Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Oh it is excellent to have a giant's strength, but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant. Some people, some police officers are intoxicated by being power hungry. You can do it all. You can promise the world. You can do anything. Yes is the only answer. Worse, being labeled a tyrant, abusing your badge and police uniform that one is supposed to wear with all the honor, dignity and integrity that is called upon one who is to be vigilant and diligent to all the needs of the communities where they police and patrol, serve and protect. Officer Cook, obviously you were honest, dignified and served your community with pride and a renowned proudness. Your inner strength and knowledge of all procedures and techniques really stood as the litmus test. No non-sense, no arrogance, only humane, humble, caring and compassionate consideration and due process was afforded to each citizen by you, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your legacy stands out as a humble and well respected giant from among your peers. You made us all proud of everything you accomplished during your life and in your professional career. Heroism carried out with love and humility.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2014

If you refuse to be made straight while you are green, you will not be made straight when you are dry. Sometimes we are set in our ways and refuse any offers to possibly change course just a little. Most persons have daily routines and getting them off their paths a bit can result in some unpleasant moments. To want a change and try another means or method to resolving issues is not such a bad thing. You welcomed change, Officer Cook, your engaging personality and quality of character was one of the reasons why you were a great leader. Comrades listened to the messages that you spoke to them and taking direction along with constructive criticism was a central theme in you service to Dade County residents. You were mindful of staying fresh and remaining open to any new ideas that would be beneficial to both your safety and protection of your division and department. Departments now have gone green, but on May 16, 1979, you were seen as our true police hero of Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2014

Most people have some sort of religion. You combined both your career, Officer Cook and spirituality together. In other words, both you and Karen made friends from your church, The Visitation Catholic Church near where you resided in the Norwood section of Norland in North Miami, Florida. From 1989 until early 1992, I lived just a few short blocks north of where you lived, once again we might have been neighbors. You were that kind of talented and pleasant young man who could strike up a good conversation with anybody. Your faithfulness, your resourcefulness, your sense of pride and honesty surely served you in only the right way it can to help develop and assist an officer's life and in their career. Have faith, harbor hope, dream big and don't be afraid or worried regarding the outcome. Your positive thought provoking ingenuity served you my neighbor, friend and hero quite marvelously and your legacy has been validated for all people to see and take notice of your heroism for eternity. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2014

Police officers live and support each other by a code of ethics and their morality which is comprised of honesty, dignity, integrity and professional decorum on and off the job. Your never had a problem measuring up to standards, Officer Cook. you never shirked responsibility to Dade County citizens, who you were charged with serving and protecting. Your keen intuitions fortified your purpose in life and during your career in making this community of Dade County more serene and unified. You sacrificed your freedoms for your pledge of allegiance in making certain crime and violence would be removed from the streets that you enjoyed patrolling and were revered and respected as one of the Metro-Dade Police Department's finest officers and a down to earth honorable human being. Intelligence, instincts and intuitions are words that every officer must incorporate in their daily language. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2014

Life consists of what a man is thinking of all day. People today spend more than forty hours a week toiling and sweating. We know there are other things to ponder. You spent quiet times away from your police work with Karen and your friends and father-in-law- with hunting, music, fishing and playing tennis with your colleague, Officer Keith DiGenova. what a human being, police officer and survivor hero he is. Enduring pain and suffering from that tragic day that took your life, Officer Cook. I know he thinks about you, remembers the good times if his memory has not declined too much when you partnered up as officers and played at Cagni Park on their tennis courts. Life and thought are one and the same. You thought about everything you did in your young life, my neighbor, friend and hero. You were the ever present, loyal and determined officer and this will remain among your associates as they always keep you in their hearts and thoughts.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2014

Some of us have jobs that are thankless. Instead of praise, we get the proverbial door slammed in our face. Police officers have a thankless job in which they constantly put their lives in harm's way. Thick skin is necessary to not only survive the negativity, but to carry on as needed. The citizens have come to expect nothing less from the many fine women and men from the law enforcement community. For all that your worked to become, Officer Cook, you stellar character and approaches to your position placed you in a better situation of advantage to tackle the everyday rigors of the job. Your unselfish and boldly heroic act on May 16, 1979, will always standout as your legacy continues to circulate around this community and country. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. you were a very fine person and even more humbler gentleman who was not afraid to deal with difficult circumstances.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2014

The manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured. So many of us come unglued when faced with adversity. First, we chastise ourselves for not fully living up to expectations. Then we blame others for"getting in the way." Lots of us are work addicts who "divert the issues" at hand. In the end we just need to correct that which is a fixable error and to move on to another task at hand. Officer Cook, you were a master human being, stellar police officer, who was able to elevate your life and career based upon sound principles of logic, the facts at hand, understanding, staying cool and calm under duress. All this while centering and accentuating your profession with the utmost dignity, integrity and the honesty so essential to preserving and protecting residents and in allowing them to live peacefully together in a safe and secure fashion. If only that day could be taken back, fixed and righted, but you acted expeditiously and as diligently as you always did for the sake of Dade County and those to whom both respected and admired you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The only diversion that day, Officer Cook, was in your response to assist your comrades and those three civilians, knowing you could have just returned to your station house. You were a most conscientious and tenacious officer, the result of your loving parents upbringing which centered around two key words: humble and humane.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 19, 2014

If I am not for myself, who will be? We may have loving families, a devoted wife, a partner who is always in our corner. But change comes only from within. We first must be our own advocate. We must feel self-reliant and that we own our choices that we undertake. You were one of Dade County's leading advocates, Officer Cook. Your reliability was harbored by your confidence and this was gained through trial and error and the abundance of experience you gained through hard work and in perseverance. It is an officer's honesty, dignity and integrity that made you standout among your peers. Your heroic actions on May 16, 1979, have stood their ground and the tests of time and will always distinguish you as a legend and a uniquely humble and humane gentleman. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 19, 2014

There is nothing noble about being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self. Sometimes desperation sets in when we try to change and make ourselves healthier and happier. We need to be clearer about who we are in all phases of our lives. Police officers have this challenge on an everyday basis and try to cope as best they can. By remaining humble and not gloating is the way we can be more virtuous and more at peace with ourselves. I don't believe you were ever lacking in confidence, Officer Cook, you stayed humble and just tried to do your job as ably and as capably as you were trained. The chains of bondage were loosened when you stepped in to endeavor to reel in wickedness in Dade County. Your calming influence was just the tonic necessary to sooth hard feelings between any parties who came into contact with you. You lived a peaceful life with Karen and heroically gave your life so these values could continue among all residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was a tragic day on May 16, 1979 when a desperate young man went on a rampage against the police who just try to make our lives safer and more secure and those citizens who offered to calm him down. You did everything, you went over and beyond, Officer Cook, for this you will always be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2014

Compassion for oneself is the most powerful healer of them all. We must learn to have compassion for all people. It takes an effort for some more than others to exhibit compassion for all and the rewards for this are astonishing. All this begins in one's home and it surely did for you, Officer Cook, you were a very devoted and dedicated officer whose passion to make the lives of all citizens safer was your calling, as was your compassion you displayed when helping those deal with their problems. One didn't need to look into a mirror to witness your greatness of spirit and sense of honesty, dignity and integrity being shared with your friends, colleagues and anyone who came to know one heck of a congenial human being. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's traits were certainly part of your genes and have been shared by all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2014

Why do some people dislike the doubter? Because doubt is evolution and society hates evolution because it disturbs the peace. People who work and work do not have much time for change, they seem to craft an explanation for everything even if it is incorrect. They let the status quo dictate progress, production and movement. And one who doubts this progress is suspect. Those who question and doubt help to improve the quality of one's life and career. Officer Cook, no one ever doubted your abilities to help overhaul the streets of Dade County. No one doubted your uniqueness as one of Our Creators creatures, we are all His creatures and some more then others just produce and succeed a bit more than others. We exhibited different passions and set into motion those abilities to channel into different scenarios. You were a most abundant person in common sense, ethics and stellar character which will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God always protects those who watched over us with His same qualities. We who carry on should proceed this same way too.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2014

I meant to say we make so many plans. Nothing is impossible for the man or woman who does not have to do it themselves. Delegation is a healthy sign and giving someone the opportunity to help out others can be so much more fulfilling. And that is why your were a great leader, Officer Cook, you enjoyed letting other officers pitch in and help take the wickedness off the streets. Dreaming big, but maintaining a steady pace and finally putting a plan of action into fruition is what makes living life worthwhile. As a dedicated police officer you showed other colleagues the "ropes" so to speak and part of this work ethic endeared you to so many others. You'll always be well thought of and regarded in the highest esteem because of your heroism, humility and humbleness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2014

Commitment. Commitment. We make so may plans to do, to give, but in the end what really happens? We seem to be missing the point, running away from the responsibilities that bond us together as one community. We shirk our friends, our colleagues, those we know and love. We squarely place the onuses in someone else's lap. You were not this type of individual, Officer Cook, you were not one to run from duty, your dreams and desires to become a first rate, top notch police officer who was so endeared to citizens all over, not just in the Dade County community. You lived your life, not by daydreaming, but in action to make it happen. Your straight forwardness, your candor coupled with your vision of honor and respect assisted you whenever you got a call to respond to any situation that arose. Your comrades, your loving family, knew you accepted the risks that come with being a police officer. Karen and you lived your lives not by a stopwatch, you lived for the moment and relished, cherished each moment, every quiet time together pursuing both of your passions. As a civilian, you are missed by myself and my family, but you'll never be forgotten. I miss my parents, relatives, those closest to me, but you are always close in my heart and mind. Your professional commitment to bravery, courage and valor is what I'll always remember. It stands for honor and heroism in life and in your career and it will be carried forever as the foundation of your legacy here in Dade County, Florida for generations to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No police officer who gives their life ever gives it in vain. The messages of all whoever sacrificed are not only etched on marble or granite walls, they are forever imprinted in our thoughts and hearts as well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2014

We constantly search for leaders, for answers, for relief from what can be long, difficult times. The more one delves into their work, the less time they may have to pursue other joyful pleasures. People, police officers need guidance and direction, because of your sense of awareness to duty, Officer Cook, things began to germinate. You and Karen were two devout individuals, no mistaking this, your friends from the Visitation Catholic Church were your friends who knew you to be a most loving, giving and devoted husband, son, brother and honorable police officer and gentleman among all folks. You prayed together, stayed together and if not for your leadership skills and response that day of May 16, 1979, no telling what might have continued to transpire in the Dade County community that you served and protected, loyally, faithfully and with a grand measure of devotion, dignity and sheer determination to end this cascade of evil. Since your sacrifice, Officer Cook, we still seek answers and hope for peace, prosperity and freedom that sorely is lacking. You kept up your diligence in being vigilant, now it's time for others to step up to the plate as well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2014

Speaking of art and painting, officers have to be professionals of persuasion, in being able to drive home a point to whomever they are talking with. Your were a man of passion, Officer Cook and it was this passion that drove you to pursue an excellent and successful career with Metro-Dade Police Department for six years. You spread peace and goodwill among all residents and for this you'll be forever remembered as a hero. The street was your canvas and your canvassing of this community has and will only perpetuate peace, freedom and unity for those to continue their bountiful aspirations. A man of compassion, an officer with a calming influence and a taciturn manner in resolving domestic issues, your sense of honesty, dignity and integrity along with a strong dose of fair play when combined with all your training kept evil at bay as much as you were able to rein it in. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Speak softly and generally one can be successful in any endeavor possible.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2014

Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun. Creativity. Intuition. Invention. Revolution. Police officers work under any and all conditions, but they do need to possess brilliance, have some imagination, be honest, be loyal and dependable. Sort of like you, Officer Cook, you had a plan, were a logical thinker, whose swiftness to duty remains forever as does your heroic stature among Dade County citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those paint brushes now among God's treasured angels must be painting brilliant masterpieces. A truly devoted and caring officer of humble ways always to be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2014

You cannot consistently perform in a manner which is inconsistent with the way you see yourself. People who work and work cover up their self-images and low self-esteems by how they perform at whatever they occupy themselves with. A happier, more productive person is one who has a plan of action for all their actions and relies on their self-confidence to carry out their positions. Police officers rely on their training and basic instincts to function on a daily basis. Stress does occur quite a bit on one's watch, but it's the master officer such as yourself, Officer Cook, who was able to work effectively, capably and under direction to the point of giving leadership to other colleagues. Your wit, your wisdom and maturity, along with the honesty, dignity and integrity were the factors that steered you down the right path. Your loving parents, sister and wife, Karen, all knew you to be just this type of quality individual who would do anything for the needs of a community where you were cherished and very well respected. The price you paid for their freedom and security can never be placed aside nor forgotten. You are their true hero, Officer Cook, your rapidity in acting on May 16, 1979, saved many lives, your fellow comrades and civilians who have always kept you in their hearts and minds. You made a difference in Dade County my neighbor, friend and hero where it mattered the most. An entire community and nation can be extremely grateful for the brave and courageous men and women like you who excelled in their profession and brought only honor and pride to all living beings. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2014

Blessed are they who heal us of self-despising. Of all services which can be done to man, I know of none more precious. Some people believe they have all the answers to life's problems, sadly though they don't. They mistrust others opinions, thoughts or philosophies. Their self-image takes a hit, in the sense that logical thinking and pondering can go astray. Thank God for steady, pragmatic and brave men and women of law enforcement such as yourself, Officer Cook. Your loyalty and faithfulness removed any doubts, clouds of mistrust that the citizens might have had. You were fiercely devoted to your comrades and superiors and that is why leadership under your command is sorely missing today. All the worries that police officers have today in serving and in protecting do not need to be made more complex by those who go off the righteous path, meaning they stay honest, dignified and possess the integrity to dive right in to the evil that travels across our communities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We all should demonstrate our trust in our police officers rather than disrespect them. After all, they risk everything for our securities.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2014

Anxiety is sometimes the interest paid on trouble before it is due. Work addicts are anxious people. Not just about the problems at hand, the various emergencies that may take place. Anxiousness can occur even before situations land in one's lap. Things yet to happen, future calamities, gaffes and failures. When police officers sign on and graduate from the different police academies, failures do happen, gaffes occur, dire problems that require quick thinking skills are needed. And that is why the men and women of your department, Officer Cook, are called to answer these and many other various calls. Your leadership skills, Officer Cook, were never called into question, you were a legendary excellent officer who resourcefulness stood out as did your honesty, dignity and integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Police officers know the risks, accept these risks and yet are willing to do whatever the job entails to make sure the safety of all is secured.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2014

What I meant to say, Officer Cook, so as not to be misconstrued is that your honor, work ethic, determination and dedication are all listed in your Metro-Dade Police Department work jacket or file. Judging by the company, both personally and professionally, Officer Cook,you indeed were a gentleman of all seasons. Your heroics are forever and the sacrifice you made shall remain a vivid reminder of why we have so many brave and courageous people enter the law enforcement field. It takes both police officers and the civilians in any community to assist in stamping out crime. Inner thoughts and well planned dialogue are essential in serving to resolve dilemmas before they wage on like a wildfire. To able to weigh, analyze, contemplate and act in a split second, sounds fairly elementary, but it's not. And this is why, Officer Cook, you were your division's ace police officer, you always had a plan of action, you're the kind of individual we should all strive to emulate. In grace, in deed and in action, both humanly and humbly. No one is perfect nor are they that lightning fast, but on May 16, 1979, you my neighbor, friend and hero, responded swiftly and boldly and saved seven lives of those fellow officers and citizens who will remain eternally grateful to you. Nowadays, it takes swift conversation and decisiveness to solve any disagreements that may crop up from time to time in a community. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2014

Workaholics are prone to create walls and fences, rarely bridges and tunnels. Because we are driven to compete, we ourselves are the architects of our own successes and failures in which we dust off ourselves and continues our exploits. Freedom is achieved through allowing oneself to open as many doors as possible. Police officers try to create open lives for all people that allows flexible and honorable accomplishments to take shape. Your calmness, Officer Cook, your sense of value and justice permitted this to occur. You saved lives on a daily basis, all while endeavoring to keep unity and freedom balanced on the same sphere. A person for all seasons, an assuring voice of all logic and reason, for six years of dependable and loyal service and protection, your twenty-five years of life and spirit helped foster a sense of optimism and self-renewal in this community where you were respected, cherished, loved and honored in a most profound and humble manner. The green street sign is there to view at NW 12th Avenue and NW 75th Street, "Officer William C. Cook Street, for your bravery, courage, valor and heroic act, but it's your spirit that will continue to soar higher and higher. Your inspiration will never fade in Miami-Dade and all over this great land. Your aspiration serves as our inspiration, to do good proudly, with a greater level of pride and with the these things never to be taken away, with honor, integrity and dignity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2014

Avoid shame, but do not seek glory-nothing is so expensive as glory. Glory is mythical, shame is not. Glory is expensive, it robs us of our time and it turns us into imaginary emperors. People who seek glory, fame and fortune, to what can they be compared to? Shame it too isolates us, denigrates and erodes that which we work so hard to achieve. Honor as well, one should not run to that. Officer Cook, judging by your humanity and solid work ethic, glory, honor and whatever else you can name were not ever in your employee jacket with the Metro-Dade Police Department. You were an honorable and honest gentleman, police officer, son, brother, husband and a friend to all. Your dedication to duty came at an ultimate price. You made the highest, most unselfish sacrifice that did at the time and to this day still benefits all Dade County citizens. You, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, did not run to a bank of cameras and microphones looking to embellish your feats. Your work as a truly determined officer spoke volumes none of us would be able to really comprehend. We can try. We can tear up and cry. There is nothing wrong with us displaying our true inner emotions. I did for you in your parents home two and a half years ago and your niece, Gina, comforted me. Where I live and where you grew up, the North Miami Beach community is struggling to come to grips with the senseless murder of a Rabbi walking to synagogue on Saturday morning, our Jewish Sabbath. Hopefully, your department and fellow comrades will quickly apprehend those responsible for this heinous and cowardly action. You'll shine your rays of hope and peace upon all of us including your loving family members. Give them the courage and the inspiration to carry on in honor, nobility and faith as you so solemnly did. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2014

To an extent, when we give in to our work obsessions, we let go of our lives-we unconsciously believe that we have no control over the course of our days. I'm sure growing up, Officer Cook, you and Nancy, your sister, were told by your loving parents to follow your passions where your hearts would lead you. You discovered a liking to become a police officer and through a sound mind and body, you worked quite hard and very long hours to hone your skills as they were your instruments that would steer you to a most promising career. Tragically, that career and life with Karen, God only knows why at age twenty-five did it have to end? God and those privileged to know you, Officer Cook, understood the demands and the entire devotion, desire and dedication it took for you to attain these goals that were a dream, and in the end now serve as a motivator and inspiration for us to follow. And now we can comprehend why your humbleness coupled with your wisdom and maturity allowed you the chance to lead other officers into the battles against evil. You surpassed where others did not and your heroic actions and legacy stand as the living foundation of why we rely on the character of many such brave and courageous men and women of law enforcement, in representing our ideals and values. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2014

The principal business of life is to enjoy it. You spent your quiet times reflecting, Officer Cook, by hunting, with photography, music and just taking in nature's pleasures. Your self-worth to the Dade County community was and continues to be priceless. I saw an old picture of one of your friends and colleagues, Officer David Graveline, who went on to become an announcer with WINZ 940 AM radio and the old WCIX Channel 6 television station on Brickell Avenue, where another friend and colleague of yours, retired Detective Sergeant Mark Seiden works as a lawyer. Mr. Graveline, I believe also worked at Newsradio 610 AM WIOD and now he may be involved with Serius Radio out west. You had many friends because of your honesty, sense of humor and impeccable character in and out of your profession. I'm sure Karen also had made many friends from within her profession. Two loyal and dependable human beings working for a very worthwhile cause, serving and protecting people and allowing them the opportunity to live in freedom and peace. These citizens were you top priority, Officer Cook and everything else was placed on the back burner, your sacrifice bears this out and the scars will always be there, volunteering to answer a call and supremely serving with bravery, courage, valor and commitment, you'll always be held in the highest regard. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2014

One shining quality lends a luster to another, or hides some glaring defect. Nothing defective about you character, Officer Cook, if only a ray of hope for the young man troubled as he was who took your life and ended a career that was truly going to be quite a success. Back in your day, I'm not sure the U.S. Marshal's Service existed, perhaps if they could have investigated this person, you and your comrades would have had a clue in who you were dealing with. Armageddons are words police officers should not have to associate themselves with as they already have enough assignments on their plates to handle. We would like to think we all excel at something. You shined like the sun, Officer Cook when handling domestic issues. You were very blessed to use all of you God given abilities and exemplary personality when serving and protecting Dade County citizens. You were a solid cultivator, contributor and collaborator who accommodated anyone in need. The officers who struggle with honor and integrity are those that need the help the most, they are the fallible who may suffer from inadequacies that may hinder their careers. Everyone needs to be a team player on the same page, you were always on board my neighbor, friend and hero and had no issues turning the page. Officers Digenova and Lincoln respected your style of police work and leadership capabilities and this is what endeared them to you. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 10, 2014