Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

How strange and wonderful is our home, our earth. With its swirling vaporous atmosphere. Its flowing and frozen climbing creatures. The croaking things with wings that hang on rocks and soar through fog, the furry grass, the scaly seas...How utterly rich and wild, yet among us have the nerve. The insolence, the brass, the gall to whine about the limitations of our earthbound fate. And years for some more perfect world beyond the sky. We are none of us good enough for the world we have. Maybe some of us did not appreciate all that you and your fellow colleagues did for us, Officer Cook, in making this a better place, a more thriving society because of your commitment to excellence, dignity to uphold, integrity to improvise when needed. You certainly were one not to complain, you accepted your role, your profession with all the credence that one needs to put in to be more successful. All the wonders of our nature of which you enjoyed can be seen for all to gaze and to ponder the what if you were still here. Your spirit is likened to that hot air balloon, in that each moment it rises higher and higher. It instills in us that we can achieve if we just reach out more to others. A fact you subscribed to and what made you a very accomplished and valiant police officer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2014

And God saw everything that He had made and found it very good. And He said: This is a beautiful world that I have given you. Take good care of it, do not ruin it. It is said before the world was created, the Holy One kept creating worlds and destroying them. Finally He created this one and was satisfied. He said to Adam, this is the world I shall make. I place in your hands, hold it in trust. God creates wonderful people, imaginative and brave men and women who take risks to serve and to protect us. You were one of God's many humble and well respected policed officers, Officer Cook. Now that you lived and served Him with great devotion and a resounding faithfulness, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Adam was punished for eating from a tree of knowledge, wickedness shall be dealt with too. There is no escaping from God's punishment. You sir, Officer Cook, will forever be remembered for your honesty and valor, the commitment to make people more united in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2014

Wherever you are is home and the earth is paradise. Wherever
you set your holy feet is holy land. You don't live off it like a parasite. You live in it and it in you. Or you don't survive. And that is the only worship of God there is. Wherever a person is is like something holy, because it's something they may believe strongly in. Police work would be a very prime example of this. And where you patrolled, Officer Cook, this would be your home away from home for six years. Your watch was one that was dictated by desire, dedication and sheer determination. All the moments of your career and humble life were indeed well documented. They were cemented by honor and dignity. God has no qualms with His servants as long as they put forth the effort. You excelled in this area and in all matters personal and professional. Now you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in a place of no suffering, no struggles whatsoever. Keep observing and assisting God as He assists those who do battle. We must eradicate wickedness from this society if our children, all people for that matter are to live safely and soundly. Those six years helped the cause quite immensely.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 5, 2014

I believe the earth exists and in each minim mote of its dust the holy glow of thy candle. Thou unknown I know, thou spirit, giver, lover of making of the wrought letter, wrought flower, iron, deed, dream. Dust of the earth, help thou my unbelief. Drift, gray become gold, in the beam of vision. I believe with doubt. I doubt and interrupt my doubt with belief. Be beloved, threatened world. Each minim mote. Not the poisonous luminescence forced out of its privacy, the sacred lock of its cell broken. No, the ordinary glow of common dust in ancient sunlight. Be, that I may believe. Amen. We all need to be eternally grateful to the very many wonderful men and women of the law enforcement profession who go to war with this enemy we label evil. Officer Cook, it was your vivid vision and sense of reason and commitment that assisted greatly in steering your career through Dade County venues. Sometimes it takes humility to process the information needed to carry out such a dangerous job. You were that kind of civic minded individual, that devoutly righteous and caring person to use those tools properly to get your tasks at hand completed. Your stellar character will be fondly remembered as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A person is born from the dust of this earth and when their missions on this earth are finished, God returns their physical being back to the earth and sends their souls on a very special assignment. To look over those officers who continue to honor their memories in honor, dignity and integrity. Vile and ignominious actions can never ever destroy the good name of one of God's many loyal and truly faithful servants of which you were Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 5, 2014

We are so proud of the sky that we produce on our horizon. Our stars twinkle and wink as if they know us; we have no problem of recognition. Our rocks and pine trees speak for us. All your loving family and friends were proud to have known such a humble hero as yourself, Officer Cook. Whenever you went out on patrol everything was always centered on your compass and your horizons drove you to a higher level of performance. Now your soul, treasured and cherished as it was and will only forever be soars to the constellations that illuminate the night skies. Heroes and heroines do come and go, we would rather they retire with dignity, than have their lives taken at young ages or some older officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in bravery, courage and in valor. You'll continue to be remembered for enhancing the lives of all Dade County residents that you protected, served and and as well made their lives more prosperous. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Darkness has been reduced somewhat by your endeavors in fighting the good fight, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 5, 2014

In protecting the earth, we found good pine needles and harsh dried wood along with rocks helpful. When you begin to examine our earth, you find tiny mushrooms and small grass blades, ornamented by the chatter of ground squirrels. You find our soil is soft and rocky, it does not permit artificial soil topping. Our pine trees are diligent, dedicated and graceful, in either life or death they will always perform their duty of pine trees. Equipped with sap and bark, we find our world of wilderness so refreshing. Along with summer's drum, we produce occasional thundershowers, wet and dry messages. We can't miss the point, since this earth is so bending and open to us, along with the rocks, we are not so shy. We are so proud-we can make a wound in a pine tree and it bleeds sap and courts us, in spite of the setting sun shadow. They bend and serve so graciously, whether dead or alive. We love our pines and rocks, they are not covered with the superstitious setting sun chemical manure of this and that. Nothing fanatical about you, Officer Cook, you were straightforward and as steady in loyalty and in devotion to all people in Dade County where you performed under sometimes arduous circumstances,while balancing all with grace, honor, dignity and in integrity. Your legacy as does your heroic actions on May 16, 1979, forever stand tall. Never bending or unwavering. Humbleness in a genuine manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 5, 2014

There is religion in everything around us, a calm and holy religion. In the unbreathing things in nature. It is a meek and blessed influence. Stealing in as it were unaware upon the heart, it comes quickly and without excitement. It has no terror, no gloom. It does not rouse up the passions. It is untrammeled by creeds. It is written on the arched sky, it looks out from every star. It is on the sailing cloud and in the invisible wind, it is among the hills and valleys of the earth. Where the shrubless mountain top pierces the thin atmosphere of eternal winter. Or where the mighty forest fluctuates before the strong wind, with its dark waves of green foliage. It is spread out like a legible language upon the broad face of an unsleeping ocean. It is the poetry of nature, it is that which uplifts the spirit within us and which opens to our imagination a world of spiritual beauty and holiness. Whenever police officers go to a scene, anything can cause a situation to get out of control and it can eventually rouse the negativity from those intent on committing evil. Your sole purpose as a devoted, dedicated and determined police officer, Officer Cook, was to keep the peace and control of the area, not let things escalate out of hand. A spiritual man, you lived your life and the foundations of your career based upon honesty, dignity and integrity and this is why the citizens of Dade County trusted your sound instincts in serving and in protecting their causes. You and your comrades who gave their lives are serving God as His heavenly heroes and heroines, angels who were brave, courageous and valiant in their service to their communities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 4, 2014