sleep. Some prefer to work days, others prefer working nights. Police officers and some other professions don't give their employees choices. If you have to work days, you work days, if you have to labor under the stars, then that is what you have to do to earn a living. Our Creator knows what is deemed proper for us. He leads us down the paths of life that He feels we will succeed. He satisfies us and renews us with vigor and strength to behold. As we are all taught, most of us that is, each new day is a test, a challenge to see where we are and what befits us. You looked at each day as a Metro-Dade Police officer, Officer Cook and sized up the various situations that were assigned to you and a partner if that particular day you rode with one. We never seem to be able to comprehend the complex matters in life. We only want at times to gravitate to that one moment. Every moment of your outstanding life and upstanding career was calculated on how you could make the citizens safer, more secure and to deliver serenity to a community where you were known and respected for your dignity and bravery. If only Mr. Pearsall, the young troubled man who took your life and dashed all your future hopes, plans and dreams had only contemplated his actions before he acted evilly upon them. Our Lord only knows that answer and the reasons behind his wicked motivations. You my neighbor, friend and hero acted with humility as you always did. Your bravery, courage and valor went well beyond the bounds of duty, it only brought a tense community I want to believe that much more closer. Though it should not have taken the ultimate sacrifice of a young and superbly splendid public servant who only functioned within the means of logic and sound thought planning. You remain a humble Godsend to all and a most beloved hero to your family, colleagues and many close friends who admired your wisdom, wit, charm and maturity beyond your twenty-five years. Rest in peace. Those stars indeed shine brighter tonight and every night because of our many brave women and men like yourself, Officer Cook, who were stable, unshaken and unwavering in their professional convictions. To see justice dispensed properly and fairly was your number one priority. This is every officer's motto or mantra. This is the truth and nothing but the truth.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2015

We praise the God who allows us to rest and to dream as peace quiets our beings. At night when we retire, the aches and pains we suffer from abate a bit. In the morning when we awaken, we see Your everlasting spirit as its presence abounds within us. Make us realize the value of our time on this earth to accomplish our daily chores and work which is essential to both our survival and to our families. Reconcile us to remember the past, the past, the present and the future. You who nourish our bodies with food and drink in order to serve You with the proper reverence, allow those who have labored in honor, dignity and courage who have passed from this world to rest with honor, integrity and a renewed valor. From dawn until dusk did you, Officer Cook, labor and toiled mightily on Dade County's behalf. Your service was one of distinction, quality, proper moral standards, devotion and a profound determination to allow peace, liberty and unity to line up against each other as do the residents who cherish their health and prosperity. You were the best and you should rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A career built on quality and reliance. Never to be forgotten for your heroic actions on May 16, 1979. So much more was left for you to achieve, Officer Cook. Your family is carrying out your legacy and all its aspirations left unfinished. You would be extremely proud of them!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2015

Repercussions come at times without a profound sense of reliability, resourcefulness and responsibility. No one ever for once doubted your ability to succeed, Officer Cook. Police officers always have to think and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Violence against law enforcement has these reverberations that can lead to serious consequences beyond even the most highly trained officers capabilities. We seek to create a bond of hope, of optimism that always stays enhanced within the communities where they patrol with braveness, courageousness and valor. All of these traits can be surely validated by their proper ethical behavior while maintaining honesty, dignity and integrity while staying the course of impartiality. You were the very best at helping and preserving the peace, unity and liberty of all Dade County residents and this won't ever be forgotten. The torch of inspiration has been lit and continues to illuminate itself this day. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Officer William C. Cook has fondly been remembered for being concerned, wonderful and caring.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2015

We speak in God's presence and thank Him for the life he has given us. Bless the name of the Lord who divides day and night, with knowledge opens the gates of judgment. The times and seasons change for a reason, with awe and reverence do we take notice of the constellations at nightfall. Morning, the sun comes up, at dusk it goes down and the big blue and white moon appears. The wonders and mysteries of life eternal we observe them right before our own two eyes. We seek intelligence to begin to comprehend the what, why and hows of life. Why do we live and what is our goal or missions while we are alive? You brought a sense of vision and awareness, Officer Cook. You set out to be successful and never once wavered from your commitment. For this you shall be saluted. Your young life and most dignified career shall be celebrated forever, this is what you meant to all citizens. Enlightening, endearing and engaging, characteristics of a well lived life, all this is sorely missed today. God has His treasured and very cherished angels of enlightenment, endearment and engagement. Three words that go perfectly together with honor, dignity and integrity. The other three words, bravery, courage and valor too fit the profile of what is expected from all human beings no matter their chosen line of work or professional endeavor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 19, 2015

At night we lay down to the stars above. Morning we arise by the light of day. The Creator of all light, give us the intellect to distinguish between day and night. The lamp that You have lit shall stay that way forever. The torch you lit, Officer Cook, shall surely stay lit for all that you meant to Dade County residents and their serenity. A humble and most respected hero, your soul does shine as brightly as those stars that twinkle at night. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God directs the movements of all celestial beings for a purpose. You took direction, Officer Cook and with your abilities there was no doubt how fine an officer you would become. Your presence was the beacon by which all future officers are being judged. Your smile and charm was so endearing, it's a crying shame all that transpired nearly thirty-six years ago. The power of persuasion can be a tremendous resource for any police officer, yours, Officer Cook, was a truly special gift that not too many people possess. Badge#1664 meant something to your family, colleagues and friends. It was worn with solid integrity, dignity and professional commitment. Lights in our homes can stay illuminated because of your unwavering and unselfish goal of excellence and bravery beyond reproach.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 19, 2015

Remembering you, Officer Cook, for your love of nature, your photogenic hobbies were a source of pride, as they were a way for you to relax and look at things with another lens. Beauty should not be wasted nor made fun of as it is an integral part of our lives. As we listen and heed the messages coming from your soul in heaven, let us pay very close attention to the wisdom that endeared you to your family, your comrades and many close personal friends. It was passed on to so many others. All the heartfelt care, love and compassion you exhibited and gave to all should be shared for the ages. Your maturity can be passed down and one needs to understand that indeed silence is golden. It's not a complex science to weave our way through. You did it my neighbor, friend and hero quite masterfully and it never steered you wrong. Rest in peace. By the way Mrs. Cook, I looked up your birthday of September 17, 1915, you were born on a Friday, our Sabbath eve and the eve of one of our most sacred holidays, the Day of Atonement also called Yom Kippur. You should live and be well, now I can possibly note your faithfulness and spirituality.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 18, 2015

At twilight we take time out for sharing, caring and remembering. The two worlds, this world and the next world crisscross and join together as one. War and bloodshed, violence and hatred have no place in this world. Only peace, freedom and unity can take their rightful places on center stage. All of these characteristics are supposed to happen it's just not always when we want them to occur. Memories of good people who we cared about are shared with all who listen. It's their lamps that stay eternally lit for those to remember. The next world is composed of darkness, but when you have heroes and heroines about God's golden angels, you realize His streets we be well looked after. Exactly why you're now and forever among these guardian angels, Officer Cook, who with a steady stream of optimism, bravery and courage did you keep us safe and secure. The dignity, honesty and integrity has maintained those lights burning and shining off your treasured soul. And one never to be forgotten for your entire effort. Violence should not have ended your life and career way too soon as there was more left for you to accomplish. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No matter the time of day or night you'll always be well respected and thought of. Dusk, dawn nighttime or daytime you were there for all Dade County residents.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 18, 2015

I meant to say, Officer Cook, You bring us life and we should rise as swift as a lion. And it was those comrades who worked with you and helped to battle evil with you everyday. Events of violence illustrate lunacy. Meaning evil no matter how hard you try to take a bite out of it, it still continue to rear its ugliness. As police officers ponder and attempt to grab hold of this monster, we should keep in mind the positives and negatives, try to stay the course and to accentuate the most optimistic outcome in which no more further escalation of bloodshed occurs. Your kindred my neighbor, friend and hero, along with your valor and dignity assisted you in a far more greater manner. Rest in peace. Those taking over your watch now have a more enhanced role than ever and they need not only the citizens helping out, they require the same amount of honor, moral conduct and an entire code of ethics as you so faithfully established during your career. The craziness of this world has us all bent out of shape at times, but when things get rough, you must not give up the war. Keep applying the pressure, sooner or later the good guys and gals, the police officers will be victorious.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2015

Beloved King of all creation, through the sunlight and many waves of the many bodies of water, You brings us life, peace and joy to all living spirits in this world. Your make holy our beings in order for us to serve You properly with trust and an everlasting faith, with resolve to live and to prosper the correct manner. When we get up from our slumber, let us rise with pleasure and the swiftness of a lion. If we shall stumble, help lift us back up to our feet to continue our pursuits and journeys of life so valuable. Earth brings us life and God returns our souls and beings back from where they came from. A birth and one's passing from this world come nearly each moment, sometimes there is no time to prepare or to say a fitting goodbye. The things we work for give us the strength and fortitude to bless You and for the grace by which we should be thankful. Officer Cook, as a man of faith, a man of humility, one who believed in proper morals and ethical behavior, you set out with your compass pointed in the right direction of honesty, dignity and integrity and these essentials carried you throughout your days, months and years as a public servant who went out to patrol Dade County streets with diligence and a vision of valor and vigilance. A blessing and a humble Godsend, you have been missed terribly by your devoted family members, police colleagues and personal friends that both you and Karen acquainted yourselves with. The street sign, the stained glass window, the brick at Tropical Park in Miami, along with your name engraved on the marble wall with your other fallen comrades are the signs of a well lived life heroically lived and a police career carried out with perseverance and calm ringing from your lips. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your upstanding character and feats of humanity are there for all to take notice of. A legacy to be perpetuated for generations to come. You set the bar high, now it's up to us to maintain its standard of quality and excellence.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2015

May everything from our homes be pleasant and beautiful. From our feet to our heads, from where we walk, think and produce achievement. Our beds where we retire at night to relax and all above us may it be pleasant too. As long as you were out on patrol, Officer Cook, how could things have gone wrong. Tragically, for all your resolve and spirit of calm, things went wrong on May 16, 1979, a day never to be forgotten for your family, friends and comrades who you went out to battle evil with each day. Your actions were outstanding as was your courage, commitment and bravery, over and beyond was is asked from every police officer. Dade County residents with an everlasting certainty will always cherish you and remember the kind-hearted human being that you were and will forever remain. Life goes on, but not before pausing to look back at your heroism humbly accomplished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The entire police world grieved over your loss. The all too soon sadness of a young life that had so much more to give back and to achieve taken before your time. God only knows. If we the ordinary citizen only knew why? There was no "scardy cat" in you, only fighting for peace, justice and liberty until your last breath. We go on breathing and enjoying life because of the ultimate sacrifice that you made. You delivered only top notch, high quality service born of stellar character.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2015

I meant to say Officer Cook, that to accomplish is not to be scared, as well as being devout which you were. To be scared is one who perhaps does not attempt something positive. At least my neighbor, friend and hero you were not timid and fearful. You faced situations and danger head on, you did not runaway on May 16, 1979. You were right at the heart of that domestic disturbance in Liberty city showing your comrades, your family and all your friends just life is about. The courage to commit, the bravery to act swiftly and the valor that was not vacated, only thing to say is your actions were exemplary. Rest in peace. I apologize, you were not scared or afraid. I might be that, you surely were not. Your held your head high and all of us were mighty proud of you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 16, 2015