Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Listen to the air. You can hear it, feel it, smell it, taste it. We sit together, don't touch, but something is there, we feel it between us, as a presence. A good way to start thinking about nature is to talk about it. Pretend you are conversing with the various bodies of water, to the winds that blow as we do to our relatives. Sometimes I go about pitying myself, while I am carried by the wind across the sky. We can sense when your abounding spirit is with us at all times, Officer Cook. I just look to the heavens above when I see planes flying around. Your family may see dark clouds and rain and know that sooner or later you'll help bring the rays of a beautiful sun. You were that humble, yet determined a gentleman, the kind of inspiration as a true professional police officer where others would gravitate to you, you brought the best to work everyday and for others that might in itself be a mighty task. I stand at your grave my neighbor, friend and hero when I visit and listen and observe the sounds of silence, sometimes quite sad or I have seen raccoons running around the cemetery looking for food. You were a very dedicated and loyal public servant who only delivered honor, faithfulness, respect and dignity to your position where it demands this from all personnel. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 10, 2014

The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time. It was your metal badge of honor that you shined each day, Officer Cook, your steel weapon that you carried hoping you would never have to use it. Unfortunately, on May 16, 1979, you had no choice but to utilize this county issued piece of safety equipment to protect yourself and your comrades from the harm of a beserk and troubled young man. You gave Dade County citizens dignified and solid professionalism with the utmost decency, respect, honor and integrity. Surely you'll always be fondly remembered. God's golden angels take their legacies with them to heaven to serve an even greater role now. That is to patrol His venues where no harm will ever come your way. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All people place an extreme trust in their law abiding police officers. This trust can never be broken.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 10, 2014

My words are tied in one, with the great mountains, with the great rocks, with the great trees, in one with my body and my heart. Do you all help me with supernatural power? And you, day? And you, night? All of you see me. One with this world! Your words, your heroic actions on May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, are all tied together with the wonderful life you lived, with the police career you so championed and with a passion to succeed where others may not have. Dignity, honor and integrity are tied to the success and achievements of all officers who dare to risk their lives for our pursuits of happiness, peace and unity. Failure to adhere to department rules and standards God forbid could have devastating ramifications to both the officer's safety and those citizens they serve and protect having taken an affirmation to do so. You were simply marvelous in all your undertakings my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. Heroes and heroines should not be taken for granted for performing in an outstanding fashion during stressful and adverse situations. Those who answer calls voluntarily are the kind of personnel who belong in law enforcement. You sir, Officer Cook, were a very proud member of the fraternity. Keep watching over your fraternity from God's golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 9, 2014

To see the greatness of a mountain, one must keep one's distance. To understand its form, one must move around it. To experience its moods, one must see it at sunrise and sunset, at noon and at midnight, in sun and in rain, in snow and during storms, in summer and winter and during all other seasons. He who can see the mountain like this comes near to the life of the mountain. As all police officers who perform their jobs, you performed yours, Officer Cook, at all times and during many various weather conditions except snowstorms. You were a breath of assurance to all residents of Dade County in that you served and protected them with a humbly lovable distinction, you were dignified and with your integrity you could resolve any situation placed before you. Your comrades always knew never to expect less when Officer Cook was out on patrol. Mountains grow and decay, they breathe and pulsate with life. They attract and collect invisible energies from their surroundings. The forces of the air, of the water, of electricity and magnetism. They create winds, clouds, thunderstorms, rain, waterfalls and rivers. They fill their surroundings with active life and give shelter and food to innumerable beings. Such is the greatness of mighty mountains. Well such is the greatness of our many beloved and esteemed heroes and heroines who gave their lives in support of the many venues where liberty, peace and unity can march on. Time marches on all these many years since you were taken, Officer Cook, from your treasured family, beloved comrades and the load of friends you came across along with Karen. your presence in North Miami Beach where you grew up would be most appreciated nowadays. Such a vibrant and talented individual who gave to those in need, provided shelter for those who wanted rest. All those things that we sometimes take for granted, you never took your life and career for granted, Officer Cook. You achieved because of arduous work in the police academy and it paid dividends in that it made you a self-reliant and confident officer who could inspire others through your wisdom, maturity and leadership. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, the air we take in, the beautiful sights we see, can all be attributed to your service and your legacy continues to shine like a burning sun.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 9, 2014

Gentle Goddess, who never asks for anything at all and gives us everything we have, thank you for this sweet water and your fragrance. Almighty God of compassion we ask that You remember the sacred and cherished life of Your devout public servant and protector, Metro-Dade Police Officer William Coleman Cook, who laid down his life for Your ideals to continue to take shape in all others. He was a very humble young man who wanted to just make this world, this very fertile land and his loving community a bit more safer. His bravery, courage in his convictions and compassionate heart allowed him to go out and patrol Dade County streets with more honor and decorum as needed to handle his position. May my neighbor, friend and hero rest in peace. keeping watching over his soul. Amen. His humility allowed him to care and to be a champion for all. Their rights, their freedoms and their unity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 8, 2014

Cattle browse peacefully. Trees and plants are verdant. Birds fly from their nests and lift up their wings in your praise. All animals frisk upon their feet. All winged things fly and alight once more-they come to life with your rising. Police officers are like the roots that are planted in the ground. They grow. They sprout. They grow branches and protect us from the intensely hot sun. This was what you did, Officer Cook, so ably and with the ultimate humility. As reflected by your friends and by Chief Geoffrey Jacobs, your maturity was well beyond the scope of your twenty-five years. Boats sail both up and downstream. Every highway is opened at your coming. Fish leap from the river, your rays touch the green ocean. It is a man who helps a woman create a baby, a life of its own in its mother's belly. She soothes her baby so it will not cry. She gives birth to a new life, opens the mouth of her newborn and gives it loving care, affection and nourishment. Your parents prides and joys, your sister, Nancy and yourself, Officer Cook. If our families had known each other they would have invited you to share our happy occasions, such as my bar mitzvah. You attended your neighbor, Mr. Cooperman's bar mitzvah. I'd love to meet your sister, Nancy and ask her if she remembers where it was held nearly fifty years ago. Times sure have changed since then. Your beloved soul continues its flights soaring to even higher heights and in all your family members treks in life filled we hope with only good health, peace and prosperity in their pursuits of life. You are surely missed and if we had attended your Inspector's Funeral on May 19, 1979, at St. Mary's Cathedral where your family, colleagues and an entire country said farewell to you, this was my parents last anniversary, doubly sad. Continue to rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your integrity, leadership and wisdom have been passed along to others to shape and to mold properly as you faithfully did.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 8, 2014

Why climb a mountain? Look! A mountain there. I don't climb a mountain. The mountain climbs me. The mountain is myself. i climb on myself. There is no mountain nor myself. Something moves up and down in the air. There was not ever going to be anything during your life or career that you could not tackle, Officer Cook. If police departments around the country want to set an example for others, look to Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664, Metro-Dade Police Department. You were their beacon of hope, peace and calm. During challenging times, you were their officer, their inspiration in defense and service to all residents. Dade County never felt better when you smiled, went out and did you job with honor and diligence. You persevered in times of crisis restoring confidence and a willingness to exchange dialogue between anyone willing to lend an ear. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 7, 2014

Ancient sun, eternally young, giver of life and source of energy. In coal and oil, in plant, wind and tide, in spiritual light and in human embrace. You embraced nature quite well, Officer Cook, those who knew you as a master photographer sure miss you wonderfully breathtaking pictures of Mother Nature. Getting away from the grind of your beloved work, one can only think what might have been if you were with us still? You kindle the heavens, you shine within us, you always will, Officer Cook, (for we are suns with hearts afire-we light the world as you light the sky and find clouds within whose shadows are dark). You very soul my neighbor, friend and hero continues its ascent and will forever keep us lit. We give thanks for your rays and clouds your rays draw up. You inspired by example, lead by honor, counseled with commitment and patrolled with extra passion. For the sky route you travel faithfully as we traverse this globe, for our journeys of earth which draw us together, for our journeys of dream which sustain us when apart, you common sense and dignity and integrity have helped sustain and maintain not only your family, they assist in revitalizing an entire country where police officers set up a watch over all citizens. Ancient of Days, you rule the nations, our birth and death: our journeys you have wrought. Loam we become for your fertile spirit, your cosmic light penetrates our depths, in Your majesty we are bound to one another. We gather this morning, we gather each day to remember your remarkably humble feats, Officer Cook, a sound mind, thinking ways to make other lives more prosperous, a sound body able to handle the rigors of a demanding vocation. As people young and old share pleasant memories of you, even amid joy and woes, varied gifts and diverse needs, we offer you these in thanksgiving for life, a life snuffed out way too soon, we share them through your generations on this earth. Those who knew you, Officer Cook, knew you to never back down from protecting us from wanton, violence, mayhem, bedlam and kayos that is like a gigantic wrecking ball in our society. It was your staunch, faith, bravery, courage and valor to see things through. For the better part of your six years of service to all Dade County residents you were their hero and most ardent supporter. Now as you rest in peace, your role is to help God steer the rudders of safety along with those other brave men and women who paid the dearest price as you did. Because of your commitment, generations have been able to prosper and carry on. This was your theme in both your life and in your professional career. The torch you carried will never go out, for you were the consummate police officer all others could rely upon in a pinch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 7, 2014

A man of conviction, a voice of distinction, a solid citizen and even more so a dedicated and forthright police officer. Words spoken from the heart mean more sometimes than those banged out from a computer keyboard. They do mean something, Officer Cook. You were a man on a very special mission, as were 21,000 other brave souls. Men and women in the law profession whose cunning bravery, commitment to excellence and drive to be a honorable, dignified and as valiant as they come. Your tenacity stoodout. Your passion to duty and the way your calming voice of logic, reason and appeal branched out to all citizens here in the Dade County community where you were respected, known and loved. You were their inspirational hero who championed the goodwill, peace, freedom and unity for all. It is not hard to see why you'll always be remembered for your swiftness and boldness in acting as you did to a domestic call you had answered numerous other times during your career. Sometimes we don't fully understand why God plans things. We think and Our Creator laughs. Not literally laughs, but He tests our resolve on a daily basis to see if we are up to life challenges as you were, Officer Cook. You were a calming influence, honest in all your ways and in deeds. You left behind a stellar legacy, guaranteed to light up this universe in which you were a loving and devoutly faithful public servant. Shine on our beloved warrior. Shine on. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2014

The day we die the wind comes down to take away our footprints. You left an indelible mark on Dade County, Officer Cook. The day you gave your life and career for our protection and security it was a very hot afternoon. The wind makes dust to cover up the marks we left while walking. For otherwise the world would seem as if we were still living. Therefore the wind is he who comes to blow away our footprints. Your mark on our society was left way before you tragically left us, Officer Cook. You still had many plans left undone, challenges and goals to attain. The proudest accomplishment of your twenty-five years was your mother and your wife, Karen, pinning your badge#1664 on your chest for all to witness. What every comrade then saw was your unselfish determination and desire to get things solved and resolved right the first time with honorable intentions and the dignity that followed you around your patrols of Dade County, its streets and residents. You are missed very much this day and everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2014

O our Mother the earth, O our father the sky, Your children are we and with tired backs. We bring You gifts that You love. Then weave for us a garment of brightness. May the warp be the white light of morning. May the weft be the red light of evening. May the fringes be the falling rain. May the border be the standing rainbow. Thus weave for us a garment of brightness. That we may walk fittingly where grass is green. O our mother the earth, O our father the sky. Your proudly and with humbleness and distinction wore your brown Metro-Dade police uniform with honor, Officer Cook. Those officers who came before you paved the way for you and your fellow future colleagues, men and women of humility. honor, dignity and a huge source of integrity. Now those steps to God's green pastures have been protected by yourself my neighbor, friend and hero and countless other officers who were fearless in all their pursuits of justice, liberty, peace and unity in their communities of service and pride. Rest in peace. You weaved around Dade County for six great years of excellence, Officer Cook, now it's time for others to produce the necessary results as you so often produced. Officers of distinction and of many different patterns all go out and try to successfully rein in terror and mayhem. Success breeds success and all it takes is one large group effort with all the training and total preparation that is given to all recruits who are undaunted by these mighty tasks and who show the bravery and courage so validated by their professional positions. Oh Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you've got to be terribly proud of your beloved and darling son, Officer William C. Cook, one of the many Dade County Florida Godsends and heroes of his time and generation. To perform as he regularly did and save countless lives on May 16, 1979, they don't come any finer or more humbler.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2014

We pray that we may be aligned with You. So that Your powers may flow through us and be expressed by us. For the good of this planet earth and all living beings on it. O Great spirit of the south, Protector of the fruitful land and of all green and growing things. The noble trees and grasses, Grandmother earth, soul of nature, great power of the receptive, of nurturing, and endurance, power to grow and bring forth, flowers of the field, fruits of the garden. We pray that we may be aligned with You, so that Your powers may flow through us for the good of this planet earth and all living beings upon it. As always with our devoted and dignified men and women of the law enforcement communities the power rests on your broadest shoulders to hunker down and serve with promise and a solidifying validation to stamp out wickedness. You were one of the many souls, Officer Cook, who undertook this awesome onus, this burden of bravery, not one to be cavalier in their commitment. Your showed others the way and did it shining brightly forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. From all directions, from far distances you brought the picture close for us to view and a sight never to be obstructed. We pray, we look, we feel, we hear all the good vibes of your determined and very solid career and humanely humble life. Your comfort and service delivered peace to all. It won't ever go unnoticed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 5, 2014

Power to dissolve boundaries, to release holdings. Power to taste and to feel, to cleanse and to heal. Great blissful darkness of peace. We pray that we may be aligned with You. So that Your powers may flow through us and be expressed by us, for the good of this planet Earth and all living beings on it. O Great Spirit of the north, invisible spirit of the air and of fresh, cool winds. O vast and boundless Grandfather sky, Your living breath animates all life. Yours is the power of clarity and strength, to sweep out the odd patterns and to bring change and challenge. The ecstasy of movement and the dance. Your breath, your calming voice, Officer Cook, helped bring many changes in the Dade County and to its citizens that you served and watched over. It's truly a crying shame and tragedy that you could not be here to personally witness them taking place. From God's golden perch do you now and forever get to see things taking shape eternally. Your boldness to bravery, the courage and conviction you maintained, Officer Cook, to clean up evil from its streets is how you gratefully be remembered by all. Your loving family, your esteemed colleagues and wonderfully incisive personal friends of both you and Karen. The great spirit of God forever rests in His beloved heroes and heroines who maintained both honor, dignity and integrity during their humble lives and in their professional responsibilities. Things will always align properly because of your unwavering unselfishness, Officer Cook. You made other officers matter and take notice because of your outstanding leadership, wisdom and maturity to answer the calls of duty rightfully and with alacrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 5, 2014

O Great Spirit of the east, radiance of the rising sun. Spirit of new beginnings, O Grandfather fire. Great nuclear fire-of the sun. Power of life energy, vital spark, power to see far and to imagine with boldness. Power to purify our senses, our hearts and our minds. Your power, Officer Cook, was never in question as you had full command of your situations that needed resolving. Your passion was like the sun, burning brightly to garner more insight, more knowledge that would serve and protect not only yourself, but those citizens under your watch. As a youngster you probably knew and were destined to become a valued member of our society, serving the public interest with the decorum it demands, and the humbleness that is called for. We pray that we may be aligned with You. One day my neighbor, friend and hero we will reunite with you. So that Your powers may flow through us and be expressed by us. For the good of this planet Earth and all living beings upon it. You paid the price for our freedoms, peace and unity to blossom and for us to cherish this. Officer Cook, God gives His special male and female servant the power to go out on patrol, how we choose to handle this daunting task and its challenges is up to each officer. You were this very special, loyal officer and gentleman to all your comrades and those who gave you proper training and direction. O Great Spirit of the west, Spirit of the Great waters, of rain, rivers, lakes and springs, O grandmother ocean, deep matrix, womb of all life. From all four directions did your dignity and integrity spread its wings. Your legacy, Officer Cook, reaches far and wide throughout our world from all four corners of it and it will continue its radiance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 4, 2014

Soil for legs. Ax for hands. Flower for eyes. Bird for ears. Mushroom for nose. Smile for mouth. Songs for lungs. Sweat for skin. Wind for mind. Just enough. We all need our body parts functioning as one. Your ears, your eyes, your mind, Officer Cook, worked superbly during your life and career. How else can we be reminded of how fortunate most of us are? You were very blessed indeed, with a solid upbringing. Great parents. A loving sister and a very lovely wife in Karen. Nancy, Karen and your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, could not have been any prouder of you and that goes for your beloved father, Mr. Charles Cook, may he rest in peace. The songs of the birds flying overhead, the songs you sung in school if you were in a choir or at your church were you worshiped and prayed with a devout sense of faithfulness and humility one should maintain for their Creator. Honesty, dignity and integrity were always emblazoned on your uniform with your shiny badge and smartly polished shoes. Your life should have continued, Officer Cook. Our Creator needed you in a place most of us might not understand the eternal role you any your determined and dedicated, brave and courageously valiant colleagues performed in their communities. You made life matter. You took service and protection to an even higher level and the respect you afforded all continues this day to represent your legacy among all Dade County police heroes and heroines. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The soil where you rest eternally will always be respected by my family and myself. Those stones I place when I visit equate to us letting you know we came and we care for you. You were a very integral humanitarian in this world, never to be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 4, 2014

The small plot of ground on which you were born cannot be expected to stay forever the same. Earth changes and home becomes different places. You took flesh from clay, but the clay did not come from just one place. To feel alive, important and safe, know your own waters and hills, but know more. You have stars in your bones and oceans in your blood. You have opposing terrain in each eye. You belong to the land and sky of your first cry, you belong to infinity. Now for serving with gallantry, Officer Cook, you belong up in God's eternal kingdom to watch and patrol His golden streets where no harm will ever come again to you. You probably climbed hills as a young boy and swam in the deep blue oceans, now your beautiful soul helps God steer its currents. Nothing unfortunately stays the same, change abounds at any and all times. We are all sorry, Officer Cook, that you did not get the chance, the right you had to see these many changes and enhancements in the Dade county area. But we just need to keep repeating, that your brave and valiant sacrifice is the sole reason for these advances. It was your professional mission marked by the many courtesies and kindnesses that has allowed us to continue your fight, your battles against a very confounding foe. The very adversary is wickedness and for six loyal and profoundly faithful years you tried to stay on course in this battle. For some unknown reason that is baffling to this day and has been for these last thirty-five years, a troubled young man bent on evil against police officers took your young and promising life and nearly that of your colleagues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll never forget you or that tragic day. I'm here to help in that fight against this enemy that needs to be eliminated from our culture and in the society where all of us are equal in status, aspirations, inspirations and the goals we set and choose to fulfill. They were your dreams and goals too. "We Shall Be One." One body. One soul. These words glisten off your gravestone. Like a bell that is rung, it's our call to action.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 3, 2014

Sons and daughters of the earth, steep yourself in the sea of matter, bathe in its fiery waters, for it is the source of your life and your youthfulness. You thought you could do without it because the power of thought has been kindled in you. You hoped that the more thoroughly you rejected the tangible, the closer you would be to spirit that you would be more divine if you lived in the world of pure thought, or at least more angelic if you fled the corporeal? Well, you were like to have perished of hunger. You must have oil for your limbs, blood for your veins, water for your soul, the world of reality for your intellect: do you not see that the very law of your own nature makes these a necessity for you? As one of God's children, many, many children, Officer Cook, you were born into this world to attempt to make it a better place and you did quite mightily. The sacredness of your very soul, your inner breathe and all its beauty for within propelled you each day into making this a more safer and serene place for all to live and to prosper in peace, goodwill, freedom and unity. This is all an integral essence of our very lives of which you too had much more to still live and prosper for in good health and peace with your beloved Karen. The torch you held and carried vigorously as a Metro-Dade Police Officer has continued its journeys throughout the Dade County community, it still shines as brightly as when you carried it. Its light will never be extinguished for you see it is the brave, courageous and valiant officers such as yourself who lead by example with honor, dignity and integrity. You were both a superior communicator and leader of others because of your vast knowledge, skillset and maturity. No one would go hungry when you served and protected, Officer Cook, you poured you entire being out for all citizens and on May 16, 1979, a permanent legacy took shape from that day and for eternity. The highly respected and quintessential hero was remembered, your actions of heroic value further enhanced the dignity of all people. You were a warrior until the end, never giving up nor giving in to violence and evil. Mercy and compassion, along with care and consideration were among your many bookends to a very humble life and career that ended way too soon. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The reality is that this world misses you mind, your sense of humor and your inspired passion. We need this more from our many fine police officers. Your son, Mr. and Mrs. Cook, your darling brother, Nancy, is the living reminder everyday of why we are born, why we need to be honorable and why we honor our commitments, no matter the price. Officer Cook, you paid the dearest price in order for us to keep our aspirations and commitments alive, to make this world what it should be, more prosperous, more safer and more peaceful through conversation, not wanton violence and bloodshed. These were your aspirations, these were your commitments, the cornerstones of your life and proud profession.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 3, 2014

Ancient sun, eternally young, giver of life and source of energy. In coal and oil, in plant, wind and tide, in spiritual light and human embrace. You kindle the heavens, you shine within us, (for we are suns and hearts afire-we light the world as you light the sky and find clouds within whose shadows are dark.) We give thanks for your rays. By the light of the sun, by the rays of the moon, you were a ray of goodwill, hope and optimism in Dade County for its residents, Officer Cook. A humanely and humbly accomplished leader of all officers. It was your wit, wisdom and maturity which assisted you in your daily professional duties. The blood that pumped your heart, the air that invigorated your lungs enabling you to breathe and maintain the quality of life essential to all mankind was a proponent of Our Creator. God who oversaw your journeys in life as you and your beloved family members attended different functions and in your outstanding career with the Metro-Dade Police Department where you afforded accountability, reliability and responsibility to your superiors and those comrades privileged to work alongside of you. The residents knew you to be a man of your word and always thought highly of you. Not everyone is born with the bravery to bravely carry out very demanding tasks, but you my neighbor, friend and hero, carried them out courageously, valiantly, without any hint of doubt. Dismay and despair were words that never crept into your mind when answering any calls. Your free spirit lit up this world, as did your engaging personality and lively sense of humor. It will always shine brightly, dispelling the doom and gloom, evil and wickedness that still pervades our society as we know it. We'll try to keep good positive thoughts as you so faithfully did, Officer Cook. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 2, 2014

Within and around the earth, within and around the hills, within and around the mountains, Your authority returns to You. My words are tied in one, with the great mountain. With the great rocks, with the great trees in one with my body and my heart. Your heart and mind, Officer Cook, constantly functioned at a higher level enabling you to perform your duties at the optimal purpose on each day of your life and professional career. God shares and passes down God-given talents to those who serve and protect those citizens of their communities with honor, dignity and integrity. Your talents humbly speaking, Officer Cook, were carried out in bravery, courage and valor, thus this was the driving force of both your personal and professional successes. And you'll never be forgotten for having responded swiftly and without any sources of doubt. You tried to maintain peace, calm and unity in Dade County and will always be held in the highest regard. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. While on this earth, Officer Cook, you soared brilliantly within the calls of duty. Now your soul climbs above the highest mountains as you watch over those men and women who have taken over your watch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 2, 2014

Hear, O Humankind, the prayer of my heart. For are we not one, have we not one desire, to heal our Mother Earth and bind her wounds, to hear again from dark forests and flashing rivers, the varied ever-changing Song of Creation? We all hurt deep inside, Officer Cook, over your very untimely loss, hopefully God heals all wounds and we can trudge forward with the tasks at hand. O Humankind, are we not all brothers and sisters? Are we not the grandchildren of the Great Mystery? Do we not all want to be loved and to love, to work and to play, to sing and dance together? You sung, Officer Cook, I'm sure you and Karen danced. You played with your neighbors, Leonard Cooperman and other school chums. If you were here today you would love and adore not only your two nephews, but your two-great-nieces and great-nephew. Great kids destined for success. It's in the DNA of the Cook, Wilkerson and Tidwell families. But our society today lives with fear. Fear is hate, it is restraint, envy, greed, vanity. A positive fear is one who is ambitious, like yourself, Officer Cook, looking for ways to help others to achieve. Competition that is healthy is good for all. It toughens ones exterior to be able to handle the rigors of your position. Loneliness, anger, bitterness and cruelty are words that all law enforcement must be aware of a resist the slightest temptation. Love is life-creation, seed and leaf, blossom, fruit and seed. It is growth in a positive nature. To search, reach, touch and dance. Love is to nurture and receive pleasure. You were a benefit to all who touched your very soul, Officer Cook. The pleasures of this world are the rewards of the next world awaiting those loyal and honest servants. Our brave heroes and heroines. Love is indulging from time to time in beauty. A chocolate cake, walking hand in hand with the person you love. Love is life believing in itself and in yourself. Life is the Sacred Mystery, treat it accordingly. It sings to itself, dances to its own drumbeat. its spirit is reverent, we clasp hands, we pray and rejoice with one another, for life is believing in itself. We believed in your capabilities, Officer Cook, we pray for peace, freedom and unity. We pray that you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your spirit moves higher and humbly higher for all the good you exemplified in this world. Bravery, courage and valor to all and for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 1, 2014

...So, friends, everyday do something that won't compute. You did things everyday, Officer Cook, that were of a high standard. Your police work stands and has stood all these years later as the leading and humbly shining example of how all police officers should commit to their profession. If honesty, dignity and integrity does not eminate from your shining badge or very polished shoes that you walk or run to apprehend evil, then how else can you maintain? Love the Lord. Love the world. work for nothing. You embraced God as one of His loyal and dedicated servants. You loved life, those who knew you, knew from the moment you set foot in the police academy you were going to be a conscientious worker who was destined to become a solid leader of others because your wisdom to learn and to absorb was ahead of others and your maturity was ahead of most of the others. I'm pretty sure the salary of police officers back in your time was fairly humble, livable and yet the bravery, courage, valor and resolve you possessed was endless. You were a very caring, compassionate and concerned public servant, something Dade County residents need to see more of from their police officers today. Take all that you have and be humble. Love someone who does not deserve it. You loved your family very much, Officer Cook and they are loved, admired, respected you for a job well done and miss you very much. Your picture that was taken of you in your uniform with "Old Glory" the American Flag with you smiling, I know this had to be one of the happiest moments professionally and personally for both your family, friends and yourself. I look at that picture quite often and cry, my eyes well up, forty years ago that was taken. Memories to last a lifetime of a true hero. No doubt about that. Ask questions and someday you'll receive answers to them. Like why? Why would someone look to do harm to any police officer? You encountered many people during your career, if you were asked a question, you probably thought for a moment and gave them a most logical answer, not some incredulously arcane response. You cared. You mattered. All that you planted, the seeds of your labor have long been sown. It's only a matter of time before they bloom. Call this profit. Prophesy such returns. You rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero near a tall oak tree, one that is sturdy, as you so were in all your duties. The consummate communicator, the stellar gentleman of character. The humanely loving person with a giving heart to match. When Y2K arrived fourteen years ago, that was a new millennium, the year 2000. Many things have changed, many advances moving forward, all because of your unwavering resiliency, Officer Cook, to see things through. If we only knew, only God right now knows. You were so young and full of promise and passion. Aspirations left undone, inspirations to last forever. The world never ends, it is only God's creatures, we don't know, only God knows when our missions are complete. As I've reflected in the past, you and your beloved wife, Karen, would have made great parents, leading by example, parenting patience and calm as you did when handling domestic issues among other people in need. Be like the head of a lion, not the tail of a fox. Be true to your word, yours, Officer Cook, was a golden bond. Make tracks in the right directions, your treks for six loyal and faith years of service to the Metro-Dade Police Department were blessed, they were blessed to have you as an officer and as a friend. Practice resurrection. One day we will reunite with you and you can share in the good graces of God's eternal kingdom where you now rest in peace for having served your mission, you and those who have been loyal and brave watch over those trying to accomplish similar feats of humbleness as you achieved with all the blessings anyone can ask for.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 1, 2014

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to dwell on past errors. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to speak of self separate from others. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to possess any thing or form of life selfishly. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to harbor ill will toward any plant, animal or human being. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not abuse the great truth of the three treasures: touching, seeing and listening. Knowing how deeply you cared for others, Officer Cook, you were always a welcome sight when citizens saw your smiling while you were out on your daily patrols, serving, protecting and fortifying our goodwill among all people. it was your bravery, your honor, your courage and vigorous valor which captivated all of your colleagues to act as you did both personally and professionally. Your giant heart was your fighting spirit enabling you to be your best. it took not much more to motivate you and the stellar character you had steered you down the righteous and proper path. Six years of humble service to Dade County was too short as was your twenty-five years of a life, a marriage and all the goodness that comes from a heroic young man, a true gentleman sent by God to perform a truly remarkable mission. To keep the peace and to rein in the wickedness that plagues our society. They certainly don't come any better than you, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A hearty and most humble salute for your gallantry, resourcefulness, loyalty and devotion to the calls of official duty. Tonight being Halloween, a happy one to your family. Be safe and enjoy. Mrs. Cook, I have been saying my prayers with you and your lovely family in mind. Be healthy and stay well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 31, 2014

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to kill. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not take what is not given. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to engage in abusive relationships. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to speak false or deceptively. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not harm ourselves or others through poisonous thought or substance. Knowing how much you were a large part of the Dade County community, Officer Cook, you kept the peace, clean speech among others. You were a sound and practical motivator at modifying, a supremely loyal servant serving and protecting us with your gallantry. Relations between each other today can be traced in part to your service my neighbor, friend and hero. The past, the present and the future are always going to be intertwined forever as your legacy among the many heroes and heroines of the law enforcement community who served bravery, honored their commitments with courage and possessed the much needed valor so vital to their profession. Officer Cook, forty-one others with Metro-Dade Police Department lived and performed outstandingly, you were and continue to be one of this county's brightest souls that light up the nighttime skies overhead. Keeping looking down and observing our going and coming. Rest in peace. Your life was lived by the golden rule, do unto others as they do unto you. Violence against anyone much less police officers will never be forgotten. The good names and actions of these heroic people will always stand tall in the face of adversity and turmoil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 31, 2014

By the power of the setting sun, we call upon You God to have pity on us so that we may live. You are the source of both power and destruction. For many years, the way of the people has been weak and there has been fear. While some of the old ways have been lost, so too can the power of a drenching rain restore the earth, give it the power to restore its way and create new life. We ask of You God that You give life to all so they may live and be prosperous. In ignorance and in carelessness they do not comprehend they are all living beings. They cry out for help and hope You can help them in their times of need. You were present for all those in need, in suffering, Officer Cook, whatever you needed to do to function you did earnestly and with a positive zeal and enthusiasm. You served and protected all who looked to you for advice, to quell disturbances that threatened the peace, freedom and the unity of all. So beloved not only by your treasured family members, but by your comrades, friends and all of this community. One troubled young man bent on wanton violence, one humble and faithful public servant, Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664, giving his supreme efforts day after day. Nothing can be said more eloquently than the fact that you were magnificent and marvelous in all your actions as heroic as they were on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sun shines, the rains pour down, all the while as you watch from the heavens above. The light of peace will finally overtake the darkness of gloom and evil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 30, 2014

Great Spirit, give us hearts to understand; never to take from Creation's beauty more than we give; never to destroy wantonly for the further of greed; never to deny to give our hands for the building of earth's beauty; never to take from her what we cannot use. Give us hearts to understand that to destroy earth's music is to create confusion; that to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty; that to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench; that as we care for her she will care for us. Amen. You served our common interests, Officer Cook, your duties were always carried out with kindness, care and compassion for all. They were done bravely, courageously and very valiantly. You never let up in the battle of evil and that ugliness that comes from it. You were willing to sacrifice on behalf of all Dade County citizens and now we must sacrifice a little everyday in remembrance of your dedication, devotion and determination. Mother Earth is better off today let's hope because of yourself, Officer Cook and the many other brave comrades before and after you. Those who have been passed your torch have accepted willingly upon themselves to honor their positions with the same amount of integrity, honor and dignity as you so faithfully did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The beauty of nature rests upon the shoulders of those brave enough to see matters through until the end. you were a nature lover, Officer Cook, from God's kingdom you can assist others in protecting its dignity and bounty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 30, 2014