Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Let us be united, let us speak in harmony, let our minds apprehend alike. Common be our prayer, common be the end of our assembly, common be our resolution, common be our deliberations. Alike be our feelings, unified be our hearts, common be our intentions, perfect be our unity. As those words on your gravestone say: "We Shall Be One." Yes, Officer Cook, you were of sound mind and body who went out to patrol the streets of Dade County in an effort to bring sanity to a community that was suffering from unrest, tension, escalations of violence, persistent pain from evil that lied in wake to ratchet up its ugliness. Your commonsense approaches, Officer Cook, your honor, dignity and integrity served to inspire those citizens who admired and respected you and where and you enjoyed your watch over them. We pray that one day violence will be gone, innocent bloodshed will cease and baseless hatred will stay grounded. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul, Officer Cook, hovers high above looking down on those who persist in this battle and who do it like you did it, with valor, courage and bravery.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2014

We who have lost our sense and our senses-our touch, our smell, our vision of who we are, we who frantically force and press all things, without rest for body or spirit, hurting our earth and injuring ourselves, we call a halt. We want to rest. We need to rest and allow the earth to rest. We need to reflect and to rediscover the mystery that lives in us, that is the ground of every unique expression of life, the source of the fascination that calls all things to communion. We declare a Sabbath, a space of quiet for simply being and letting be, for recovering the great, forgotten truths, for learning how to live again. Unfortunately, violence has caused this society to lose its perspective as to why we have marvelously brave and courageous men and women such as yourself, Officer Cook, who serve, protect and allow us to live peacefully and in unity. This perspective needs to be reinforced and your sacrifice drives this point home. You were God's humbly loyal and devoted servant who was undaunted, unafraid to face reality that police officers have to look at daily. you won't be forgotten as God has called you home to rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero with those brave comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice to make this world a better to succeed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2014

I have come to terms with the future. From this day onward I will walk easy on the earth. Plant trees. Kill no living things. Live in harmony with all creatures. I will restore the earth where I am. Use no more of its resources than I need. And listen, listen to what it is telling me. It's hard to come to terms when someone you respected, someone you loved is suddenly taken from you. This is most comprehensible to most people. When word came that you were taken from this earth, Officer Cook, those who loved you cried uncontrollably. It is just human nature for one to express their inner emotions. The moment hits you, hits home like a punch to the gut. The callous disrespect for police authority that day of May 16, 1979, was usurped by a young and troubled man bent on violence against our authority. The ones who keep the peace, freedom and unity in a community that at the time was crying out for help. Tensions went untamed, torment reined down like a cyclone. You were there for our needs, Officer Cook, with a resounding confidence that things would workout in the end. You attempted to handle a situation you attended to many times during your six years of high quality and loyal service with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Lord knows you tried, then we cried at the news of your untimely loss. A heart-wrenching one that choked our insides with all the scenarios of the what ifs. But, make no mistake you were courageously compassionate, caring and concerned for all people and willing to give the benefit of doubt more than once. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your benevolence stands out in the streets of Dade County where it was your dignity, honesty and integrity that was your saving grace. And you graced this world for twenty-five very profoundly meaningful years, Officer Cook. You walked humbly as one of Our Creator's most faithful public servants. Serving and protecting with outstanding leadership and wisdom beyond your maturity. It was how you handled things with a calming approach and a soft voice of logic and reason.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2014

All healing involves making whole again-resolving the contradictions that exist between self and other, body and spirit, mind and nature. Knowing we are not encapsulated, self-enclosed entities, but rather fields of energy integrated with the environment, everything we do transforms and reshapes the world. If our actions can destroy, so can they heal. You do not have to be good, you do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repeating. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Police officers are not chaplains, they don't pretend to know everything. Yet, their professional positions place them out there in modern society to help make our lives a little safer and more secure. And you were that shining example, Officer Cook, of what it means to serve and to protect. You went out on the streets of a community where you were known and admired, yet went about your official business and performed quite admirably without all the fanfare and hype. Your humbleness, generosity, honor and decorum just accelerated your manner of how you performed. Something that all officers need to have, if not heaven help those whose lives hang in the balance. You were be immortalized, Officer Cook, for your unwavering bravery, courage and valor to serve Dade County as faithfully as the affirmation that you solemnly took. We have you to thank beyond any words, other than consoling those who still grieve over your untimely tragic loss. A stinging and a most penetrating one that pierces each of our hearts today. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You good nature and goodwill remains the base of which is the foundation of your legacy among all Dade County police heroes and heroines. Those who dare risk their lives for our benefit so that we may prosper and continue with their fight over evil which was their goals, dreams and aspirations. You were a blessed Godsend who did his part, you won't be forgotten, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2014

When the animals come to us, asking for our help, will we know what they are saying? When the plants speak to us in their delicate beautiful language, will we be able to answer them? When the planet herself sings to us in our dreams, will we be able to wake ourselves and act? When those who have lost heroic loved ones come to us could we console them? Animals speak their way, we humans speak with our own tongues in the language that we are most familiar? When you spoke to anyone, Officer Cook, people were than glad to lend an ear to you. Words of encouragement have at times a prolific and a most profound affect. You will be revered for your personification of bravery, courage to commitment, valor and your youthful faithfulness to succeed, accomplish your goals, dreams and aspirations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Forever near and dear to us all. Humility and humanity are some of all police officers best friends and should be used to calm down folks when necessary. These were two of your closest companions, Officer Cook, while you went out on your daily patrols.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 15, 2014

Hey! Lean to hear my feeble voice. At the center of the sacred hoop you have said that I should make the tree to bloom. With tears running, O Great Spirit, my grandfather, with running eyes I must say the tree has never bloomed. Here I stand and the tree is withered. Again, I recall the great vision You gave me. It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then that it may leaf and bloom. And fill with singing birds! Hear me, that the people may once again find the good road and shielding tree. Your voice, Officer Cook, was calming, yet packed with humble power that you utilized to resolve and solve any assignments that you were handed. The tears have been shed and still can be felt over your untimely passing. The tree where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero still stands tall as does your compassion for all Dade County residents that you served and protected in honor, integrity and with great dignity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 15, 2014

Who took the dream of the land? Who staked down private property through the soul of the deer? Who diverted streams, cleared forests, burned fields? I seek to know my own name. I seek to know why? After all that I have done to hurt her does the mother continue to embrace me. For what you gave to all Dade County residents, Officer Cook, you deserve to be honored. Humble in deeds and commitment to action, it was your heroic swiftness on May 16, 1979, that saved your comrades lives and those of the three civilians. You live on in so many lives of your family who loved and revered you. Those officers who went on patrol with you to battle this evil and those who came across yourself and Karen. Too many to humbly name. You'll be fondly remembered as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's loving arms sure have the many brave and courageous cradled in them for safekeeping.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 14, 2014

Here we are, God-a planet at prayer. Attune our spirits that we may hear your harmonies and bow before your creative power. That we may face our violent discords and join Your energy to make heard in every heart Your hymn of peace. Here we are, God-a militarized planet. Transform our fears that we may transform our war fields into wheatfields, arms into handshakes, missiles into messengers of peace. Here we are, God-a polluted planet Purify our vision that we may perceive ways to purify our beloved lands, cleanse our precious waters, unsmog our life giving air. Here we are, God-an exploited planet. Heal our heart, that we may respect our resources, hold priceless our people and provide for our starving children an abundance of daily bread. You provided for yourself and Karen, Officer Cook and you maintained a provision for all to live more peaceful and safer lives. Your career was just full of promise and hope when it was taken from you at much too young of an age. Back in your day, I've got to believe there was respect for police officers. You served diligently and valiantly, there was no lack of honesty, dignity or integrity on your part. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Here we are God praying for your soul and peace among all people in this land.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 14, 2014

Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day for shelter for the homeless, let me not ignore the pet without a home. As I ask protection in those areas of turmoil and unrest, let me not forget endangered species of life; when I pray that the hungry be fed, let me be mindful that all God's creatures have need of sustenance; As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted by fire, flood, earthquake, storm or drought, let me remember that this includes every living being; in seeking miracle cures for human disease, may I also speak for the well-being of the planet itself. Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart and the actions of my life be as one, that I may live each day in harmony with Mother Earth. Amen. A statement with a very telling and implying meaning. Your creed in life and during your career, your marriage to Karen was exemplified by this prayer. You took it with you each day and combined with your honesty from your lips and the courage, valor, bravery and dignity, it never led you off course. One day we all pray that evil will be wiped off this planet and all people will once again live safer and happier lives. Your work continues, Officer Cook, as you view down from heaven helping God in all His glory and majesty making sure your comrades are doing their part with everything that is needed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 13, 2014

Great spirit, whose dry lands thirst, help us to find the way to refresh your lands. We pray for your power to refresh your lands. Great spirit, whose waters are choked with debris and pollution, help us to find the way to cleanse your waters. We pray for your knowledge to find the way to cleanse the waters. Great spirit, whose beautiful earth grows ugly with misuse, help us to find the way to restore the beauty of your handiwork. Great spirit, whose creatures are being destroyed, help us to find a way to replenish them. We pray for your power to replenish the earth. Great spirit, whose gifts to us are being lost in selfishness and in corruption, help us to find the way to restore our humanity. We pray for your wisdom to find the way to restore our humanity. I meant to say Officer Cook, thanks for making this world a better and more serene and safer environment to thrive in. Your spirit my neighbor, friend and hero continue sits journey ascending God's great ladder of honor for displaying the courage, the bravery and the valor necessary to replenish that which lives on. You and your dad, Mr. Charles Cook, if not for your efforts, we could not begin to imagine nor to appreciate all that you did during your lives. We pray that other officers, heroes and heroines are supplied the much needed dignity, integrity and honesty so vital to serving and protecting Dade County and all its residents in peace, freedom and in unity.The wisdom and maturity you gained from experience helped you to be a most humble, loyal and ever faithful public servant serving the public interest. The past, the present and future are linked to the legacies of our police officers from the past who sacrificed for a common goal. You resourcefulness, Officer Cook, was a large reason why Dade County can prosper today. Rest in peace along with your dad. I'll keep your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 13, 2014

I meant to say you got the job done right the first time. Imagine a place without a pipeline, without an oil well. Without a rig. Imagine a place without a coal pit, without a smoke stack, acid rain tree. Imagine a land of long white vistas, ice cold saviors, gleaming glaciers, breaking into the sea. Imagine the earth without an oil slick, free of pollution, no radioactivity. Imagine a place on earth so awesome, so vast, so pure, we can hardly breathe its air. Imagine the earth alive with morning. Shimmering white lights. No end of sky. No end of sea. Imagine if we have officers without honor, commitment or dignity. But we had you, Officer Cook, your boldness to bravery without false bravado. Conviction to commitment, the courage to accomplish. Eagle eyes to see far ahead of what needed to be done to serve and protect all Dade County residents maker them feel more secure. Imagine an earth being destroyed by unnecessary wanton violence, no one could believe their eyes. We have honorable officers who succeeded you, Officer Cook, they are picking up where you left off without missing a beat. Thank God for these humble individuals. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in Our Creator's most humble abode. Cleaner air, less crime, you were a big difference maker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 12, 2014

Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed, if we permit the last barren forests to be turned into comic books and plastic cigarette cases, if we drive the few remaining members of the wild species into zoos or to extinction, if we pollute the last clean air and dirty the last clean streams, push our paved roads through the last of the silence, so that never again will Americans be free on their own country from the noise, the exhausts, the smell of human and automotive waste. And so that never again can we have the chance to see ourselves single, separate, vertical and individual in the world, part of the environment of trees, rocks and soil, brother to the other animals, part of the natural world and competent to belong in it. You belonged to this world, Officer Cook, to serve, protect and maintain the quality of life for all citizens. The flagbearer for your department, you carried the much needed resources of honor, integrity and dignity. Your decorum was central in your ability to achieve all your success. You maintained passion, composure and did it both humbly and very humanely. You beat those drums happily while at Norland High School through the hallways. For sacrificing on our behalf, those bagpipies wailed loudly with a profound sadness as Dade County bade you a hearty farewell. You were a true police hero in action never to be forgotten for your exploits of security and safety. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It is quite difficult to ever replace those whom we loved and shared our lives with. They cannot ever be replaced. Only thing one can do to continue their legacies is to carry on with honesty and commitment. To your ideals, dreams and aspirations that were their motivations. Our loved ones we remember them for these attributes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 12, 2014

Don't destroy the world. I've only nibbled the grasses of my lover's meadow. We are early May and clematis has not yet blossomed. The magnificent trees stand tall ready to yield fruit. Plums are yet to come, the fragile bloom misting their skin like breath. Let there be days of grainy juices sticky on my face. I want time. There is plush mango I smear over her. Let me lick the pit of the fruit clean, memorize each service with my tongue. Don't destroy the world because my child's five, because she cries when she scrapes her knee on gravel, skin shredded, blood beading through the dust cries pitifully and long while I envision scenes of devastation holding her against the clawing pain, her screams, my helplessness. I hope nothing really bad ever happens to you. I blurt the accusation, a shield for my own hysteria. Don't destroy the world. It was in early May of 1979, when your life was tragically taken, Officer Cook. the seeds that were planted in you blossomed and grew and in you was a humble man born of fine quality, so faithful, determined and devoted to help all people. This symbolizes the badge of honor, dignity and in integrity that you proudly wore for six years of loyalty and with commitment to the citizens of Dade County and to the Metro-Dade Police Department. Shine on! shine on! You and your colleagues probably assisted a child with a scraped knee or whatever the call was. You did it with a resounding yes, a resonating bravery, a rebounding and calculated courageousness and virtuous valor which has served as your legacy all these many years after your unwavering sacrifice to keep the peace, freedom and unity in a community that always demands this type of passionate calling. Officer Cook, there was no obstacle too big for you to tackle and the world has not been nor will it ever let wanton violence destroy its good name, your good name my neighbor, friend and hero always stands tall. It stood tall that day and will forever. Rest in peace. We all cried when you died. The causes you represented are all in front of us to view. We should humbly view them and remember what they meant to you. Our badge we care, you cared, we care about you and the life and career you spear-headed with all the toil and labor of love necessary to get the job do right the first time.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 12, 2014

Spirit that hears each one of us, hears all that is-listens, listens, hears us out-inspire us now! Our own pulse beats in every stranger's throat and also there within the flowered ground beneath our feet. And-teach us to listen-we can hear it in water, in wood and even in stone. We are earth of this earth and we are bone of its bone. This is a prayer I sing, for we have forgotten this and so the earth is perishing. We may not see our loved ones physically anymore, but, we can remember who they were and for what they represented in this life. Only the good, the brave, the reverend, the loyal, the faithful, the honest, the dignified, all these attributes personified your existence, Officer Cook. And so much more. There will always be the what if, the why. Why did God call you home just twenty-five years into your life with Karen and a very promising police career with the Metro-Dade Police Department to look forward to ? You gave all efforts in all of your endeavors. You were humbly confident. You were able to lead as well teach other officers. You were the virtue of wisdom and maturity beyond your years. This was your beloved friend and high school classmate from your days at the Miami-Dade College and its excellent police academy, Chief Jacobs. Your inspirational buddy, Bill Cook, Officer William C. Cook, to myself, who as his neighbor, never had the pleasure humbly of making his acquaintance, nor with his sister, Nancy and his loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Julia Cook. Though I wrote a letter to his mother out in San Diego through his nephew, Justin. She wrote me back a very marvelously, humble and quite a sentimental letter five days after turning ninety-five. I wonder Chief Jacobs if you met his parents, his sister or his wife, Karen. You might have been his best man at his wedding back in 1975. Did you know Officers Keith Digenova, Robert Edgerton and your friend's partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln? Just saying hello and hope you are doing well. As you might see, I have not ever forgotten your esteemed friend. He was truly a devout and passionate individual. A gentleman with a calling for compassion, concern, care and consideration for all those people he served and protected in Dade County keeping their dreams alive in peace, freedom and in unity. If you have ever visited his grave, on the stone, the bronze cross, it says: "We Shall Be One," and his entire lifetime focus with his profession was not on I, my or me, rather, us we and our. Those dreams, those aspirations, Officer Cook, were with the public trust, as they should be with any public servant. Your priority was service, you did that willingly and with a smile. Rest in peace-our Dade County Hero and my neighbor and friend. Take care Chief Jacobs. I do hope you are doing well these days. God Bless You! Plurality was Officer Cook's theme in both his personal and in his professional career humanely and humbly speaking.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 11, 2014

To plant the flowers and we too become quiet. Watching our mountains die, listening for the birds that no longer flew-but still we lived in peace. What sustained us through all those years? The nights of silence and the sounds of frogs. For we know as the ancients said, this land will again be free and we will share it all, with the mountains, the sea, the birds and trees, for we still live in peace and we wish you the same, for we are all one. We do live in peace because of your loyal and valiant pursuits, Officer Cook. The nights, the days have been terribly quiet since you left us. Your loving family, your devoted colleagues and those friends you and Karen made within your community. The Church of the Visitation where you prayed and spoke to your fellow members, all knew you to be a congenial and personable gentleman. But, it was your humane and humbleness that allowed you to succeed in all your endeavors for twenty-five years. The honesty, dignity and integrity created within you the self-confidence to gain more insight, which in turn made you the leader who other officers could place their trust when partnering with you. The night air, the daytime air just isn't the same since your sacrifice on May 16, 1979. True, things in the Dade County vicinity and among its residents have progressed a little better, because of officers like yourself who had the bravery, courage and wisdom, the maturity beyond your age to act with boldness and a calming voice of reason. Everything accentuates itself because of our many heroes and heroines. The upbringings of all of you are the genesis of why we can live our lives more safely and with more freedom to do as we choose in a tranquil environment governed by unity for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sounds of winter are almost upon us, it was your loving compassion, care and consideration that stayed the course for all seasons, allowing us the opportunity to personify our dreams and goals. Your soul ascends as does your legacy. This is for eternity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 11, 2014

I meant to say, Officer Cook, that your integrity was aligned and calibrated according to the needs of those you were given the power to protect. Like brakes, police officers need to be tough at times, though not all times. That is why they make difficult decisions based on knowledge of individuals and the communities where they patrol. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No one would ever dare question a man of solid character who portrayed those duties so efficiently and professionally. Of course, I mean you were the consummate professional that was respected, admired and loved.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 10, 2014

Long ago the ancients say this land was free and we shared it all with the mountains, the sea, the birds and the trees. We lived in peace long ago before those others came and built fences by cutting trees, dug mines, by cutting the earth, removed her blood, the oil that lies within formed long ago like us who lived in peace. The birds sang less without the trees, the land became dry without the birds. Nature abounds, Officer Cook, all these many years after your unwavering sacrifice. It will carry on forever, but I'm sure misses a lover of her beauty and grace. Your photographic talents would certainly come in handy today. The tree near your grave stands tall, just as you did that day of May 16, 1979, when you stood humble and loyal to Dade County and its residents. They were the people you served and protected with a resounding faithfulness, devotion, honor and dignity. Your bravery, courage and valor is duly recognized as your legacy keeps humbly growing. That ladder of God is one small step you took in consideration, compassion and care. Your beloved soul keeps soaring by leaps and bounds as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Eliminating evil, terror and wickedness was in your blood since your youth. You were an excellent police officer who personified all that is proper in an officer. They don't come any nicer or more pleasant than yourself.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 10, 2014

Spirit of love that flows against our flesh, sets it trembling, moves it across grass. Erasing every boundary that we accept and swings the doors of our lives wide-This is a prayer I sing, save our perishing earth! Spirit that cracks our single selves-eyes fall down eyes, hearts escape through the bars of our ribs. To dart into other bodies-save this earth! The earth is perishing. This is a prayer I sing. We, the people sing all the praises when men and women of character, Officer Cook, you were one of these many faithful, devout and humble public servants of honor, dignity and integrity who pledged to serve us with all their beings. The gates of heaven surely have swung open to welcome you my neighbor, friend and hero. You have welcomed the many brave men and women since your sacrifice on May 16, 1979, Officer Cook and one day, we pray no more wanton violence will take any lives of more dedicated and determined police officers. Rest in peace. Over twenty-one thousand of these brave individuals is more humility than we the ordinary person can ever comprehend.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 9, 2014

We have forgotten who we are. We have forgotten who we are. We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos. We have become estranged from the movements of the earth. We have turned our backs on the cycles of life. We have forgotten who we are. We have sought only our security. We have exploited simply for our own ends. We have distorted our knowledge. We have abused our power. We have forgotten who we are. Now the land is barren and the waters are poisoned, the air is polluted. We have forgotten who we are. Now the forests are dying, the creatures are disappearing and humans are despairing. We sometimes forget that if it were not for brave and courageously valiant men and women of the law enforcement community, the world and the society that we live, thrive and prosper in would be chaotic to say the least. You were one of the many heroes in Dade County, Officer Cook, you were present to serve and to protect our freedoms, peace and our unity in honor, dignity and the much needed and sometimes maligned integrity. Integrity should never be maligned, only aligned and calibrated accord to those citizens you watched over as you took the solemn pledge to defend. We should never turn our backs to individuals who are fiercely loyal, faithful and resourceful to our every need. You were more than a cut above any police officer, Officer Cook, you personified your character, stellar as it was and your boldness right until your last breath, that was given to fight off this wicked attribute we label evil. The unwavering act you exhibited on May 16, 1979, has channeled new hopes and optimism throughout a community at the time was experiencing racial tensions. People now can rest a bit easier because of your unselfish call to action, sacrificing everything for our to continue living in hope, not fear. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Hope is optimism and perseverance, something you lived with and spoke kindly as you were compassionate, caring and considerate to all who admired, respected and cherished you. You were an exceedingly endearing gentleman of humbleness. You never forgot the lessons your loving parents ingrained in you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 9, 2014

We who prayed and wept for liberty from kings and the yoke of liberty accept the tyranny of things we do not need. In plenitude too free, we have become adept beneath the yoke of greed. Those who will not learn in plenty to keep their place must learn it by their need when they have had their way and the fields spurn their seed. We have failed Thy grace. Lord, I flinch and pray, send Thy necessity. God sent us you, Officer Cook, His police officer in shining badge and in a most resourceful role of exemplary character as His most loyal servant. You graced this world and Dade County with your unwavering onus to accept upon yourself the yoke to liberate and unite all people regardless of religion, background, creed or character. The good Lord has sown many seeds of finely trained police officers of bravery, commitment honor and pride. Officer Cook, you were many of the uniquely humane, who took this opportunity to go out, serve and to protect. You gave up everything for our needs, your cherished soul can surely now and forever climb God's golden ladder of honor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2014

The high, the low, all of creation, God gives to humankind to use. If this privilege is misused, God's justice permits creation to punish humanity. As a valiant and ever so vigilant police officer, Officer Cook, you were a facilitator of fairness, while spreading freedom, peace and unity together in the Dade County community where you were honored and admired during your service with the Metro-Dade Police Department. You were that loving and yet faithfully humble man who brought goodwill and a basic sense of logic and reason to all your endeavors both personally and professionally. The high point of your watch was in seeing you accomplish a great deal during your twenty-five years of commitment to excellence spurred on by your validation to vanquish evil, which on May 16, 1979, you stared face to face with this monster. Sometimes somethings reach an epidemic proportion making it more difficult for any officer to master their skills in order to get a better handle on the problem. Since you were one of God's golden angels here in this world, it's sad that you were taken so young, but, make no mistake it was indeed a humble honor for those men and women of bravery, courage, dignity and integrity to work with you. You were a very distinct man of exceptional character whose loving family was blessed to have raised such a fine son, brother, husband, uncle and great-uncle. Keep watching over us and those colleagues who one day will rise victorious as they try to eradicate this wickedness that our society demands. You made quite a lot of inroads in this process. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2014

The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish together with the earth. The earth has polluted under the inhabitants, for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. The earth celebrates the lives and careers of its valiant and courageous officers who have laid down their lives to intercept violators of the law. You were one of the many fine and superbly humble human beings who displayed these traits, Officer Cook. Thirty-four years later we may still be languishing, but at least you heroic actions helped ward off more trouble then what already existed when you arrived on that scene. May 16, 1979, represents the day, one of unfortunately too many in Dade County, when citizens and colleagues pause to reflect on the meaning of your life and career cut way too short because of this wanton violence. You took charge of situations in a calming and relatively compassionate manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The air will hopefully one day be made clearer by the total eradication of this wickedness that has somewhat short-changed our society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2014

They've lost it, lost it and their children will never even wish for it-and I am afraid because the sun keeps rising and these days nobody sings. We have forgotten who we are. We have sought only our own security. We have exploited simply for our own ends. We have distorted our knowledge. We have abused our own power. You never abused your power, Officer Cook. We meaning your family and colleagues lost you through a tragedy, but we have tried to overcome what you represented in service and in protection through courage, bravery and valor, by continuing your battle against this ugliness labeled evil that still cannot be totally eliminated. One day, real soon though, we may be able to say it's been wiped out. Police officers face tall and very dangerous tasks at hand each day, they fiercely and bravely go out into areas, safe and dangerous to at least try to make residents feel safer and more secure. You did your part through knowledge, wisdom, maturity and in perseverance. You maintained a resolute composure and the citizens respected you for this. Your legacy serves as the ideal inspiration for all people, police officers whatever individuals strive to become and to emulate your mannerisms, even though no two people are alike. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The humanity you bestowed among all living things is reflected in your beloved family. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you raised two fine children, Nancy and her loving brother, Officer William C. Cook, you should be very proud of what they stand for.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2014

An imaginative individual, Officer Cook, you were an inspirational officer who was driven by your childhood aspirations to help make this community a more peaceful and prominent one. You motivated people to trust in themselves, have the capacity to hope. You kept your optimism as a humble man who never lacked in confidence that you could police and you certainly succeeded without fail. You freed the shackles that kept those from achieving and it is because of your outstanding character to act, your boldness to believe in not just yourself, but in others, that Dade County has made great strides today by leaps and bounds all because of brave, courageous and valiant officers that dare to risk all for out needs of comfort. The comfort and support your loving family, colleagues and friends receive is knowing that you rest now in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in God's heavenly shelter protected by Our Creator who makes sure your soul ascends that special ladder of honor reserved for the many heroes and heroines like yourself, Officer Cook, who were the very special angels sent here to do a mission. That was to combat wickedness and you did your part exceedingly well. You followed by example and led other officers as such. You made sure they acted within the scopes of their duties. Honor, dignity and integrity was imprinted upon them at all times as it was for you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2014

Few things that grow here poison us. Most of the animals are small. Those big enough to kill us do it in a way easy to understand, easy to defend against. The air, here, is just what the blood needs. We don't use helmets or special suits. The Star, here, doesn't burn you if you stay outside as much as you should. The worst of our winters is bearable. Water, both salt and sweet, is everywhere. The things that live in it are easily gathered. Mostly, you can eat them raw with safety and pleasure. Yesterday, my wife and I brought back shells, driftwood, stones and other curiosities found on the beach of the immense freshwater sea we live by. She was all excited by a slender white stone which exactly fits the hand. I couldn't share her wonder. Here almost everything does. Everyday you put on a very special uniform, Officer Cook. A police uniform with a shiny badge, polished shoes, a weapon for serving and protecting, a smile and honor that carried you throughout your life and career. The dignity you brought to the Metro-Dade Police Department you carried throughout not only your faithfully driven six years, but through your entire twenty-five years in this world. I'm sure you and Karen took strolls on the beach, as it was only a few miles away. You probably collected shells and a few other items. My wife, Holly and I have taken a few moonlight walks on Hollywood Beach. This is by what we call The Broadwalk. You were a very prideful and humble gentleman who certainly did not deserve the disrespect to have something as evil perpetrated upon you. But, make no mistake you were a very brave and courageous hero, who has been honored and revered for your staunch loyalty in protecting your comrades and those civilians from further harm. If only Mr. Pearsall could have received some help. God only knows. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Keep smiling down on your family, friends and all who admired and loved you. You made a difference and humanely speaking were indeed a very treasured, cherished and integral part in making this a better place to thrive and to prosper.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2014