Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am a feather on the bright sky, I am the blue horse that runs on the plain, I am the fish that rolls, shining in the water, I am the shadow that follows a child, I am the evening light, the luster of meadows, I am an eagle playing with the wind, I am a cluster of bright beads, I am the farthest star. I am the cold of the dawn. I am the roaring of the rain. I am the glitter on the crust of the snow. I am the long track of the moon in a lake. I am a flame of four colors. I am a deer standing away in the dusk. I am a field of sumac the pomme blanche. I am an angle of geese in the winter sky. I am the hunger of a young wolf. I am the whole dream of these things. You see, I am alive. I stand in good relation to the earth, with God, to all that is beautiful. You see I am alive. I am alive. Yes, Officer Cook, your spirit is always going to be alive and always residing within your beloved family, friends and colleagues. For what you meant to the people of Dade County exhibiting bravery, courage and valor in acting to serve and to protect, you'll never be forgotten. It's a tragic shame you were taken from us when you were, but your actions have afforded citizens the rights to live their lives more safely and soundly. You endeavored to rid the streets of evil which seem to still hold people hostage. You can continue your safe journeys up in the heavens above safely, freely and very much still assist Our Creator in helping those who do battle on this earth. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. With your mother's birthday coming up, she will be God willing ninety-nine years young, I mean that in a good way. Her good health, devoutness to her faith has allowed her to live and enjoy her grandchildren and her three great-grandchildren. Evil cannot continue to permeate, incarcerating people's freedoms, unity and their goodwill. This was your message to them each and everyday while you were out on patrol.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 11, 2014

Sometimes, when a bird cries out, or the wind sweeps through a tree, or a dog howls in a far off farm, I held still and listen a long time. My world turns and goes back to the place, where, a thousand forgotten years ago, the bird and the blowing wind were not like me and my brothers. My soul turns into a tree. And an animal and a cloud bank, then charged and odd it comes home and asks me questions. What should I reply? Seeing that police officers live and work under all conditions, when a person gives their life for the good of the community and returns to the earth from where they came, it's only fitting that they humbly and with much love, respect and attention receive a sendoff fitting their humane effort. You received all the honors afforded to one who himself served and protected with honesty, dignity and integrity. Officer Cook, such a beautiful person, we all ask the same question, why? Why did God call for you so young and with more to offer this world? You were a very deserving and blessed man. A man of thought, a man of morals, caring, passionate and compassionate. Violence and evil only beget each other, you lived your life on the foundation and principles of charity, faith and honor. Good deeds and actions cause other good things to transpire. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your good nature will always and fondly be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 10, 2014

It is lovely indeed, it is lovely indeed. I am the spirit within the earth, the feet of the earth are my feet. The legs of the earth are my legs. The strength of the earth is my strength. The thoughts of the earth are my thoughts. The voice of the earth is my voice. The feather of the earth is my feather. All that belongs to the earth belongs to me. All that surrounds the earth surrounds me. I am sacred works of the earth. It is lovely indeed, it is lovely indeed. It is lovely and was quite lovely to have a very loving and devoted human being, son, brother, husband and police officer. I never asked your family how they came up with your nickname of "Uncle Bo," but, Officer Cook, you were indeed a most trusted and valued member of this community, department and society as we know it. The earth you stood guard over, your feet which carried you thousands of miles, with a soothing and a calming voice of logic and reason. You belonged to us for twenty-five years of faithful and loyal service. You now and since May 16, 1979, have been reunited with your beloved father, Charles, where you are a golden angel charged with looking out for other brave officers who have taken over your watch. You heroism won't ever be forgotten. The many courageous personnel of the law enforcement who laid down their lives will too never be forgotten. Rest in peace along with your father, my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 10, 2014

I am the one whose praise echoes on high. I adore all the earth. I am the breeze that nurtures all things green. I encourage all blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits. I am led by the spirit to feed the purest streams. I am the rain coming from the dew that causes the grasses to laugh with the joy of life. I am yearning for good. You yearned, dreamed, aspired, Officer Cook and you become a gentleman, leader and first class, top notch Metro-Dade Police Officer. We can now and forever sings praises to your great name and humble love and care for all citizens of the Dade County community you so loved, served and protected with all your might that helped eliminate wickedness from its streets. A hero's salute to you my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. A well liked, a well loved and a very much well respected citizen and devoutly loyal public servant.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2014

We are nature, long have we been absent, but now we return. We become plants, trunks, foliage, roots, bark. We are bedded in the ground, we are rocks. We are oaks, we grow in the openings side by side. We browse, we are two among the wild herds, spontaneous as any. We are two fishes swimming in the sea together. We are what locust blossoms are, we drop scent around lanes mornings and evenings. We are also the coarse smut of beasts, vegetables, minerals. We are two predatory hawks, we soar above and look down. We are two resplendent suns, we are the ones who balance ourselves, orbital and stellar, we are as two comets. We prowl fanged and four-footed in the woods, we spring on prey. We are two clouds forenoons and afternoons driving overhead. We are seas mingling, we are two of those cheerful waves rolling over each other and inner wetting each other. We are what the atmosphere is, transparent, receptive, pervious, impervious. We are snow, rain, cold, darkness, we are each product and influence of the globe. We have circled and circled till we have arrived home again, we too. We have voided all but freedom and all but our own joy. You were your parents pride and joy, Officer Cook, you were confident in all your abilities, a well respected and model citizen, police officer and hero in all of Dade County including where you grew up in North Miami Beach, Florida. You were honest, dignified, the epitome and virtue of integrity. The pillow of optimism, the quintessential leader whose humbleness and humane pursuits carried you through your entire police career, one cut way too short because of another man's tendencies to commit wanton violence upon his girlfriend and your fellow comrades. Hot or cold, rain or shine, light or darkness you served your community very well indeed, Officer Cook. Your desire, devotion, determination and dedication are now and will always stand as the foundations of your legacy. Those who carry on your special mission all have their eyes focused on people you took an affirmation to serve and to protect through bravery, courage and valor. The diligent prosper, the vigilant are victorious in their battles against wickedness. You were and will continue to be our hero, Officer Cook, whose spirit continues its daily flights above residents from God's eternal shelter. You travels are only marked now with safety and security. You stood bravely face to face seeking justice, peace and unity, where evil attempted to push it away. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sun shines brighter because of your unwavering faithfulness to the call of duty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2014

Look deeply, I arrive in every second to be a bud on a spring branch, to be a tiny bird, with wings still fragile, learning to sing in my new nest. To be a caterpillar in front of the flower, to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone...Please call me by my true names, so I can wake up and so the door of my heart can be left open, to the door of compassion. We say prayers for both good and bad tidings, recognizing that it is Our Creator who brings about different happenings. Your spirit is soaring like a bird in the sky, singing all of God's praises. I'm sure your family prays in their own way and "Uncle Bo," is near and dear to them. Always. Officer Cook, even though we never met, your near and so dear to me. These various reflections are left with the best of heavenly intentions and are meant to be a sounding board, a springboard so to speak for others to respond and leave their opinions, concerns and best wishes, for the Cook, Tidwell and Wilkerson Families. Your door was always open for Karen and you to receive guests, you were certainly two very special and full of compassion individuals. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2014

The mountains, I have become part of it... The herbs, the fir tree, I have become part of it. The morning mists, the clouds, the gathering waters. I have become part of it. Physically and spiritually we are all woven into the living processes of the Earth. Our breathing, our living, our thinking, we all share with those who continue to endeavor to do God's will. Police officers share a kindred, a very unique and special bond, as they serve and protect all ends of this universe. Officer Cook, you were this very rare and special person, an officer who was aware of his surroundings and maintained a devout vigilance and caring watch over all citizens. The fresh air you inhaled, the balance of nature which you dutifully maintained I cannot imagine what we have been going through all these years after your sacrifice. I meant to say you were a heaven's sent. But the scent of excellent police work driven by a common sense approach enabled you carry on your duties with what we deem as honest, dignified and comporting integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When we wake up each day, we can sniff the morning coffee, think about you and realize the freshness of your thought process and concise ideas. All these reasons make up a great leader and you were par excellence in this endeavor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2014

My world turns and goes back to the place when, a thousand forgotten years ago, the bird and the blowing wind were like me and were my brothers. My soul turns into a tree and an animal and a cloud bank. Then changed and odd it comes home and asks me questions. What should I reply? You rest, Officer Cook, near a tree, how appropriate as you were a lover of the outdoors. Your loving family, your police family, they all grieve over your untimely loss, wondering where is the solace? You had much more to offer us and this whole world, your void left joys unrealized, tasks undone,...growth arrested, love blighted, challenges still unmet, yet because of your unwavering answer to the calls of duty God has given you and your colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice the unique responsibility to keep watch over His streets from the heavens above. A very humble assignment for these humble and humanely caring individuals. Mrs. Cook, as I have reflected many times, it's the moments we share that are the most intimate and your son, "Billy," Officer William C. Cook, will never be forgotten. His sense of compassion drove him to become a very consummate and conscientious police officer. Make no mistake, he was the best, Metro-Dade Police Department surely needs more men and women as brave, courageous and as honest as your son. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 7, 2014

Sometimes when a bird cries out, or the wind sweeps through a tree, or a dog howls in a far off farm, I hold still and listen a long time. For all the efforts that all police officers must bring to their positions and deliver supreme service and protection to those citizens to whom they take a sacred affirmation, we all certainly can realize the dangers of when they place their lives in harm's way. The cries of their loved ones, the howling winds, the dark clouds or even a sunny day are the symbols which may mark the background when all gather to bid them farewell for a job well done. Your time, Officer Cook was marked by a sunny day when Dade County gathered on May 19,1979 to bid you a fond farewell. You sacrificed so that your comrades could continue your pursuits of peace, unity and goodwill for all. Likewise, the citizens have continued to remember the congeniality of a loyal, faithful and one mighty dedicated police officer who was both well received, well liked and most importantly well respected. May God allow you to soar to the highest of heights as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We must turn up the volume in our ears and listen to the signals that your giving spirit transmits down to us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 7, 2014

Heaven is my father, earth is my mother and even such a small creature as I finds an intimate place in its midst. That which extends throughout the universe. I regard as my body and that which directs the universe, I regard as my nature. All people are my brothers and sisters, all things are my companions. Your father is with you in heaven, Officer Cook, Mrs. Cook, I do hope you are well and taking care of yourself out in San Diego, California. For what your darling son endured on behalf of the citizens of Dade County, let us hope and pray that the eternal peace he and the many other brave and courageous officers have guides them on God's eternal trips through the great skies above. You delivered superior and quality commitment to all and for this we can be eternally grateful. Your assignment now is to watch over those who have assumed your watch and assist Our Creator in their due diligence and vigilance over all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If you ever read these reflections, just realize Mrs. Cook, that I Rabbi Lewis Davis and family sincerely think about what your beloved son meant to this society. He and his angelic comrades were Godsends.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 6, 2014

The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass speaks to me. The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky, the rhythm of the sea, speaks to me....And my heart soars. It sure does, Officer Cook. If only we could look and see you coming over those mountains, see you mowing your blades of fresh grass, be at the beach having a picnic with you and Karen. The tree near your grave has three people buried next to you now. If they knew there were next to a true police hero, my oh my. You were a heaven scent, a refreshing and refined gentleman who nurtured this land, this community of Dade County, Florida with your everlasting service and protection that can never be replicated. A humble, sweet and humane man taken too soon, but your legacy will stand the tests of time forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 6, 2014

Because it is less structured than work, leisure time leaves workaholics at a loss for what to do. Workaholics practically climb the walls when they can't work. People cannot let go of their jobs, relax and enjoy their quiet times. But you took vacations with your family, with Karen and yet you performed quite masterfully when out on patrol, Officer Cook. having given your life, there is no hustle or bustle, it's God who decides where your spirit will travel to help protect those officers who now exhibit the same bravery, valor. logic, and sense of reason dictated that guided you. Never to be forgotten, assist God, Officer Cook, along with your father, Charles, as he shelters you in the palms of His hand. Your life was precious, your career, quite successful, why does God take the best up to heaven? That answer someday will not ever again elude us once we finally gain some insight into Divine intervention. People enjoy the good times specifically because of men and women as yourself, Officer Cook. Your stellar character was made possible by your wonderful upbringing and two sensational parents, may you live and be well, Mrs. Cook. Your son, "Billy," Officer William C. Cook was a real Godsend, whose faithfulness and loyalty now serves as our inspiration.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 5, 2014

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, a time to pass, a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted. People, we call work addicts are shocked, flummoxed by the very notion of seasonality. To most of us there are four seasons, we perform our jobs to earn a livelihood for ourselves and families. Ant time is the correct time to accomplish something. No time is the right time to rest as one reaps what they sow. Life is not endless and the job, the police profession is not only one of the most dangerous, it's quite demanding and usually lasts more than a normal eight hour workday. We work, we play, we spend the taciturn moments with our loved ones making certain we derive as much pleasure from them as we can. And you were no different, Officer Cook, you cherished your family, you treasured your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook. You were a self-made, a humanely confident individual one gave his all to live your life, fulfill your dreams and aspirations to become a top notch police officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department. You could tell a joke and people would immediately feel at ease. Devotion, dedication, desire, determination and durabilty allowed you the chance to better patrol, serve and protect Dade County residents. Your herculean efforts on May 16, 1979 will never go out of sight or out of the mind of those comrades you saved along with those three civilians who will forever be indebted to you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, for every season you planted the seeds of justice, freedom, unity and those morals and standards of ethical conduct that are so essential to the balance of power in how we lead and live our lives. Still how to really comprehend why someone was so bent on harming or ending the lives of our beloved men and women of law enforcement who display the bravery, courage and fortitude needed to do their jobs.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 5, 2014

A man must learn to forgive himself. Our self-ridicule goes deep. We learn as children to be harsh judges, fearing we not worthy of someone's praise of us. You were by nature an easy going man, Officer Cook, so forgiving someone was nothing out of the ordinary for you. There can be no mistaking your sincere and valiant efforts to bring turmoil and torment to a head, eradicating wanton violence from Dade County's streets, allowing its residents opportunities to prosper as one. The soothing and calming voice of your stellar character is greatly missed as is your vivid sense of human humor coupled with your congenial attitude. A man for all seasons whose free spirit now soars higher than any kite flown. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today, I visited your grave, you'll never be out of my sight or mind.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2014

Tomorrow is always the busiest day of the week. Each new day is and can definitely be an adventure for any police officer. We cannot undo the past, yesterday, but we can sure try to fix and cleanup the present. If we could have back that dreadfully tragic day of May 16,1979, when you gave your life in the line of duty, Officer Cook, for all of Dade County, the entire nation and police society, I'd be at the front of the line and I'm only a civilian. You looked at life, enjoyed your life and career, took it as a challenge, backing down from no one, stood tall and were a calming person that all your comrades looked up to in a time of crisis. It all goes back to how you were raised. The epitome, the epicenter of your family was honesty and integrity. Your handshake was your word and it was your actions that did converse louder than ever. Boldness and bravery were linked to you and how you wore your badge and uniform. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, as one of the many heroes of the past, the success of those you served and protected can live a more safer and sounder future. I still wish I had the privilege to have known you, knowing your family members, brings a little comfort to me and my family, having met Gina, her family and being in your parents home, even if I sobbed like a baby. many did that on May 19, 1979, as they said their goodbyes for now to you for a job well done. You were the inspiration to all who carry your torch now.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2014

Identify your highest skill and devote your time to performing it. Delegate all other skills. What made you most happy and proud, Officer Cook, was your upbringing by your loving parents, your marriage to a very beautiful, loving and caring woman in Karen and your police career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Since you were the consummate officer who could multi-task quite efficiently, this enabled you to delegate from time to time other colleagues who were under your direction. An officer requests assistance when necessary and learns from each experience that is thrust upon them. God placed upon you, Officer Cook, plenty of useful tools to carry at your disposal to dispense justice in a fair and common sense manner. But it was the honor, reverence for the position, your bravery, valor and courage that helped steer you through your patrols of Dade County streets. They don't come any more humbler, kinder and more compassionate than yourself. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2014

Do not be fearful of going slowly, be only afraid of standing still. Police work is not a marathon. It is dangerous work, yet if one succeeds in it, it is because one measures, contemplates and assesses every unique dilemmas that comes before them. One make rational choices based on sound logic and rationale. They try never to freeze up. You trusted your basic instincts, Officer Cook, to put yourself in the best position to succeed based on your tactful plans of action. Judgment and timing can be everything, if May 16, 1979, was any witness to this account, we do not need to look any further. Your boldness to act, your tenacity to tackle what seemed to be a situation deemed serious enough that you acted to save your comrades and those three civilians, truly what police officers honest, carrying courage, bravery and valor together is what you represented to all citizens. You made your family and everybody proud and mindful. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your sacrifice did bring about the creation of those side panels for officers in your department, although it should not have ever come to this. Astute and detailed assisted you in becoming one of Metro-Dade Police Department's finest.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2014

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