Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We learn as much from sorrow as from joy, as much from illness as from health, from handicap as from advantage and indeed perhaps more. You were a healthy and happy person growing up, Officer Cook, like so many of us, you were on a mission to succeed mightily in your dreams and desire to become a police officer. A daunting task,but you were up to the challenge because once you set your mind to accomplish something, you saw it through to its fruition. Every life experience has the capacity to challenge us to realize and to accept that we can persevere. I meant to say in the last reflection, that by being even-keeled and steady can get the job done in a most proficient manner. Having your humble life and very promising career cut way too short by the violence of a beserk man provides this challenge to stare reality down and yet it offers the hope that we can channels our passions properly to achieve whatever it is in life that we choose to pursue. Police officers like anyone else learn from adversity as well as inadversity.If things always went right we would never learn anything. One lesson we can learn from your untimely passing is to live your life as a hero. And that you did for twenty-five fruitful and blessed years. Etiquette, discipline, devotion, dignity, grace and integrity were what escorted you down the pathways of accomplishment, which in turn lead you to better serve and protect all Dade County residents in enhancing and holding the torch of freedom, peace and unity more firmly. I know people need to move on in life and that would be your fondest wish, but I will never forget, nor shall any person forget what you meant as a gentleman, a kind soul and a caring and concerned police officer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2014

It is not the mountain we conguer, but ourselves. It's this beast of a mountain we try to climb by setting too many unrealistic goals and expectations we place upon ourselves. Life is about being happy, healthy and making rational choices based on sound logic and a cunning intellect. You achieved, Officer Cook, because you took chances, yet make sound choices based upon the morals and values of which you were raised. Once you married Karen, it became a collective effort for both of you to stay the course. You each knew the risks of your profession, a career that has rewards for those who are fortunate to carry out their passions with honor, rigor, a little fortune and yet observe all the rules and standards as prescribed by their department. You did everything asked of you both physically and mentally, Our Creator had a very special calling for His loyal, faithful and treasured angels. My neighbor, friend and hero as one of over twenty-one thousand finely trained, observant, brave and courageous officers, it is now on God's eternal watch that you observe others carry out the blueprint of justice where freedom, peace and unity were bonded together with all in mind. You were an integral part of Dade County's master piece plan. Rest in peace. Punctual, persevering, proud, accountable, dependable and reliable were Officer William. C. Cook's many strengths that accentuated your humble life and career. A very tall order for most to duplicate. But being steady and even-keeled can get the job do in a most proficient manner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 2, 2014

Everybody talks about wanting to change things and help, also fix, but ultimately all you can do is fix yourself. And that's asking a lot, because if you can fix yourself, it then takes on a ripple effect. And this change starts with us. Police officers have to be able to adapt to any changes or variations in their assignments. At times they must be done expeditiously and without fail. Curbing one's this ego, adhering to self-control, this must be done with honesty, dignity and integrity. I believe this is a challenge most can meet or maybe even exceed. Officer Cook, you knew your boundaries, met most schedules, carried out assignments with honor, vim. vigor and sheer devotion. Your sacrifice, your heroic action on May 16, 1979, has created that so called ripple effect in our society today. You practiced as you preached and your sincere dedication won't go unnoticed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The calming demeanor you displayed on behalf of Dade County citizens back in your day, Officer Cook, we pray it continues to prevail among those who succeeded you. Let us pray, hope and see if they can continue their fruitful attempts to stamp out wickedness from these streets that at times can be unforgiving and quite dangerous as well. You were the consummate professional in calming down those whose tempers boiled over like a pot of hot water.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 2, 2014

As I leave these reflections, I do hope that your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook is doing well, your sister, Nancy and her children and their families the same. You should all be healthy, happy and prosperous in all of life's endeavors. Happy Labor Day! I still visit your son, brother, uncle and great-uncle's grave. He was a giant of a man, a superb police officer, who graced us all with his love, sense of humor, kindred, free spirit, but more and most importantly with his humane and honest, caring and compassionate sense of fair play and justice in seeing liberty, unity and peace carried equitably among all people. He performed a job that he dreamed to become with diligence and hard work, he dealt with chaotic issues calmly and candidly. Officer Cook, your discipline, your determination is one of the very principles as to why we have a Labor Day holiday to enjoy boating, the beach and picnics, something you and your beloved wife, Karen should be doing now as well. So before we put mustard or ketchup on those hot dogs, stop for a few moments and pause on what you inspired to be as we can reflect back on a rather marvelous life and career, cut way too short by a crazy man's wanton violence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 1, 2014

Experience teaches us this; that we undo ourselves with impatience. At times people tend to act in a superhuman manner. Going beyond their abilities and capacities. Even the behavior tends to be like that of a grouse, demanding, commanding, ordering people around without any real justification. Impatience can certainly bring down or ruin an entire police department, its divisions and those sworn officers who risk their lives to serve and protect our basic fundamental rights, freedoms and dignities. Malcontents have no place in law and order, like a disease they can spread quite rapidly in a squad room. By your nature, Officer Cook, you were a very happy and content person, who like most any officer in your time accepted the demands, met all challenges head on, face to face. You solidified those officers under your leadership with your courage, honor, humbleness and a vivid calming influence which was brought about through your wisdom and maturity. I read the article written in the book, "Forgotten Heroes," it said the young man who took your life was troubled and "in love," well you were an honest, loyal and dedicated public servant who took to the streets to wipe evil off of them. You too were "in love" and had much more to live for. I know Karen would echo these sentiments. You were an honest person, faithfully devout, never a troublemaker, you were not depressed, you just tried to calm a situation in which you and your comrades were met with gunfire, as were the three civilians, his girlfriend, who he shot and her girlfriend, also shot and wounded. If he could have received any counseling beforehand, maybe all this could have been avoided. But nonetheless, you'll remain a hero for your actions that day of May 16, 1979, headed off what might have transpired into more violence and bloodshed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your patience and perseverance paid dividends towards the quality of those residents in Dade County who are forever grateful to you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 1, 2014

Th.e secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity. Amen brothers and sisters. Kids ask questions, loads of them and we as parents try our best to create lucid and rational responses that will only be of benefit to all their future endeavors. Your wonderfully loving parents, Officer Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Cook, were the reasons you and Nancy, grew up to become honorable, hard working individuals. Your foundation to a brighter career with the Metro-Dade Police Department began its genesis in North Miami Beach, Florida. Given all that you were given in the sense that most of us have to work quite hard to achieve any level of success, not being handed anything on a silver platter or having a golden spoon. You worked, Officer Cook, you persevered to accomplish, pleasing and bringing a modest pride to your parents. If your dad, Charles, may he too rest in peace, had lived to see you become a police officer, his heart like your mother's would have gushed with extreme honor and a profound sense of proudness. He was watching from the heavens above and was he ever quite happy. You grew up, matured into a man, a gentleman who had a thirst and huge quest for knowledge that you imparted to other officers. The sense of wonder, of spontaneity, of endless possibility never got lost in the police translation of how you conducted your daily professional business for those residents who came to know and respect you. Your heroic actions of May 16, 1979 will always stand front and center. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you were never isolated, you only insulated people with your goodwill spreading peace and unity among an entire area where you faithfully toiled.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 31, 2014

You can handle people more successfully by enlisting their feelings than by convincing their reason. People can be hard-headed, stubborn at times and yet when an important decision needs to be made, it needs made in the best interests of not only the department and its officers, but for the sake of the citizens in their communities as well. You were an openly receptive person and police officer, Officer Cook, you carefully planned and thought out ideas that were not just connected to emotion, but to logic and reason. Of course your appealing style of policing the streets of Dade County being firm, yet employing a calming voice of alacrity sure paid dividends for most of your career. Being loyal, faithful and elucidating what needed to get done at that moment was what most endeared you to your comrades. A person can never go wrong if you follow the rules, are respectful of others and their environment and possess common sense, honor, dignity and integrity, essentials that are required of all police officials from the top to the bottom. The workplace where you spent six years of hard working persistence was where you enjoyed the professional relationships with your colleagues that enhanced your service and vigilance to Dade County citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your reliability and dependability went hand in hand as did your grace and valor. When the citizens saw Officer William C. Cook on patrol they knew their best friend was looking after them and didn't need to worry about care and consideration. This was one of your many humble and humane creeds. Read it like the Bible.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 31, 2014

He is most cheated who cheats himself. Police officers are solely responsible for maintaining law and order. They must perform a rather dangerous profession with honor, a stern righteous along with dignity and integrity. These can be fighting words but because of the design or layout of the streets they patrol, some things just cannot be helped. They endeavor to go out on any and all assignments and resort to digging and resolving to the best of their God-given abilities situations, domestic or otherwise any other problems that can occur. They display bravery, valor and courage, they can come under fire and yet must try to implore calm during a time of stress and crisis. You went out on your patrols, Officer Cook, displaying all of the above and yet your quiet times with your beloved wife, Karen, your comrades and friends were among your happiest. You were robbed of your young life, your family, acquaintances, anyone who crossed professional or personal paths with you. Evil that you attempted to corral, still tragically exists today, yet you and your colleagues who are now among God's golden angels were never detoured in your endeavors. You blazed the trail for other officers to follow, let us hope they are able to keep the peace, freedom and unity in their communities as you did for those six faithful and loyal years with the Metro-Dade Police Department. You my neighbor, friend and hero, dug in, now watch over those men and women who have assumed your watch with the same diligence and vigilance that is so vital to their successes. Rest in peace. You brought and delivered only pride and joy to your family, friends, colleagues and community. You are greatly missed. You calming approaches to both your life and police career helped you take hold of anything that came as a challenge to most people.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 30, 2014

One of the reasons people stop learning is that they become less and less willing to risk failure. Failure is a word, a term that can mean something different depending on the individual. You can face it like a man or dodge it like a coward. But to navigate among life's adventures one must be willing to face it head on. Police officers face this daily and usually they come out in a more advantageous position. You looked this in your eye, Officer Cook and for the most of your career you were successful. I would look at May 16, 1979, in which your comrades and yourself faced off with a beserk young man, bent solely on evil. You heroically saved seven lives, while placing yours on the line and the citizens of Dade County will never ever forget you. Your trusting nature, your bravery and courage channeled by your passions to be the best and the care, concern and compassion you exhibited even in the heat of the moment all stand for and do represent your legacy. One inch cost you your life, but that one inch has bolstered miles of new and better places for those you served and protected to thrive and prosper. There will never be a more dignified and honorable police officer such as yourself, Officer William C. Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Badge#1664 shined with honor when you proudly and humbly wore it on your uniform.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 30, 2014

One change leaves the door open for the introduction of others. Each day we should work on moderation. You will notice that each day things may seem a little easier to adapt to. Change really gives birth to change. Open one door at a time and you'll see what a major difference it will make. You went through change, Officer Cook, you worked with various partners, sharing and caring, conversing over ideas that would make Dade County a little more safer and secure. Your police work stood for honesty, dignity, integrity and humanity. Your heroic status stands forever among the brave and valiant men and women unafraid to lay down their lives to allow the movement of social justice and equality among all people. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your vivid imagination, your intellectual insight steered citizens down the right path and hopefully there won't be too many hard curves to maneuver through. A life and career ended way too soon, but the doors to honesty, dignity and integrity will continue to stay open because of you, Officer Cook. A real Godsend.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 29, 2014

Does one really think it is weakness that yields to temptation? Most people know there are terrible temptations which it requires strength, strength, strength and courage to yield to. One needs to be strong and try not to give in to temptation. A master of controlling temptations, one needs the physical resources of strength, conviction, honesty and so much more not to give in to corruption, bribery, anything that will demean their character. Police officers have to maintain unity, peace and freedom and be over and beyond reproach and stay the course. Our new temptation must be to work toward the freedom that comes with controlling our destinies. Facing the truth is not for the faint-hearted, the weak. We need to recognize our limits, work on what we can control. You were this very special kind of police officer, Officer Cook. A man of action, a gentleman of compassion, who channeled your passion to make the very best of your opportunities. Your strong heart, the soothing and voice of calm that came out of your lips helped immensely to curb domestic disputes and any other dilemmas that may have cropped up from time to time. And you were a concerned and serene humanitarian who truly made a huge difference in how Dade County, its streets and residents were able to co-exist together. Thank you very much for the physical and spiritual strength you exhibited, you were one truly exemplary person who now its among God's treasured and golden angels. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You saw a situation and moved quickly to resolve it without hesitance.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 29, 2014

Nowadays, people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. What are our core values? What matters most to us? Who do we love and care about? How do we show our caring and indicate our values? Phrases like "get to the point" and "cut to the chase" are for those who need life reduced into shorthand. What if suddenly keepsakes vanished, family members were never heard from again? With your family, Officer Cook, you recognized your values and kept working on your excellent work habits with honor, dignity and integrity in order to be able to display the diligent effort needed to police Dade County streets and its residents. You were an officer on a mission who stayed on the point and cut to the chase each time out including May 16, 1979, where you calming nature was called into action with alacrity and the boldness common to all brave men and women of law enforcement. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today, sadly the core values of this country seem to be eschewed. Where then do we turn to for advice? Please keep looking down and watching us, Officer Cook, to make clear we navigate every turn, nook and cranny.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 28, 2014

Our parents instilled in us a mutual admiration and respect for others. What we should strive to accomplish is focusing on something we love to achieve, try and work as hard as we can to polish our skills at it. It's alright to follow one's passions and pursuits, in the United States of America, this is what dreams are made of. Your parents nurtured you, Officer Cook and your sister, Nancy to strike out and follow your passions to where your hearts would lead them. You loved being a police officer, serving, protecting because you succeeded the proper and moral way, where others may have failed. It's those brave and valiant men and women who have the necessary compunctions to maintain vigilance and be able to co-exist with other comrades as the citizens come to ask nothing more from their angels here in this world. Your heroism shall be forever saluted as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 28, 2014

I find all this money a considerable burden. Money maybe the tangible proof of our worthiness. People are enamored by dollar signs at least some. Police officers sometimes do not look past this and give in to temptation. It can be very debilitating causing them a considerable problem in their service and protection of the citizens who they willingly took an affirmation on behalf. Officer Cook, you lived your life heroically, performed an arduous profession, knew how much you needed to be able to live. You and your beloved wife, Karen both worked demanding positions and lived in a very humble abode. The honor brought about through your upbringing was the right tool to help you through good and bad, money never blinded nor blindsided your preoccupation with serving the good people of Dade County, where you'll always be fondly remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2014

A man who has made a big splash may be a man who has gone overboard. Most of us want to leave an impression-the bigger, the better. Some fantasize regarding proving themselves in public. We have to be modest and privately reserved and content. Police officers with all they have to deal with daily need to made huge differences in the communities where they serve and protect under stress with honor, dignity and integrity. You were this kind of police officer, Officer Cook, basking in the spotlight was not your primary motivation and you and Karen enjoyed your private moments in happiness, peace and in contentment. The confirmation of your abilities took place on Saturday, May 19, 1979, as the bagpipes wailed, the helicopters hovered overhead and a gun salute that followed, as thousands attended your Inspector's Funeral at the Cathedral of Saint Mary's and your life and career was eulogized there and at Dade Memorial Park North where you were laid to rest. A truly great man, a giant and yet humble gentleman who provided nothing less than quality service with a compassion and the passion to see things through in order for freedom, peace and unity to be able to branch out as one entity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your eternal happiness watching over other officers will hopefully steer them free from harm. You never basked in the spotlight, you did lay your life and career down on a hot asphalt pavement in Liberty City, Miami, Florida. God will see that your blood was not spilled in vain. It wasn't and He will continue carrying your family and comrades through both the good and bad times.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2014

The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. We all are meddlers in some way, shape or form. We might not have faith in our colleagues to get the job done right the first time out. It is easy to blame the right guy when the inevitable crisis occurs. A good leader leads by example, knows when and where to draw the line. Places their trust in those they direct. Well, I can tell you, Officer Cook, as I have reflected many times, that your Division Chief of District Two, Chief Dale P. Bowlin, knew you had the right character, class, honor, etc. to lead other officers. They probably should have allowed you to partner with Officers Keith DiGenova, Robert Edgerton, Scott Lincoln and your friend and classmate from Norland High School, Chief Geoffrey Jacobs for your entire career. Tragically cut short because of one's man's obsession with evil. But a life and career still carved out with all the increments of morals, scruples, honesty, ingenuity, wisdom and maturity that allowed you to both serve and protect Dade County residents with panache and to help bond together freedom, peace and unity. We will be grateful and most appreciative for the pleasure and respect you solemnly delivered to all. If Chief Jacobs stayed with the Metro-Dade Police Department, the two of you would have made a remarkable difference along with your other comrades policing the rampant wickedness right off those same areas where others take aim to eradicate this disease. It also takes being humble, reserved and refraining when necessary. The best results are usually achieved when everyone is on the same page. Your department never had to worry whether Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 was on another page wondering or wandering away from any situation that may have arisen. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2014

You see things; and say why? But I dream things that never were; and I say why not? Indeed, why not? Are we saddled really with the status quo? Can we change our situations, our dilemmas? Are we talented enough, smart enough, to walk away, start our own business, follow our passions? Can we be brave and courageous to passionately pursue our dreams and aspirations? Sometimes our dreams can serve as our wake-up call. You didn't settle for being second best, Officer Cook, the "brass ring," that you vigorously pursued, police work was probably in your blood as you were growing up. If we begin to build the individual who befits the role of an honest and dignified police officer, chances are we are humbly speaking about you. All because you exemplified what we come to expect from our fine brave and valiant men and women, who dreamed and achieved those same aspirations. Your heroic mannerism won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We should not be fearful of failure, all whoever live experience this at least a few times during their lives. Your career and life was hallmarked with success, to be embellished forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2014

Unhappiness is best defined as the difference between our talents and our expectations. One of the highest compliments you can receive is you are a real renaissance man. Can everyone do everything well? People who are devoted to their jobs, police officers try to accomplish lots of things, they are given various assignments and are expected to perform at an optimal level and exhibit, honor, dignity and integrity. Hard for most of us to imagine, yet some of us can act this way. It is not overly impossible to achieve, you need a little fortune, hard work, endurance and quite a lot of perseverance. Officer Cook, you were very thankful for your opportunities to serve citizens in Dade County, you recognized your strengths and worked all seasons to secure security, peace and unity. You were the finest of Metro-Dade Police Department's officers, a true humble hero, most beloved by all, you knew your qualities would carry you to the epitome of success. Your colleagues and the civilians have come to respect and remember your daring act of bravery flanked by the courage and valor of May 16, 1979. You were a very cerebral gentleman, whose sense of humor brightened the moment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2014

It is an equal failing to trust everybody and to trust nobody. The question can be logically brought up, why do we not trust people? Is it perhaps because someone may have lead us down the wrong path? Obviously it's vital to establish the bonds of intimacy so that trust is earned and not betrayed. We have to be cautious and yet go about our daily professional affairs. Officer Cook, you were a very trusting person, a talented and determined officer who attended to all of his affairs. The efforts you brought to Dade County residents will only be remembered with the same devotion, honesty and integrity forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You forged the bonds of goodwill and inspiration, so peace and security can continue traveling down their righteous pathways.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2014

The healthy man does not torture others-generally it is the tortured who turn into torturers. If one feels good about themselves, their work, their life, then there is no need to display anger or resentment. I'm sure Officer Cook, you were the kind of individual who absorbed your entire self into whatever pursuit you were enabling to achieve. But above all, you were a very fair and honest person. This is what we come to expect from our police officers who too have needs and rights, who risk their lives for us to live and prosper. Whenever someone partnered with you, Officer Cook, we can be certain you made sure they employed the same morals and code of conduct as you did. For those colleagues who worked with you it had to be a very compelling and quite a humble experience. A person's demeanor can set the tone for your entire watch if you channel your zeal properly. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, watch over the tormented, the depressed and lead those who carry on with your watch to to able to deal both gracefully and graciously as you so faithfully and steadfastly proved.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2014

Nothing recedes like success. When one is constantly trying to prove themselves success can be fleeting. Those who worked with you, Officer Cook, knew you to be not only a likable fellow, a very reliable and dependable police officer, but a sincere and accomplished individual. This was because you were driven to be earnest, honest, dignified and a calming voice of logic and reason. If only some of today's officers could employ the same values as you did, there is no telling our citizens and streets might just be more served and protected than on the past. Values and an excellent upbringing never eluded nor evaded your pathways to successes in both your life and in your professional law enforcement career opportunities. Your remained focused and were a model of both consistency and as a humanitarian to all Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A hero's life consists of action and thought and you excelled, Officer Cook, in many places where others have not. You brought a uniquely humble passion to your job each and everyday. The citizens knew you always had their best interests in your front and rear view mirrors.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2014

A person's silence is a wonderful thing to listen to. People who work hard, sometimes going over and beyond what is required and expected of them, can be demanding, commanding and quite literally bossy. Sometimes in the heat of the battle or work space tempers flare, they get eschewed. We tend to create our own soundtracks, not understanding that silence may very well be golden. So we step back, go within, where it is more quieter, ignoring the static around us that we may have created. Being taciturn does not mean to be inactive, on the contrary, it may define us as being in thought quite deeply and our inner journeys may take a different direction and become more prosperous. While your life and career travels, Officer Cook, I think one can safely state they were smooth with no static on the other end. You said your peace when needed, addressed your comrades when spoken to. Exhibited outstanding leadership abilities by being fiercely tuned in to the events of the moment. All this was accomplished correctly, morally and within all of your department and division's guidelines. More of today's officers should strive to exhibit, honesty, dignity and integrity, they'll find the proper balance as you solemnly did and it never steered you off course. In your personal life you were a humble, a modest person, so too as a dedicated, devoted, determined and decorated police officer you maintained this same humility so essential in keeping your watch over the citizens centered solely and squarely upon them. Since your untimely passing my neighbor, friend and hero, the North Miami Beach, Florida area where you grew up and lived has experienced too many tragedies where people innocently were killed, including two police officers just trying to serve and protect our common interests. When will it end? Where do we draw the line? I hope Mrs. Cook you are doing well out in San Diego, California. I will always keep you in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart. Your son, Officer William C. "Billy" Cook was a real hero and a true "mentsch." Meaning he was a man of vision, a free spirit, a gentleman of stellar character who you and his father, Charles, may he too rest in peace, raised both him and your daughter, Nancy with all the right stuff to succeed in their chosen endeavors. His life and professional law enforcement career have stood the tests of time, will only stand forever as a Dade County Police Hero who gave for the highest of causes and is sincerely missed by myself and family, his loved ones, comrades and friends. A high caliber achiever and doer, that is the reason why in large part Dade County has improved in leaps and bounds now and hopefully for a brighter and more peaceful future. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your voice, your compassion, your calm, elevated everyone to a higher level of dignity and living. To know one is to love one. I think Officer Cook you'll always be fondly remembered for your generosity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2014

When the fight begins within himself, a man's worth searching. All individuals are quite capable of growth. Some are stunted in this process, others maintain the process and progress in this aspect throughout their lives and career choices. We try to summon up the challenge from within to make ourselves and lives a bit better, a little happier. If we begin the fight, just begun it, we are alive, we are worthy, we just attempt to comprehend this assessment. To be alive is paramount to changing, questioning, realigning. We are all worth fighting for and there is time to evaluate, change, progress, stay the course as long as we at least try. Officer Cook, this is something that was not a stranger to you. You grew up, developed into a wonderfully mindful, honest and poignantly spiritual and faithful young man. Your care and concern were some of the hallmarks of your young life and career as a police officer. You exuded confidence, the calm to make logical and sound decisions based upon evidence in a reasonable manner. Metro-Dade Police Department had a truly gifted gentleman in their stable of finely tuned and trained men and women in their ranks. Brave, courageous, valiant, endearing to all people you served and protected with distinction, respect and forethought. Never one to back down, you fought to stay alive as you gave your life for the integrity, dignity, honor and preservation all of citizens. Dade County can certainly reflect on your legacy and the backbone of one humble human being whose mind was cemented on only the welfare and best intentions of each person. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2014

As the years have passed since your untimely passing, Officer Cook, some of us have tried to move on with plenty of changes in store. But we need to work hard to make these changes, they don't come easy. If we are alive. thriving, growing, moving forward, then we can move forward and overcome the negativity that still seems to pervade our society. Since you were a doer, a mover and shaker, Officer Cook, your esteem was held high, as was your honor and intellect which was very much valued among your peers, past, present and future. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All your efforts and excellent results will never be in vain, your legacy shines as brightly today as it did thirty-five years ago.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2014

To appreciate nonsense requires a serious interest in life. Our tapestry is sewn from the threads of our work and each to their own is a masterpiece in and of itself. A daily total experiences rather than a completed work of art. Laughter does help keep us balanced. Some days we need to be funny, cute or maybe play a practical joke on someone. Police officers do this on occasion to their fellow comrades, from what I read Officer Cook, you had an engaging and congenial personality, you could make one laugh right away. But when it came down to your professional business, there was no nonsense, it was your honesty, integrity and dignity that was placed on the line in an endeavor to make the residents of Dade county where you patrolled the streets serving and protecting its citizens allowing them to live their lives freely and without fear, intimidation, or trepidation. Just pursue whatever they chose to channel their interests. We all can be thankful and grateful for heroes such as yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero for being there in anytime of need and May 16, 1979 was no different. I guess seeing that God has you and your father, Charles, cradled in His arms for safekeeping, you can make each other laugh and smile. Rest in peace. Your work as diligent and as vigilant as it only was, was a true breath taking masterpiece indeed. Only filled with the brightest of colors.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2014